A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop -
Blood Simple
The Coen Brothers gritty noir debut inspired the Chinese remake, making the story no less cinematic, no less suspensful but giving it's own twist, its a welcome reimagining/remake that creates its own presence and beautifully atmospheric. I think the Coens would approve.
Contraband - Reykjavík-Rotterdam
Seems like action from the outset (and trailers) but is actually pretty darn good thriller about repaying debts and double crossing. The American remake of the Icelandic original has some major changes in plot and characters, namely making the main character a success after leaving his life as a smuggler aboard a container ship.
The Kindergarten Teacher - The Kindergarten Teacher
The American remake starring Maggie Gyllenhaal made waves at festivals and upon release to Netflix (on screen in the UK) but the Israli original never really had a chance. I really loved the poetry and atmoshpere of the latest version but I haven't seen the original yet to compare. HERE is what I had to say about the American version.
Don't forget to check out where it all started over at
Wandering Through the Shelves
Wandering Through the Shelves