Something that unites us as humanity is that charm we feel for being scared and these horror movies are an example. Despite coming from different countries, cultures far from ours, and languages that are not ours, their stories will captivate you and perhaps even leave you without sleep.
Speaking of languages, Duolingo shared with us a selection of six movies in six different languages to watch during Halloween and the Day of the Dead. Thus, in addition to knowing an incredible story, it is possible to delve into a new language, which anyone can learn on its platform. Take note.
1. Ju-On (The Curse, 2002) – Japan
Stories about haunted houses are among the favorites of horror genre lovers, and this plot is a great example of how to make your skin crawl through the use of sound and images. In Ju-On, Nishina Rika is a home care worker who is haunted by the tormented spirits of a woman and her son after she visits the house where they were murdered. In Japanese culture, vengeful ghosts like those in the film are called onryō. You can find it on Netflix.
2. Ich seh, Ich seh (Good Night, Mom, 2014) – Germany
This Austrian plot belongs to the psychological horror movement, as it revolves around two nine-year-old twins who begin to suspect the identity of their mother after she returns home after undergoing facial cosmetic surgery. Behind the bandages, there is something that the children do not recognize and on the way to discovering it, the viewer remains on the edge of their seat.
In both Austria and Germany, Allerheiligen (All Saints’ Day, November 1) is celebrated, a day in which people take the opportunity to visit the places where their deceased loved ones rest. Available on Prime Video.
3. 부산행 (Zombie Station, 2016) – South Korea
This plot mixes action and horror in a zombie apocalypse story, which follows a father and his daughter as they try to survive on a train that goes from the city of Seoul to Busan, South Korea. In this territory, ancestors are celebrated with Chuseok, a festival that serves to give thanks for abundance and good harvests. You can see it on Netflix.
4. La maschera del demonio (The Mask of the Demon, 1960) – Italy
This story involves witchcraft, vampires, and dark magic. It all begins when the witch Asa Vajda is resurrected and embarks on a bloody path to possess a young descendant who is identical to her. The atmosphere of the film sparked mixed criticism upon its release but, without a doubt, it has become a cult film. In Italy, the commemoration of the dead is also a date where children enjoy typical sweets in a basket, something known as canestro dei morti (basket of the dead). Available on Prime Video.
5. Coisa Ruim (The Evil One, 2006) – Portugal
This suspense thriller follows a family who inherits a house in a rural area in Portugal, but it soon becomes apparent that they have also inherited a curse. This story is a classic situation in which something idyllic can turn into the complete opposite. In Portugal, All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1 to remember the deceased, while children take the opportunity to ask for sweets on the street with the phrase ótia, dá bolinho? which can be translated as “Oh aunt, can you give me cupcakes?” You can see it on Filmin.
6. Låt den rätte komma in (Let Me In, 2008) – Sweden
This story centers on the friendship between a misfit boy and a vampire girl and was so well received by audiences that there is a Hollywood version called Let Me In. In some Swedish cities, such as Stockholm and Gothenburg, it is common to visit the deceased on All Saints’ Day (which occurs between October 31 and November 6) to light candles in their honor. Available on Apple TV and Prime Video.
Cinema in its original language is a very simple way to get closer to different cultures. Did you already know these movies?
This story was written in Spanish by Cora Bravo in Cultura Colectiva