46 Films from Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project
46 titles
- 1
Oh, SunMovie · 1973 · 104mA well-educated man from Mauritania travels to Paris seeking employment, but faces obstacles due to his ethnicity.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.8 - 2
Raid Into TibetMovie · 1966 · 28mIn May 1964, three British filmmakers journeyed with Khampa guerrillas into occupied Tibet via a high-altitude pass from Nepal. They filmed a dramatic ambush of a Chinese military convoy. The footage was smuggled to London and edited, then released in 1966 to widespread critical praise. Shot by Oscar-winning cinematographer Chris Menges (known for THE READER, LOCAL HERO, THE KILLING FIELDS), this short documentary is a significant historical record—the only existing footage of Tibetan resistance fighters engaged in combat with the Chinese.IMDb 8.8TMDB 6.0 - 3
PickpocketMovie · 1997 · 113m · DramaThis film tells the story of a young pickpocket in a close-knit community. As his friends seek more stable lives, he struggles to adjust and feels resentment.
His world changes when an unexpected event forces him to confront his past and consider his future. This difficult time leads him on a journey of self-discovery as he feels isolated and misses what he’s lost.
The film explores the protagonist's relationships with his friends as they pursue different paths, examining themes of loyalty, growth, and the impact of choices. It emphasizes the need to accept change for true happiness.
With a moving story and visuals, the movie offers a look into the life of someone grappling with the past and navigating a constantly changing world.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.2 - 4
Prisoners of the LandMovie · 1939 · 87mArgentina, 1915. A doctor and his daughter, Köhner, accompany a ruthless foreman to the city of Posadas to hire workers for a yerba mate plantation, which he controls with an iron hand.IMDb 7.0TMDB 5.6 - 5
The HousemaidMovie · 1960 · 112m · Crime, DramaThis drama follows a pianist who moves his family – his wife and children – into a new home. His wife, burdened by her demanding job, starts to experience health problems. The composer then hires a spirited housemaid who quickly becomes a key part of their family.
The film examines family, sacrifice, and the bonds people create when facing difficulties. The composer's choice to hire help changes his family’s dynamics and prompts questions about societal norms, personal decisions, and the cost of achieving goals. With strong acting and a moving story about human connection, the film offers a close look at love, loyalty, and the effort to find happiness.IMDb 7.2TMDB 7.1 - 6
Muna MotoMovie · 1975 · 90mNgando and Ndomé have a deeply loving relationship. However, tradition requires a dowry for Ndomé that Ngando, an orphan, cannot pay. Desperate, Ngando turns to his uncle for help, placing himself at the uncle's mercy and exposing him to the uncle’s desires. Can Ngando and Ndomé find happiness together? Their path will be difficult, and they will discover that some things are beyond saving.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.5 - 7
Taipei StoryMovie · 1985 · 120m · DramaIn Taipei, a young woman navigates the difficulties of building her life. She relies on her boyfriend, Lung, for stability and guidance. But Lung's past – memories of playing baseball and a strong sense of loyalty – leads him into financial problems. He spends his life savings trying to help her father, which strains their relationship and threatens their future together. The film explores ambition, love, and the conflict between holding onto the past and pursuing an uncertain future.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 8
The TreasureMovie · 1972 · 110mThis film, adapted from a short story by G.B. Senanayake's collection "The Revenge," tells the story of a murder motivated by the desire to find a hidden treasure.IMDb 7.7TMDB 6.3 - 9
LucíaMovie · 1968 · 161m"Traces" follows the stories of three Cuban women, all named Lucía, living in different eras: the 1890s, the 1930s, and the 1960s.IMDb 7.1TMDB 6.4 - 10
Dry SummerMovie · 1963 · 90m · Drama, Crime, WesternIn a rural farming town, a clever tobacco farmer schemes to control his rivals by seizing control of their water supply. The film shows how he secretly redirects water from other farms to his own, taking advantage of the land for profit. As nearby farmers battle a growing drought and struggle to keep their crops alive, tensions escalate, forcing the community to grapple with the ethics of this power grab. The story explores themes of greed, power, and the sacrifices people make to succeed when facing hardship.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.5 - 11
