Oscars 2022 This Year S Best International Feature Film Nominees

Okay, so, can we talk about the Oscars 2022? Specifically, the International Feature Film category? Because seriously, this year’s lineup was just… chef’s kiss.

I mean, every single one of them was a whole vibe, right? It’s like they all got together and said, “Let’s make it really hard for the Academy to pick just one winner!” And you know what? Mission accomplished.

It’s always my favorite category, if I’m being totally honest. Forget the big blockbusters for a sec. This is where you find the real gems, the stories that make you think, the films that stick with you long after the credits roll. Plus, it’s a chance to, you know, learn about the world without leaving your couch. Win-win!

So, grab your imaginary coffee – mine’s a latte with extra foam, naturally – and let’s dive into these incredible nominees. Get ready to add a few things to your watchlist, because trust me, you’re gonna want to see these.

First up, we had... Drive My Car from Japan.

Oh. My. Gosh. This movie. Where do I even begin? It’s like a slow burn, but in the best possible way. Think of it like a really good cup of tea – it takes time to unfurl, but the flavor is so rich and complex.

The story is all about this theater director, Yusuke, who’s dealing with some serious personal stuff. Like, really serious. And he’s directing a play, which, coincidentally, is also about dealing with loss and communication. Talk about meta, right?

And then there’s this driver, Misaki. She’s quiet, she’s mysterious, and she drives his car. Duh. But their conversations in that car… wow. It’s like a masterclass in unspoken feelings and the power of just being there.

The movie is long, I’m not gonna lie. Like, three hours long. You might need a snack break, or two. But you know what? I didn’t even care. I was so invested. It’s got this contemplative, almost meditative quality that just pulls you in.

And the performances! Toru Watanabe as Yusuke? Incredible. He conveys so much with just a look. It’s like he’s carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and you just feel it.

It’s one of those films that makes you reflect on your own life, your relationships, and how we connect with each other. Or, you know, how we don't connect. Heavy stuff, but done so beautifully. It definitely deserved all the buzz it got. Plus, it’s Japanese! So, you know, culture.

Next on the list, Flee from Denmark.

Okay, so this one is… different. And I mean that in the most positive way possible. Because Flee is an animated documentary. Yes, you read that right. Animated. Documentary. Mind. Blown.

It tells the story of Amin, a refugee from Afghanistan, and his journey to Denmark. But instead of just talking heads, it’s all animated. Which sounds a bit strange at first, right? Like, how can animation convey such a serious and emotional story?

But it works! Oh, it works so well. The animation style is really striking and, surprisingly, it allows for a level of vulnerability and emotional expression that might have been harder to achieve with live-action. It’s like a visual poem, almost.

Amin’s story is heartbreaking. He recounts his escape from Afghanistan, the dangers he faced, the loss he experienced. It’s a story of survival, of identity, and of the immense challenges that refugees face. You’re going to need tissues for this one, no doubt about it.

The fact that it’s animated actually makes it feel even more intimate. You feel like you’re right there with Amin, experiencing his fears and his hopes. It’s incredibly powerful and deeply moving. It’s like learning about history, but through a really personal and artistic lens. Who knew animation could be this profound?

It also touches on themes of sexuality and self-discovery, adding another layer of complexity to an already rich narrative. It’s a film that stays with you, making you think about the world in a completely new way. Definitely a standout, and so unexpected!

And then we had The Hand of God from Italy.

Ah, Italy. When you think of Italian cinema, you think of passion, drama, and usually, a little bit of chaos, right? And The Hand of God delivers all of that, and more!

This one is directed by Paolo Sorrentino, who also did The Great Beauty. So, you know it's going to be visually stunning. And it is. Every frame is like a painting. Seriously, you could pause this movie at any point and frame it. #ArtGoals

It's set in Naples in the 1980s, and it’s a coming-of-age story, but with a twist. It’s told from the perspective of Fabietto, a teenage boy who’s trying to figure out his life. And, like, a lot is happening in his life. Family drama? Check. Teenage angst? Double check. And then there’s the whole Maradona thing. Yes, that Maradona.

The title itself, The Hand of God, comes from a famous football (or soccer, if you’re American!) goal by Maradona. And the movie uses that as a metaphor for… well, you’ll have to watch to find out. But it’s all about fate, destiny, and those moments that change your life forever.

It’s funny, it’s heartbreaking, it’s chaotic, and it’s beautiful. It’s got that quintessential Italian flair. The characters are larger than life, the dialogue is sharp, and there’s a sense of real, raw emotion that just grabs you.

It feels very personal, almost like Sorrentino is sharing his own memories and experiences. And that’s what makes it so compelling. You feel like you’re getting an inside look into his world. It’s a love letter to Naples, to cinema, and to life itself. Magnifico!

Moving on, let’s talk about Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom from Bhutan.

Okay, this movie. If you’re looking for something heartwarming and absolutely charming, this is your pick. Bhutan! Who doesn’t love a movie from Bhutan? It just sounds so… peaceful.

So, the story is about a young teacher, Ugyen, who’s not exactly thrilled about his job. He dreams of being a singer in Australia. Australia! Can you imagine the contrast? From Bhutan to Australia. Big dreams.

He gets assigned to the most remote school in the world – literally! It’s in the Himalayas, with no electricity, no running water, and… you guessed it… no yak in the classroom. Wait, no, there is a yak. That’s kind of the whole point, isn’t it? The title is a clue, people!

Ugyen is not impressed. He’s miserable. He just wants to leave. But then, the kids. Oh, the kids! They are so pure and so eager to learn, even without all the fancy gadgets and modern conveniences we take for granted.

And the setting is just breathtaking. The mountains, the crisp air, the stunning scenery. It’s like a nature documentary wrapped up in a feel-good story. You’ll be looking up flights to Bhutan by the end, I’m warning you.

Slowly, Ugyen starts to connect with the children and the villagers. He starts to see the value in their simple way of life, in community, and in the joy of teaching. It’s a story about finding happiness in unexpected places, and about the power of human connection. It’s like a gentle hug in movie form. So, so lovely.

And finally, the winner! CODA from the United States.

Yes, yes, CODA took home the big prize. And you know what? It’s pretty easy to see why. This movie is just… pure feel-good energy. Like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

CODA stands for Child of Deaf Adults. And the story centers around Ruby, a high school student who’s the only hearing person in her deaf family. She’s their link to the hearing world, helping them with everything from doctor’s appointments to running the family’s fishing business. Talk about responsibility!

It’s a coming-of-age story, for sure. Ruby is trying to figure out who she is, what she wants to do with her life, and where her loyalties lie. She has this incredible singing talent, and she’s torn between pursuing her dreams and staying to help her family.

The performances are just stellar. Emilia Jones as Ruby? Incredible. She carries this film with such grace and emotion. And the deaf actors who play her parents and brother? Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant. They are all just phenomenal. Troy Kotsur’s win for Best Supporting Actor was so well-deserved!

What makes CODA so special is its authenticity and its heart. It portrays the deaf community with such love and respect, and it beautifully explores the dynamics of family. You laugh, you cry, you cheer. It’s a movie that makes you feel things, you know?

It’s about finding your voice, literally and figuratively. It’s about family bonds, about dreams, and about the challenges of bridging different worlds. It’s got that classic Hollywood charm, but with a fresh and important story. A truly deserving winner!

So, there you have it! The nominees for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars 2022. Each one a masterpiece in its own right. If you haven’t seen them all yet, what are you waiting for? Go forth and watch! You won’t regret it. Cheers to great cinema from around the globe!