The Toledo-Lucas County Public Library owns over 1,100 foreign films in more than sixty languages.  Most are available with English subtitles while some have over-dubbed English dialogue.  Both DVD and VHS are available as well as fiction and non-fiction titles.  Here is a short list of some favorites. 

For more suggestions, email the Audio-Visual Department Staff at Main Library, or call 419-259-5285.

Anna (947.084) – Acclaimed Russian filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov shot this documentary over the course of eleven years, from 1980 to 1991, which chronicles the changes in Soviet life, culture, and government as seen through eyes of his young daughter.

Autumn Spring – A film from the Czech Republic about an elderly man refusing to grow up, who, with the help of an old friend, wanders about town pulling pranks and getting into trouble.  But this causes increasing concern in his wife, who spends her days scrounging money for a suitable grave.  A comedy about always being young.

Gabbeh – Iranian film about an elderly couple and the intricately designed rug they own.  One day while the couple cleans the rug, a mysterious woman appears who is part of the history depicted on it, and who holds its secret.

The Girl From Paris – Sandrine tires of life in Paris and buys a farm near the French Alps to live a simple life as a farmer.  While dealing with isolated winters and the coldness of the elderly former owner who still resides on the farm, Sandrine finds joy in the springtime vistas and the connection she and the old farmer eventually make.

Hamsun – Max Von Sydow portrays the Nobel Prize-winning Norwegian author Knut Hamsun.  A literary celebrity in Norway throughout most of his life, the aging Hamsun falls from his country’s graces when he supports Hitler and the Nazi Party.

Ju Dou – Set in the early 20th century in rural China, this film centers on the abused wife of a brutal mill-owner and her secret love for the owner’s nephew.  A tragic tale of forbidden love.

My Twentieth Century – Amid the wonder and excitement of Thomas Edison’s electric lights and other dazzling inventions around the turn of the century, two Hungarian twins explore their world in different ways, one as a scheming seductress, the other as an anarchist.

El Norte – The story of two young Guatemalan refugees who flee their war-torn country to start anew in America.  After a perilous journey, they deal with many obstacles and have to face the reality of life as illegal immigrants.

The Passion of Joan of Arc – Timeless classic from the silent era by director Carl Dreyer.  The trial and execution of the 15th century martyr.  Featuring the legendary performance by Maria Falconetti.

Ran – Japanese director Akira Kurosawa’s retelling of King Lear.  A 16th century ruler attempts to divide his kingdom between his three sons.  But they turn against each other and betray their father, an act which threatens to shatter the kingdom.