Although Mubi may not be as well-known as other streaming services, it’s steadily growing in importance within the film industry, particularly in the theatrical and home entertainment markets. An example of its success is after Universal decided not to distribute the film “The Substance”, Mubi stepped in and saved it, resulting in a Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress nomination, and an Oscar for Best Makeup. This was just one of many hits for a company that also distributed films such as “Dahomey”, Ira Sachs’s “Passages”, Aki Kaursimaki’s “Fallen Leaves”, Radu Jude’s “Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World”, and Andrea Arnold’s “Bird”. Mubi’s unique approach is to feature recent international art-house critical favorites alongside classic films in a regularly updated catalog, helping viewers discover the best of film. We’re here to provide regular updates on these hidden gems.
45 Years
Year: 2015
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director: Andrew Haigh
The film director of “All of Us Strangers” transformed David Constantine’s short story “In Another Country” into a poignant drama that earned Charlotte Rampling an Oscar nomination for Best Actress (a role she truly deserved). In this gripping production, Rampling portrays an ordinary woman whose life is disrupted when her husband, Tom Courtenay, receives news about the discovery of a woman he once dated over four decades ago. As secrets from his past come to light, she learns things about him that challenge her understanding, and her beliefs about their shared future start to crumble.
Bird
Year: 2024
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director: Andrea Arnold
As a cinephile, I can confidently say that one of the most underappreciated films of 2024 was “Bird,” directed by the multi-talented mind behind “Fish Tank” and “American Honey.” This heartfelt tale of magical realism unfolds through the eyes of a remarkable newcomer, Nykiya Adams, who breathes life into the character of Bailey, a 12-year-old girl living with her lone father, Bug, portrayed brilliantly by Barry Keoghan. The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Bailey encounters a enigmatic figure, masterfully played by Franz Rogowski. Despite sharing similarities with the director’s previous works, “Bird” stands out as a moving drama that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its audience.
Boyhood
Year: 2014
Runtime: 2h 45m
Director: Richard Linklater
Between 2002 and 2013, Richard Linklater assembled the cast of “Boyhood” to capture the evolution of Mason Evans Jr., portrayed by Ellar Coltrane, without resorting to CGI. Ethan Hawke received an Oscar nomination, while Patricia Arquette won an Academy Award for their remarkable performances as Mason’s parents. There’s no movie quite like “Boyhood,” and it’s striking how close in age the film is to the period it took to produce it.
Breaking the Waves
Year: 1996
Runtime: 2h 33m
Director: Lars von Trier
As a passionate movie connoisseur, let me share my thoughts on a standout film that recently graced Mubi’s screen – “The Kingdom” directed by none other than Lee Chang-dong, a maverick in international cinema. This moving tale revolves around the harrowing journey of a woman who finds herself pushed to the absolute limits of emotional and physical endurance due to her husband’s paralysis.
In this role of a lifetime, Emily Watson delivers a career-defining performance that earned her an Oscar nomination. Her portrayal is nothing short of mesmerizing, leaving audiences deeply moved and in awe of her artistry. This film truly showcases the power of human resilience, making it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
Burning
Year: 2018
Runtime: 2h 28m
Director: Lee Chang-Dong
Without a doubt, if you’re a fan of Steven Yeun’s Oscar-nominated performance in “Minari” or his roles in “Beef” and “The Walking Dead,” you should definitely watch the standout foreign-language film of 2018 that showcases his best performance yet. Titled “Burning” by Lee Chang-dong, this movie is an adaptation from a novella by Haruki Murakami and offers a gripping exploration of class and gender issues in contemporary Korea. In this film, Yeun delivers a mesmerizing portrayal of the enigmatic Ben, a character who leaves our protagonist questioning whether he’s a potential killer. Don’t miss out on catching “Burning”!
Certified Copy
Year: 2010
Runtime: 1h 46m
Director: Abbas Kiarostami
Abbas Kiarostami, who tragically passed away in 2016 at a relatively young age, amassed an impressive body of work during his lifetime, including masterpieces such as “Close-Up,” “A Taste of Cherry,” and his swan song, “24 Frames.” Yet, it’s arguably one of his lesser-known works that truly showcases his brilliance. This 2010 drama, titled simply “Certified Copy,” is available on Mubi as an introduction to Kiarostami’s filmography. Starring Juliette Binoche and William Shimell, this movie offers a captivating portrayal of two individuals who appear to be embarking on a new relationship… or perhaps not. Kiarostami masterfully explores the intricacies of filmed relationships in one of the standout films of the 2010s.
Dahomey
Year: 2024
Runtime: 1h 8m
Director: Mati Diop
Among the outstanding documentaries from 2024, one notable piece is a narrative about the restitution of looted artifacts to the Kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin) by the French government. At certain moments, Mati Diop offers a perspective as if through the eyes of an ancient statue from Dahomey, but it truly excels when it zeroes in on a debate among students at the University of Abomey-Calavi, shedding light on the intricate matters central to this film.
Decision to Leave
Year: 2022
Runtime: 2h 19m
Director: Park Chan-wook
The director behind both “Oldboy” and “The Handmaiden” collaborated on and directed this Hitchcock-esque mystery. The movie revolves around a detective (Park Hae-il), who finds himself captivated by a suspect, portrayed exceptionally well by Tang Wei. Park skillfully infuses the film with an alluring style, keeping viewers hooked on a beautifully dark thriller – a genre that some claim is seldom produced today.
Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World
Year: 2023
Runtime: 2h 44m
Director: Radu Jude
You might want to rephrase this as follows: “This is a remarkable dark comedy that you may not have come across yet. The movie initially focuses on a woman named Angela (Ilinca Manolache), who conducts interviews for a workplace safety documentary. During her travels around Budapest, she frequently records videos in her capacity as an influencer, using a video filter that makes her appear like countless imitators of Andrew Tate. However, director Radu Jude delivers a shocking twist in the second half when we discover that the safety video is less about safeguarding people and more about protecting corporations.
The Fall
Year: 2006
Runtime: 1h 59m
Director: Tarsem Singh
One standout movie from the 2000s was hard to find for many years and has yet to be released on Blu-ray, but Mubi brought it back in stunning 4K quality and re-released it in cinemas in 2024. Lee Pace plays a stuntman who strikes up a friendship with a hospitalized girl (Catinca Untaru), entertaining her by narrating captivating stories about a band of heroes fighting against a cruel ruler. This film is an indelibly beautiful cinematic experience.
Fallen Leaves
Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director: Aki Kaurismäki
In his twentieth film, a renowned master of dry humor delivers one of his finest works – a tender examination of an unconventional pairing. Alma Pöysti portrays Ansa, a solitary woman residing in Helsinki who encounters another single individual named Holappa (Jussi Vatanen). Their bond develops gradually, mirroring the slow-paced style characteristic of this Finnish director. This is one of his most sincere and fulfilling cinematic offerings.
Frances Ha
Year: 2012
Runtime: 1h 26m
Director: Noah Baumbach
It’s been some time since Baumbach created significant buzz (disregarding Barbie, of course), but his works from the 2010s can keep us entertained in the meantime. This critically acclaimed director is known for featuring what is arguably Greta Gerwig’s finest on-screen portrayal, as a 27-year-old dancer from New York striving to sort out her life. This film was both humorous and resonant, making it one of the most highly praised movies in 2012.
Grand Theft Hamlet
Year: 2025
Runtime: 1h 31m
Directors: Pinny Grylls, Sam Crane
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam Crane and Mark Oosterveen embarked on an extraordinary venture: They staged a rendition of Hamlet within the realm of Grand Theft Auto Online. This documentary takes place entirely within the video game world, but it’s not just for gamers. It delves into the profound impact of connection and illustrates how art can transcend generations and vast distances to bring us together.
Happening
Year: 2021
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director: Audrey Diwan
Anamaria Vartolomei delivers an outstanding performance as Anne, a typical student living in France during 1963. Based on Annie Ernaux’s memoir, this film tells the story of the emotional turmoil faced by women seeking abortions in the ’60s when it was still illegal in France. Vartolomei portrays her character with courage and conviction, making this story as relevant today as it was then, given the ongoing struggle for reproductive freedom.
Monster
Year: 2023
Runtime: 2h 1m
Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
2023 saw the unveiling of a poignant drama from the deft hands of a director renowned for gems such as “After Life” and “Shoplifters”. However, this riveting thriller, titled “The Evolving Child“, was met with a less-than-enthusiastic response. I posit that this lukewarm reception stems from the audience being accustomed to the extraordinary heights Hirokazu Koreeda has scaled in his illustrious career.
“The Evolving Child” is an emotionally gripping tale, with Sakura Andō portraying a mother grappling with her unique child and a school that seems perplexed about how to handle him. The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, amplified by the hauntingly beautiful final score of Ryuichi Sakamoto. This film is not to be missed by those who appreciate thought-provoking cinema.
Passages
Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director: Ira Sachs
In the movie “Love Is Strange,” the director crafted and guided this deeply personal story about a filmmaker, portrayed by Franz Rogowski, who finds it challenging to manage the romantic connections that have marked his existence. Tomas is married to Martin, played by Ben Whishaw, but develops an affection for Agathe, a teacher (Adèle Exarchopoulos). To put it mildly, events take an intricate and complex turn.
Phoenix
Year: 2014
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director: Christian Petzold
One of the top films from the 2010s decade, this drama features Nina Hoss portraying a woman who lived through Auschwitz and comes back to Berlin with a face rebuilt after an injury. Her husband, the one who betrayed her, fails to recognize her upon her return. This chilling neo-noir film would have captivated Alfred Hitchcock, boasting one of the most powerful endings in cinema history.
The Substance
Year: 2024
Runtime: 2h 21m
Director: Coralie Fargeat
In this reimagined narrative: Demi Moore’s latest blockbuster finds her portraying a Hollywood figure who feels displaced by the youth-centric industry. She opts for a unique arrangement, the Substance, where Margaret Qualley assumes her role on a week-by-week basis. However, events take an unexpected turn in this film, growing progressively eccentric and unforgettably bizarre.
Two Days, One Night
Year: 2014
Runtime: 1h 35m
Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne
2014 saw Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, renowned directors, achieve a career highpoint with their emotionally resonant drama. In this powerful production, Marion Cotillard portrayed an individual fighting tooth and nail to keep her job, essentially pleading with her colleagues for their assistance. Known for crafting deeply empathetic and humanistic films that etch ordinary people into unforgettable celluloid personalities, the Dardennes once again delivered a masterful performance. Cotillard’s portrayal stands as the pinnacle of her illustrious career, earning her an Oscar nomination (a recognition she truly deserved).
Wendy and Lucy
Year: 2008
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director: Kelly Reichardt
In a remarkable display of acting prowess, Michelle Williams delivers an exceptional performance as a homeless woman deeply bonded with her canine companion named Lucy. During their journey towards Alaska, they get separated, leaving the protagonist, Wendy, yearning to reconnect with the pet who means everything to her. Renowned director Kelly Reichardt is known for crafting profound, character-focused films, and this particular production stands as one of her finest works.
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2025-03-25 21:55