When media representation of disability is done well, it can challenge stereotypes, shift social perceptions and empower people who would otherwise not see their stories on the screen. Here are five international films in languages other than English that explore disability.
Each film depicts universal themes within the subjectivities of their cultural context. Whether you watch them in-language or put on those English subtitles, these foreign films will be sure to leave an impact.
Margarita with a Straw (2014)
DIRECTOR: Shonali Bose
LANGUAGE: Hindi, English
RATED: M
LENGTH: 2h 20m
SYNOPSIS:
An adventurous young woman with cerebral palsy leaves her home in India to study in New York. This coming-of-age story follows her exhilarating journey of self-discovery and love.
The Intouchables (2011)
ORIGINAL TITLE: Intouchables
DIRECTORS: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano
LANGUAGE: French
RATED: M
LENGTH: 1h 53m
SYNOPSIS
After he becomes a quadriplegic from a paragliding accident,
a Parisian aristocrat hires a young man from the projects to be his caregiver.
Stereotypes entrenched in racism and ableism are challenged through this unlikely pairing who form a strong bond.
Champions (2018)
ORIGINAL TITLE: Campeones
DIRECTOR: Javier Fesser
LANGUAGE: Spanish
RATED: M
LENGTH: 2h 4m
SYNOPSIS
Inspired by a true story, this feel-good comedy follows an ambitious and arrogant basketball coach who must train a team of players who have intellectual disabilities as part of his community service. This unwilling coach soon realises that this team of amateurs may have what it takes to be real champions.
Ocean Heaven (2010)
ORIGINAL TITLE: Hai yang tian tang
DIRECTOR: Xue Xiaolu
LANGUAGE: Mandarin
RATED: Not Rated
LENGTH: 1h 42m
SYNOPSIS
This Chinese-Hong Kong drama follows a terminally ill father who tries to teach his 21-year-old autistic son everything he needs to survive after he passes away. This moving and at times confronting film examines the role of family and community in empowering the independence of those with intellectual disabilities.
Miracle in Cell No 7 (2013)
ORIGINAL TITLE: 7-beon-bang-ui seon-mul
DIRECTORS: Lee Hwan-Gyeong, Hwan-kyung Lee
LANGUAGE: Korean
RATED: M
LENGTH: 2h 7m
SYNOPSIS
In this South Korean comedy-drama, a man with an intellectual disability is wrongfully imprisoned for crimes he did not commit. He makes unlikely friends with the hardened criminals in his cell, who in return help him see his daughter by smuggling her into the prison.