I remain perplexed as to why they announce these separately from the main field of nominees (why further ghettoise a ghetto category?), but oh well. The BAFTA nominees for Best Film Not In The English Language are:
“The Baader Meinhof Complex”
“Gomorrah”
“I’ve Loved You So Long”
“Persepolis”
“Waltz With Bashir”
Hardly surprising, though you’d think the dismal UK reviews for “The Baader Meinhof Complex” might have put them off a bit. Better options out there, folks… I’m just sayin’. (I’m not sure whether “The Class”‘s late-February release date made it ineligible, but in any case, why has this masterwork been so sorely overlooked this awards season?)
Can’t really complain about the rest. You know where I stand on two of them in particular, while I’m glad to see “Persepolis”‘s distant UK release date hasn’t caused the film to slip their minds.
Comments
10 responses to “BAFTA announces foreign-language nominees”
Damn, I think for a change people actually saw some of those movies. I’ve already seen 3 of them and another one in about a month orso.
Wow. I’ve heard deadly things about “Complex” and “Persepolis” came out last year, technically. I’d say replace those two with “Let the Right One In” and “A Christmas Tale” and you’ve got a good line-up.
you are right, guy.
the class is ineligible because it’s a 2009 release in the UK.
but i hope it’ll win the oscar!
Gomorrah was good but i was expecting City of God type, more bloody and every time some got killed they put the camera like if it was a PG13 movie.
My favorite this year has been I’ve Loved You So Long and I’m kind of disappointed that being ignored in most of the award presentations so far.
At least all of those have been released in UK already, unlike many films on the Best Pic longlist.
Gomorrah is bizarrely overrated. Earnest and worthy and all that but a plot would have helped. Wasn’t bad obviously and there was enough technical brilliance to make it very watchable but they needed to make a choice between plotless documentary and a narrative/character driven film. They chose neither.
BMC was borderline crap.
Not seen the two animated ones but ILYSL was outstanding.
Joel: Remember that BAFTA eligibility hinges on UK release dates. “Persepolis” wasn’t released in time to be eligible for last year’s awards, so it’s only fair that it competes now. (It sure as hell deserves it.)
As for “Let the Right One In,” sadly the UK release isn’t until March, so it’s not eligible.
I agree with you about “A Christmas Tale” though… frankly I’m surprised not to see it there.
Adam: No plot? There were five of ’em, by my count. We’ll agree to disagree.
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