Two Girls on the StreetMovie · 1939 · 84mTwo young women flee their lives in a small village. Gyöngyi, from an aristocratic family, is disowned by her father after becoming pregnant. She ends up on the streets of Budapest, supporting herself by playing the violin in a restaurant. Vica, an orphaned peasant, escapes an abusive stepfather and finds work on a construction site in the city. Gyöngyi and Vica meet, become roommates, and begin to build new lives for themselves.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.8 - 12
The WagonerMovie · 1963 · 18m · DramaThis moving film tells the story of a good-natured cart-taxi driver who travels to the city seeking work to help his family back home. He quickly witnesses the hardship of the city's poor. Moved by their struggles and his own modest background, he begins offering his services for free, prioritizing the needs of others even when it means sacrificing his own well-being. The film explores compassion, empathy, and the strength of the human spirit through this selfless journey.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.8 - 13
The Eloquent PeasantMovie · 1970 · 20mAdapted from a significant work of Middle Kingdom Egyptian literature, *The Eloquent Peasant* blends folk tale and poetry. The story unfolds between 2160 and 2025 BC when a peasant named Khun-anup and his donkey encounter the lands of the noble Rensi. Khun-anup's possessions are seized, and he is falsely accused of theft. He appeals to Rensi, who is captivated by the peasant's persuasive speech and informs the king. The king, recognizing the injustice, postpones judgment to hear more of Khun-anup’s eloquence. The peasant makes nine pleas before his goods are finally restored.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.1 - 14
InsiangMovie · 1976 · 95m · DramaThis film follows a young girl's daily life and aspirations in the贫困的Manila slums. It explores the difficulties she faces as she tries to cope with challenging circumstances, particularly the arrival of her mother's new boyfriend, which further strains their already precarious lives.
The story shows the girl's determination to overcome hardship and protect her family while seeking a better future for herself. The film powerfully portrays the raw emotions of the characters as they deal with poverty and struggle, drawing the audience into their story. It's a moving tale about resilience, family, and the search for hope in a difficult world. The realistic setting of Manila adds depth, creating a vivid and memorable experience.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.0 - 15
KalpanaMovie · 1948 · 155mA writer pitches a film idea to a producer, hoping to sell the concept. While describing the story, scenes from his dance movie begin to unfold around them.IMDb 6.4TMDB 6.0 - 16
The Young and the DamnedMovie · 1950 · 82m · Drama, CrimeIn a dangerous slum of Mexico City, a group of young people fight to survive in a world of violence, crime, and poverty. Pedro, one of these youths, starts with a strong sense of right and wrong. But as he's exposed to the harsh realities of his surroundings, Pedro's morality erodes under pressure from those around him. This intense drama explores how innocence is lost, the effects of a broken society, and the difficult choices people make when trying to survive.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.0 - 17
LimiteMovie · 1931 · 114m · Drama, AdventureThree people are adrift on a vast ocean, with no hope of rescue. To endure their dire situation, they begin sharing stories from their past, revealing the events that brought them to this isolated place. Each story shows how their lives shaped them and led to their current struggle. Confined together, their shared hardship becomes the focus of everything. This emotional journey connects three separate stories, highlighting the strength of the human spirit when facing impossible odds.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.1 - 18
PixoteMovie · 1980 · 127m · Crime, DramaThis powerful drama tells the story of Pixote, a young boy trapped in the brutal reality of a Brazilian youth detention center. After two fellow inmates are murdered by corrupt police and falsely accused, Pixote teams up with Lilica, a resourceful 17-year-old trans woman, to escape their confinement.
Their escape plunges them into a dangerous life of crime. Pixote and three other boys are drawn deeper into violence and despair as they struggle to survive. The film unflinchingly portrays the harsh realities faced by these vulnerable youths, where trust is nonexistent and the lines between victim and aggressor blur.
