BRIDGET MORRISON

Often when we hear films discussed, they are big American Hollywood blockbusters. Don’t get me wrong — those can be really great. However, there are a lot of amazing Canadian films out there that don’t get the same publicity. Here are a couple of films showcasing Canadian filmmakers and actors.

The first film I recommend is Monsieur Lazhar. Released in 2011, it was written and directed by Philippe Falardeau, a Québécois filmmaker. The film follows an Algerian immigrant who is hired at a Montreal public school to replace a teacher who has committed suicide. He helps the students deal with their grief while also dealing with his own loss.

Monsieur Lazhar is in French, but is available with English subtitles, and was shot in Québec. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2012. Monsieur Lazhar can be found on DVD.

The second film I recommend is the most critically acclaimed on the list. It’s called Atanarjuat: the Fast Runner, and according to the 2015 edition of Canada’s All-Time Top Ten list, this 2001 film is the number one Canadian film ever.

Atanarjuat was written, directed and performed in Inuktitut, the principal language of Inuit people. Directed by Inuit filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, the film follows the story of an Inuit legend of an evil spirit which is passed down from generation to generation. Atanarjuat can be found on DVD.

The third film I recommend is one you’ve likely heard of — Juno, by Canadian director Jason Reitman. The film also stars two Canadian actors, Ellen Page and Michael Cera, who were born in Nova Scotia and Ontario, respectively. The story follows a 16 year old Juno Macguff (Page) as she tries to deal with an unplanned pregnancy. She is helped by her friend — and father of the child — Paulie Bleeker (Cera). The film was shot in Vancouver, B.C.

Juno won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2008 and also earned nominations for Best Picture and Best Actress for Page. The film’s soundtrack was the first chart-topping soundtrack since Dreamgirls and 20th Century Fox’s first number one since Titanic. Juno can be found on DVD.

The next film I recommend is an American-Canadian film, Lars and the Real Girl. The film follows Lars Lindstrom, played by Ryan Gosling, a Canadian actor from Ontario. Lars is delusional young man who has an unconventional relationship with a doll he finds on the Internet. I know the plot sounds strange and I’ll admit, it is — but it’s definitely still worth the watch.

Although the film takes place in Wisconsin, it was filmed in various locations in Ontario. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2008 and Gosling was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy in 2007. It’s a quirky love story that explores the psychological side of love and relationships. Lars and the Real Girl can be found on DVD.

The last film I recommend is Moonstruck, released in 1987. Here’s the thing — the film itself isn’t Canadian, but the director, Norman Jewison, is. It’s one of my favourite films of all time, so the fact that the director was Canadian was good enough for it to make the list.

The films stars Cher and Nicholas Cage, which, I’ll be honest, in present day sounds like a movie nobody would want to see. But before Nicholas Cage botched his career by acting in increasingly mediocre films, thereby gaining a bad reputation for himself, he was a talented actor. Much like his role in Raising Arizona, Moonstruck is one of Cage’s best performances.

Moonstruck tells the story of Loretta Castorini (Cher) who falls in love with Ronny (Cage), the brother of the man she is going to marry. It’s written by John Patrick Shanley and, in my opinion, contains some of the best dialogue you’ll find in a film. Moonstruck is available on Netflix and on DVD.

When you have a little extra time or just don’t feel like studying anymore, exercise your patriotism by checking out these awesome Canadian films! Happy viewing!

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Photo: Caitlin Taylor / Photo Editor