There has never been a better time to prepare some popcorn, sit down and treat yourself to a good film. Beyond numerous Hollywood blockbusters or Netflix series to binge-watch, at KeiSei we decided to put together a small list of the best underrated movies that didn’t get enough attention from the public, but you will definitely love.
About Time (2013)
Bridget Jones’s Diary, Notting Hill, Love Actually… Richard Curtis will never disappoint when it comes to a good romantic comedy. Curtis’s romantic feature tells the story of Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) who discovers in his 21st birthday that the men in his family can time travel. With this little secret revealed, Tim incessantly tries to woo Mary (Rachel McAdams) after their first encounter doesn’t go as he planned. Full of charm and warmth, All About Time teaches us the valuable lesson of living the moment and makes us realise the importance of time.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Blue Jay (2013)
Alex Lehmann fiction debut portrays the story of Amanda (Sarah Paulson) and Jim (Mark Duplass) former high school sweethearts who run into each other and start reminiscing about old times. Shot in black and white, Blue Jay is a gentle, slow-burning film which will take us down the memory lane.
Where to watch it: Netflix
Mustang (2015)
When five young orphaned sisters become prisoners at their own home, a series of dramatic events start to unfold. Their grandmother tries to marry each one of her granddaughters but the youngest sister, Lale (Gunes Sensoy) rebels and tries to escape the oppressive environment. Director Deniz Gamze Ergüven’s film may seem surprisingly similar to Coppola’s 1999 debut “The Virgin Suicides”, but Mustang is a sweet portrait of young innocence and the undying desire for freedom.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
Blue Valentine (2010)
When the names of Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling pop up, it can never go wrong. Blue Valentine tells the story of Cindy and David, a young married couple who after several years of being together, start facing the imminence of their dying relationship. The film plays with recurrent flashbacks between a once-dazzling relationship and a subsequent troubled marriage. Prepare the Kleenex for this one.
Where to watch it: Hulu
Honey Boy (2019)
In this movie written by Shia Labeouf and directed by documentary filmmaker Alma Harel, we are introduced to the lives of James Lort (Shia Labeouf) and his son Otis (Noah Jupe). The film started as an exercise for a court-mandated treatment for Labeouf and subsequently became an autobiographical script attempting to reconcile with the demons of his childhood. Labeouf plays his own dad, and the film is filled with both sweet but heartbreaking moments—a movie about the complex relationship between a dad and his son.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
Mid90s (2019)
This coming-of-age film portrays the life of 12-year old skater Stevie (Sunny Suljic) who struggles to tackle life at home and finds himself befriending a group of older skaters in 90s Los Angeles. Written and directed by Oscar nominee Jonah Hill, Mid90s becomes a breath of fresh air when showing the loss of innocence and how we try to accelerate the process of growing up. Filled with undeniable charm and nostalgia, Hill’s directorial debut won’t disappoint you.
Where to watch it: Netflix
The Farewell (2019)
Equally funny and sad, The Farewell tells the true story of a grandma who gets diagnosed with a deadly disease and her family decides to hide that information from her. To say one last goodbye, the family organises a fake wedding in China. Awkwafina is extraordinary as Billi, the granddaughter who wonders whether it is right to lie to her grandma about her situation. A film which shows the importance of family, filled with honesty and warmth.
Where to watch it: Amazon Prime
Even though these movies didn’t get enough credit from the public and never entirely made it into the mainstream at the time, they are inspiring films which will move you in some way. From charming romantic comedies to heartfelt coming-of-age stories, we hope this inspires you to keep discovering new movies!
Raquel Pacheco
Raquel is a journalism graduate from the University of Westminster. She is highly passionate about art, literature and films. Lover of coffee and Jazz. You can find her on instagram @raquelpachecoc