As they navigate this world, Pixote and his companions are forced to confront the devastating effects of poverty, abuse, and injustice. This unforgettable story is a harrowing look at survival, resilience, and the lasting scars of trauma on young lives caught in a cycle of violence.IMDb 7.9TMDB 7.9 - 19
Chess of the WindMovie · 1976 · 100mWith the death of the noble house's matriarch, a power struggle erupts among her heirs vying for control of the family legacy.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 20
Law of the BorderMovie · 1966 · 71m · Crime, Drama"Deliviran" is set in a village near Urfa, close to the Syrian border, where smuggling is common. Hidir wants to avoid this dangerous life, but circumstances force him into the criminal underworld.
When his boss gets caught up in risky smuggling and is seriously wounded in an attack, Hidir's life becomes entangled with this world. Reluctantly, he's drawn deeper into crime as events unfold.
The story changes when Hidir takes responsibility for moving a herd of sheep across the border. This decision commits him to smuggling and explores themes of fate, morality, and resilience against the backdrop of criminal activity near the Syrian border.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.2 - 21
Manila in the Claws of LightMovie · 1975 · 127m · Drama, MysteryJulio, a young fisherman from a close-knit coastal village, travels to the busy city of Manila to find a lost loved one. He struggles to adjust to the unfamiliar urban environment, feeling increasingly isolated. The film follows Julio's journey through Manila, showing both his wonder and his moments of despair as he navigates his new surroundings. It's a story about resilience, the importance of human connection, and the strength needed to persevere through difficult times and uncertainty.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 22
After the CurfewMovie · 1954 · 101mAfter fighting for a revolutionary cause, a man returns home to discover the post-revolution world has drastically changed, diverging significantly from the society he envisioned and struggled to create.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.1 - 23
Two MonksMovie · 1934 · 85mInside a secluded, Gothic monastery, monk Javier experiences a disturbing vision of his fellow monk, Juan. Overwhelmed, Javier tries to kill Juan with a crucifix. Afterward, the two monks recount their conflicting accounts of a past romantic rivalry.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.2 - 24
Contras' CityMovie · 1969 · 22mThis fictional documentary presents a portrait of Dakar, Senegal, through a conversation between Senegalese director Djibril Diop Mambéty and Frenchwoman Inge Hirschnitz. Traveling through the city in a horse-drawn wagon, they navigate diverse neighborhoods, encountering striking contrasts: a small African community outside a church, Muslims praying on the street, the ornate architecture of government buildings, and modest shops near the main market.IMDb 6.8TMDB 6.0 - 25
A Brighter Summer DayMovie · 1991 · 237mSet in 1960s Taiwan, the film follows a young boy as he navigates the complexities of first love, the bonds of friendship, and the realities of injustice during his formative years.IMDb 8.2TMDB 8.3 - 26
Lumumba: Death of a ProphetMovie · 1991 · 69mThis documentary examines the life of Patrice Lumumba, the African political leader who served as Prime Minister of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). It chronicles his time in power and culminates with the circumstances surrounding his assassination in 1961.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.7 - 27
The Color of PomegranatesMovie · 1969 · 80m · Drama, HistoryThe film explores the life of 18th-century Armenian poet and musician Sayat-Nova, from his early life to his death. It particularly examines his complicated relationships with women, including one who inspired his work. Mikhail Vartanov’s innovative film uses Sayat-Nova's poems and mostly still camera shots to powerfully portray this story, offering viewers a deeply immersive experience of the poet's world.IMDb 7.5TMDB 7.3 - 28
