The 20 best films I saw in 2013 - continued (foreign and classic)

Continuing with the 20 best films I saw in 2013: yesterday I posted on five contemporary or near-contemporary English-language films, and I will add 8 films to the list today - some foreign-language, some classic, some both:

The best classic/foreign-language films I saw in 2013 (listed alphabetically):

A Hijacking. This terrific Danish film from 2013 makes a good counterweight to the bloated, action-drenched Captain Philips (perhaps a case study of the difference between U.S. studio films and indie, foreign films) - tells the story of Somali hijacking primarily seen from the POV of the corporate chief who wrestles with crushing moral and strategic decisions as he negotiates to free the hostages and the ship.

Holy Motors. A completely unusual, in fact unique, contemporary French film that's more or less about an actor who has to take on 12 (or so) roles during a long and complex evening, leading him through Paris at night and into some very odd places and predicaments. Not for everyone, but one of the best experimental narratives I've seen in some time.

The Human Condition. A Japanese WWII saga - sometimes considered one of the longest films ever made, and maybe best to think of it as a 6-part series. A stunning account of a young man's journey from innocence to experience as he gets drafted into the Japanese army, sent to the China front, and put in the middle of many extraordinary challenges. The arrival of the POWs as conscripted labor in the mines is one of the greatest scenes in cinema.

Kid with a Bike. Another great contemporary film from the Dardenne brothers, in Belgium, who have made an extraordinary career examining the lives and troubles of working-class families in the industrial towns of the Belgian-French borderlands. See this one and see all their films if you haven't already (especially The Child). 

The Loneliest Planet. A contemporary film shot in the Caucasus, follows a couple on a hiking adventure that leads to one shocking confrontation that will change their lives forever. Very beautiful film to watch as well. 

Rocco and His Brothers. A great Italian postwar family melodrama, that follows a group of brothers who leave the wretched poverty of southern Italy for what they hope will be a new and more prosperous life in Rome. A great saga, and an incredibly interesting look at street life and family life in Italy in that long-gone era.

Shoeshine. Like Rocco, a neo-realist Italian postwar melodrama, this one focusing on a few of the street urchins struggling to get by - incredibly sad, and amazing to think how these children had to live and thrive. Anyone who ever thinks society doesn't have an obligation to provide welfare, sustenance, and education to all children should be made to see this film.

The Southerner. A Renoir made-in-USA rarity that's yet another melodrama and has some of the finest en plein air cinematography ever. No doubt the war and his exile in America kept Renoir from obtaining a higher level of greatness, but his American films are still on a par with some of our best.