Top 5 picks for foreign language TV shows on Netflix
With the success of films like Parasite and Portrait of a Lady on Fire pushing non-English language entertainment back squarely in the spotlight, I thought I’d take a chance and broaden my Netflix binging a little. Because that’s what we tell ourselves, don’t we, that it would be a risk to start that foreign-language drama rather than re-re-re watching all of Gilmore Girls again (expect the new specials, of course, but let’s not go there). We tell ourselves it’s not worth the microgram of extra concentration or that we might not get every reference. I think we all know that’s bull. There is a sea of beautiful, heart-warming, gut-wrenching television out there and we are shooting ourselves in the foot by only drinking from our little pond of English language safety. We deny ourselves the chance to catch a little glimpse into a different language or a different culture because we are lazy and scared and don’t want to be that annoying person who looks down on anyone not watching their obscure Manga. So warm up your laptop and let’s dive into a few of my top pics for non-English language series on Netflix that are not solely bleak Scandi murder mysteries. (Sorry, they are just not my thing at the moment).
In Japanese
Enviously adventurous clothing you would never have the confidence to wear to sit on your couch - worn casually. An endless parade of Instagram-bait backdrops that could have believably been paid for by the tourism board of Tokyo. A changing colour palette and creative angles that make it feel more like an art house film. Sound good? Don’t be fooled by the flashy visuals or the fact that you now really want to be a kick-ass female photographer in Japan with an edgy blonde bowl cut. (Honestly, it looks amazing). Followers has its fair share of cutting emotional moments and makes some interesting observations about the human fallout to fame and social media success. (Not exactly new, I know, but go with it). It is a Netflix original series (I know these can often be hit and miss as they seem to be green lighting anything and everything at the moment but, again, trust me) that sends and strong message through captivating intertwining stories that compliment, rather than hide, behind its beautiful visual landscape. Followers follows (see what I did there?) the lives of a successful photographer and a young aspiring actress as they navigate fame, work and identity. The show takes a strong stance and does not back down from its feminist ideals. The stories are female-driven and focused and do not solely revolve around the women’s love life. However, it does not completely ignore them either. Followers strike a realistic balance between the various women’s diverse and evolving interests and create relatable characters despite the ‘so-glam-it-makes-you-unbelievably-jealous-and-question-your-whole-dreary-life’ backdrop. The theatricality of the show is undeniable and the makers have clearly put a lot of thought into the aesthetics. However, on top of this is a host of believable and warming friendships that keeps the show grounded and projects a strong message. Follow thy own road and let the people talk. The most important follower is yourself.
In Norwegian
Ok, I said I wasn’t interested in Scandi dramas, but this is the exception. The series follows Magne who has recently returned to his family’s hometown to discover he has developed strange powers and an affinity for hammers. (I think you can see where this is going). Imagine the cool powers, action scenes and legend inspired backstory of a superhero film mixed with the bleak, beautiful landscapes and melancholy expressions of a good Scandi thriller, mixed again with the fun of a teen drama. Are you imagining it? No, me either. Luckily I don’t have to- I just have to watch Ragnarok. Now, don’t be put off if you are not a fan of one of those many genres I just shoved together - no one part of it overwhelms the show. The teen drama aspect is there but it does not have the overpowering silliness and way too high drama of say Riverdale (not that I don’t love that ridiculous mess). The superhero aspect is also present (and there are some very cool special effects and epic fights) but the show does not take the path of most superhero films by spending half an episode on origin, and the rest saving the day. Instead, Ragnarok focuses on slowly discovering he is different and trying to work out why (as well as who that suspiciously ageless family constantly eyeing him up are). The show strikes a good balance between its genres, and the Scandi thriller element acts more to set the tone and contribute to the climate change theme slowly melting not particularly far beneath the surface. I can’t wait for them to release a second season.
In Brazilian Portuguese
No, I don’t just like the title. The show is also the funniest depiction of some fairly puzzling philosophical and quasi-religious questions I have ever seen. It takes place in a universe where mostly invisible “Angelus” (not angel, thank you very much - this is important for some reason that they never really explain) are assigned a human each day to follow around and prevent mostly minor accidents. It is against the sacred rules to show yourself to humans, to help humans not assigned to you, or to peek behind the curtain into the Boss’ office. The system is shaken up, however, when a new Angelus is created - Uli - who questions everything about the overly bureaucratic system he has just entered, systematically breaks every rule and generally causes chaos. The nonchalant whistled theme perfectly reflects the “what-did-I-just-do” style of comedy as hapless characters convinced they have all the answers mill about, trip over themselves and generally make a load of hilarious mistakes. The show sets up what could have been a way too complex concept easily, and takes some of the biggest questions we ask ourselves as humans to comedic but still thought-provoking places. Nobody’s Looking has an effortless feel to it, despite its “big” premise and I am waiting expectantly by my laptop for a second season.
In Italian
If you are into witches (or streghe as I am now learning) and/or the people that hunt them indiscriminately in small seventeenth century Italian towns, then read on. If you are into classic love triangles (of sorts) between the lead, the hunk and the hunk's little sister-esque figure who is also a fierce witch hunter running around with too much black eyeliner and a ghoulish seventeenth century version of a scream mask, then tighten your corset (or whatever men generally wore at that time - mostly an overabundance of leather and tiny buttons, based on this) and get ready for your newest binge obsession. If you enjoy a very dark colour palette and a two-line theme tune that is repeated a bit too much but really gets in your head after a while, then you are also in luck. Although it is a mostly female-driven story, the male lead - Pietro (the could be model - so Italian looking, he is almost a stereotype of himself) still features as a troubled medical student torn between his belief in science, his family’s obsession with hunting witches and his new love, Ade, who has been acting awfully witchy lately. The witch hunting Banadita, run by Pietro’s father, seem to spend most of their time hunting any woman they can find (but are perfectly OK with their leader doing basically the same magic, as long as its "done with a pure heart" as he keeps claiming and with some religious looking imagery nearby). In the midst of all this misplaced anger and angst, the story’s central character, Ade, goes on a journey of discovery (don’t we all) to discover her identity, a new family and her hidden power. The show also features a twist ending that I guarantee you will not see coming, and will leave you either gasping your lungs out or completely hating me for even suggesting this show.
In Italian
I was initially drawn to Baby as a way to supplement my very poor Italian. (Hence why there are two Italian shows on this list - I’m not playing favourites). Although it has many of the features of your classic high school drama - sneaking out, parties, an overemphasis on reputation - Baby has a darker tone. The show follows students from a fairly affluent private school in Rome but features pupils from a variety of backgrounds. In Baby, we some of the well-worn teen drama archetypes fleshed out a little, from the popular girl whose life seems perfect but yearns for something more, to the new kid from the wrong side of the tracks throw into the deep end at a new school, to the party girl with a bad reputation hiding secret trouble at home. Baby captures the youthful, excited vigour of being a teenager in equal measure with the paralysing uncertainty and crushing lows with a mix of honesty and high drama. I cannot wait to dive into the second season they happily just released.
Go forth, you bingers, you savourers and you just-one-more-episoders. Now is the time to broaden your viewing horizons and delight in all the world has to offer you. Now you have no excuse to shy away when you see that little white writing appear at the bottom of your screen. [Motivational music plays].