The Woman with the KnifeMovie · 2010 · 77mAfter a long time in France, a young Ivorian intellectual returns home. He struggles to reconcile his modern European ideas with his African upbringing. Also grappling with sexual repression, he is haunted by the image of a woman with a knife, who seems to symbolize a threat to any possibility of intimacy.IMDb 6.3TMDB 5.0 - 29
RedesMovie · 1936 · 61mA Mexican fisherman, devastated by the death of his son due to lack of medical care he couldn't afford, begins to understand the extent of the exploitation suffered by himself and his fellow fishermen. They are controlled by a single, greedy employer and a corrupt politician who favors him.IMDb 7.0TMDB 6.3 - 30
DownpourMovie · 1972 · 130mMoving to a new neighborhood for a teaching position, the awkward and bookish Mr. Hekmati struggles to fit in.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.4 - 31
Chronicle of the Years of FireMovie · 1975 · 177mThis film meticulously charts the development of the Algerian national movement from 1939 to the start of the revolution on November 1, 1954. It shows how the "Algerian War" was not a sudden event, but a gradual build-up of suffering and resistance that began with the colonization of 1830. The story centers on Ahmed, who slowly becomes aware of the political struggle against colonization, observed by his son, representing a new Algeria, and by Miloud, a passionate and visionary figure embodying the memory of past revolts and the hope for liberation.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.4 - 32
Touki BoukiMovie · 1973 · 91m · Drama, RomanceMory, a simple cowherd yearning for something more, and Anta, a driven student with limited funds, connect over a shared goal: to travel to Paris. They work various jobs – from tending cattle to navigating city life – to raise money for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. As they pursue their dream, Mory and Anta face life's obstacles while deepening their friendship, revealing their vulnerabilities, growth, and strength. They discover important lessons about happiness, hope, and appreciating contentment in everyday life.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.7 - 33
Oh the Days!Movie · 1978 · 89mAfter his father's death, Abdelwahad, the young head of the family, struggles to support his seven brothers amidst limited opportunities. Faced with hardship, he is drawn to a relative's offer of work in France.IMDb 7.2TMDB 5.5 - 34
Memories of UnderdevelopmentMovie · 1968 · 99m · DramaFollowing the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, this moving story centers on Sergio, who stays behind in Cuba while his family emigrates to Miami. Amidst a climate of uncertainty and fear, Sergio faces personal difficulties, including pursuing relationships in Havana. He meets Elena, a young woman who deeply affects him, and he struggles to reconcile his own unfulfilled aspirations with his desire to shape her future. The film explores themes of identity, love, and sacrifice amidst political upheaval and personal loss.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.2 - 35
SambizangaMovie · 1973 · 102mDomingos, involved in an African liberation movement, is arrested by the Portuguese secret police following violent clashes in Angola. His wife desperately searches for him, moving from one prison to another, unable to determine his whereabouts.IMDb 7.0TMDB 7.0 - 36
EnamoradaMovie · 1946 · 99m · Drama, Romance, WarDuring the tumultuous Mexican Revolution, General Reyes and his guerrilla soldiers invade Cholula, a prosperous conservative town near Mexico City. This action dramatically changes the town and deeply affects General Reyes.
While his troops plunder Cholula's wealth, Reyes becomes unexpectedly drawn to Beatriz Peñafiel, the daughter of a respected local family. Their first meetings are tense, as the revolutionaries’ violence contrasts with Beatriz’s privileged background, but they develop a growing attraction.
