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“The Farewell” (2019)
“The Farewell” isn’t just a movie—it’s an emotional punch. Directed by Lulu Wang, it follows Billi, a Chinese-American woman who discovers her grandmother is terminally ill. Instead of telling her, the family stages a fake wedding as an excuse to reunite. Awkwafina’s performance is raw and real, capturing the pain of cultural divides and unspoken love. It’s a quiet film, but one that lingers long after it ends. If you’ve ever struggled with family expectations, this one will hit home.
“The Peanut Butter Falcon” (2019)
This indie gem feels like a modern-day fairy tale. Zack Gottsagen, an actor with Down syndrome, plays Zak, a young man who runs away to chase his dream of becoming a wrestler. Shia LaBeouf plays Tyler, a troubled drifter who becomes his unlikely friend. Their journey is funny, heartwarming, and full of unexpected moments. The chemistry between the two leads is pure magic. It’s the kind of movie that makes you believe in second chances.
“The Last Black Man in San Francisco” (2019)
This film is a love letter to a changing city. Jimmie Fails (played by himself) fights to reclaim his childhood home in a neighborhood being taken over by gentrification. The cinematography is stunning, turning San Francisco into a character itself. The story is poetic, touching on race, identity, and what “home” really means. It’s a slow burn, but every frame is intentional. If you love movies that make you think, this is for you.
“The Rider” (2017)
Chloé Zhao’s “The Rider” blurs the line between fiction and reality. It follows Brady, a rodeo cowboy recovering from a brutal injury, played by real-life cowboy Brady Jandreau. The film is raw and unscripted, making it feel more like a documentary. You can feel the dust, the pain, and the struggle in every scene. It’s a powerful look at masculinity, dreams, and the cost of chasing them.
“A Ghost Story” (2017)
This isn’t your typical ghost story. A man (Casey Affleck) dies and returns as a silent, sheet-draped ghost, watching his wife mourn. The film moves at its own pace—slow, meditative, and deeply philosophical. It asks big questions about time, grief, and what lasts after we’re gone. Some find it boring; others think it’s a masterpiece. Either way, it’s a film you won’t forget.
“Columbus” (2017)
Two strangers meet in Columbus, Indiana, a town filled with striking modernist architecture. Jin, a translator, and Casey, a young architecture enthusiast, form an unexpected bond. The dialogue is sparse but meaningful, and every shot feels like a painting. It’s a movie about small moments that change lives. If you love quiet, beautifully shot films, this is a hidden treasure.
“The Florida Project” (2017)
Set near Disney World, this film shows the other side of Florida—the one tourists don’t see. Moonee, a wild six-year-old, lives in a rundown motel with her struggling mom. The film bursts with color and energy, but beneath the surface, it’s heartbreaking. Brooklynn Prince, who plays Moonee, gives one of the best child performances ever. It’s a story about resilience, seen through the eyes of a kid who doesn’t know she’s poor.
“Leave No Trace” (2018)
A father and daughter live off the grid in the woods—until authorities force them back into society. The film avoids melodrama, focusing instead on quiet, powerful moments. Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie deliver understated but brilliant performances. It’s a story about love, survival, and the price of freedom. Few films capture the bond between parent and child this honestly.
“Paterson” (2016)
Jim Jarmusch’s “Paterson” follows a bus driver named Paterson who writes poetry in his spare time. The film celebrates the beauty of routine and small creative acts. Adam Driver is perfectly restrained in the lead role. Nothing explosive happens—just life, unfolding gently. It’s a love letter to ordinary moments and the art we make in between.
“Sound of Metal” (2019)
Riz Ahmed stars as Ruben, a drummer who loses his hearing. The film immerses you in his world, using sound design to make you feel his isolation. It’s not just about loss—it’s about adaptation, acceptance, and finding new ways to live. Ahmed’s performance is phenomenal, full of quiet intensity. By the end, you’ll see silence differently.
These movies prove that great storytelling doesn’t need a massive budget or A-list stars. They’re hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered. So skip the usual recommendations and dive into these overlooked masterpieces. Your watchlist just got a whole lot more interesting.
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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