The film examines love during political upheaval and the impact of a difficult time that challenges social customs and tests human relationships. It combines romance, drama, and historical details to offer a moving look at people facing hardship.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.8 - 37
The Boys from FengkueiMovie · 1983 · 98m · DramaIn a secluded island fishing village, young Ah-Ching and his friends finish school but struggle to find direction, spending their time drinking and fighting as they face the challenges of growing up. Seeking opportunity, three of them travel to Kaohsiung, a busy port city. Relying on connections, they find a small apartment where Ah-Ching becomes involved in a neighbor’s romantic troubles. As they experience the differences between their peaceful home and the city's harshness, the friends confront their hopes, their bonds, and who they are becoming, trying to find their way into adulthood in this intimate story.IMDb 7.3TMDB 7.1 - 38
The Cloud-Capped StarMovie · 1960 · 127m · DramaThis is the story of a compassionate young woman who grew up in a refugee family after leaving East Pakistan. Raised in a comfortable home, she always puts her family first. But her constant selflessness is often unrewarded, leading her to wonder if it's truly helping those she cares about. The film explores sacrifice, family relationships, and finding happiness despite hardship.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.3 - 39
The Phantom of the MonasteryMovie · 1934 · 85mWhile hiking in a forest, Alfonso, Eduardo, and Cristina become lost. They are found by an unusual monk who leads them to an old convent. Inside, the three friends experience unsettling changes in their personalities, particularly Cristina, who develops an inexplicable attraction to Alfonso – a strange echo of a story shared by the monk. Their attempts to escape are thwarted, and Alfonso finds himself imprisoned, where he encounters increasingly bizarre and disturbing events.IMDb 6.9TMDB 6.2 - 40
Black GirlMovie · 1966 · 65m · DramaA determined Senegalese woman journeys to the vineyards of southern France hoping for a better life. Instead, she faces cultural clashes, isolation, and subtle prejudice that challenge her aspirations. Working as a governess for a French family, her experiences reveal the difficulties of adapting to a new culture while staying true to herself. The film explores themes of displacement and identity, offering a thoughtful look at the human experience in today's interconnected world.IMDb 7.4TMDB 7.3 - 41
RevengeMovie · 1990 · 100mConsumed by fury, a teacher commits a fatal act against a student. Years later, a young man is meticulously trained for a single objective: to exact revenge for his sister's murder.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.0 - 42
A River Called TitasMovie · 1973 · 159mThis film explores the lives and hardships of a fishing community in Bangladesh, living along the River Titas, in the years following the 1947 Partition of India.IMDb 7.2TMDB 6.7 - 43
TrancesMovie · 1982 · 90mThis film chronicles the remarkable Moroccan band Nass El Ghiwane as they perform a series of captivating live shows across Tunisia, Morocco, and France, from the bustling streets of Casablanca to intimate settings. Known for their powerful storytelling through music and traditional instruments, the band gained prominence through their politically charged lyrics and distinctive, purely acoustic sound—a blend of Berber rhythms, Malhun poetry, and Gnawa dance influences. Their unique approach propelled them to become both a beloved local sensation and an internationally acclaimed act.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.8 - 44
Mysterious Object at NoonMovie · 2000 · 89m · Documentary, Drama, MysteryA film crew journeys through Thailand, inviting local villagers to contribute to a continuously expanding narrative.IMDb 6.7TMDB 6.4 - 45
The Night of Counting the YearsMovie · 1969 · 102m · Drama, HistoryIn 1881, on the eve of British colonization of Egypt, a true story emerges about the Abd el-Rasuls, a leading family from Upper Egypt. They become embroiled in a web of intrigue after stealing artifacts from the newly discovered tomb DB320 near Kurna and selling them on the black market. Internal conflict within the family leads one member to a critical decision when the Antiquities Service unexpectedly arrives. This film tells the compelling true story of this bold family who defied convention while navigating the dangerous world of ancient artifact theft and the authorities determined to stop them.IMDb 7.7TMDB 7.7 - 46
KummattyMovie · 1979 · 90m · Family, Fantasy, DramaIn the Malabar region of India, a peaceful village maintains its traditional way of life. Their tranquility is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious stranger who appears unexpectedly. This enigmatic figure captivates the villagers with extraordinary magic tricks.
As days go by, rumors spread: could this newcomer be Kummatty, a legendary trickster magician from local folklore? The villagers grapple with puzzles and illusions as they try to uncover the stranger's true identity, while he performs magical feats for the community.
The film explores themes of belief, illusion, and the power of stories within the backdrop of rural Indian life and folklore. It blends suspense and quiet moments to create an immersive experience that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural.IMDb 7.3TMDB 6.0
