Hollywood Remakes of International Movies

Today we see a lot of remakes, reboots, re-imaginings, and sequels of movies made anywhere from 10 to 100 years ago. And I mean A LOT. What I hadn’t realized is just how many movies I’d seen that were actually remakes of what we used to call “foreign films.” Here are some of the most notable:

REMAKE: (2002)ORIGINAL: (1998), JapanI remember hearing about this being a remake. Even at 20 years old, it somehow made it scarier to me that it was originally a Japanese story and movie. It was the unknown piled on top of more unknown. It’s weird when you see small shades of xenophobia in your mind. Thankfully I’ve grown, and am growing, in that area.

REMAKE: (1987)ORIGINAL: (1985, transl. “Three Men and a Cradle”), France

I had no idea with this one. I wonder if the old one had an urban legend of a child ghost.

REMAKE: (2010)ORIGINAL: (2008), SwedenI haven’t seen the remake, but the original is pretty awesome.

REMAKE: (1992)ORIGINAL: (1974), ItalyOnce again, a big surprise for me. Haven’t seen either. Let me know if you recommend.

REMAKE: (1996)ORIGINAL: (1978), France

They were both based on a French play. I haven’t seen the original, but knowing that neither Robin Williams nor Nathan Lane are in it makes it a huge barrier for me to be motivated enough to watch.

REMAKE: (1998)ORIGINAL: (1987) Germany/AustriaI haven’t seen the original, but apparently it is a “loose remake.”

REMAKE: (2010)ORIGINAL: (1998) FranceI thought the remake was hilarious, so I definitely want to check out the original. Sometimes comedies don’t transfer into another language quite as well as other genres, but it would be fun to find out.

REMAKE: (2004)ORIGINAL: (1987) FranceAgain, I can’t imagine anyone else playing this kickass role other than Denzel, so I likely won’t watch the French version. No offence, people of France.

REMAKE: (2017)ORIGINAL: (2011), France

I enjoyed quite a bit. Kevin Hart was as funny as one would expect, and Bryan Cranston was as awesome as he always is. But in this case the original is much better. Amazing movie.

REMAKE: (2006)ORIGINAL: (2002, Hong Kong)I saw the remake many years ago, and the original has been on my watchlist for almost as many years. It’ll happen…

REMAKE: (1954)ORIGINAL: (1954) JapanI love both of these classics. There have been other films with this story line, and honestly I think we’re ready for another! The story never gets old for me. Not yet anyway.

REMAKE: (2012)ORIGINAL: (1966) Italy

I’m back and forth with this one. Tarantino’s remake is spectacular, so it’d be hard to see any other iteration. But it’s such a great story, so it remains on the ol’ watchlist.

And for our movie of the week…

ORIGINAL: (2018), SpainREMAKE: Congratulations (2023). This is your week.It’s a little corny, but it’s such a delight. And you really have to watch it to find out why.

Best Actress:

Isla Fisher as Henley Reeves in

Best Actor: John Cusack as Cpt. John Gaff in

Best Quote: “Your heart’s a long way from your knee. Suck it up!” – Madison Tevlin as Consentino in

Reading up on Woody Harrelson, I found out that he’s close friends with Michael J. Fox, Kris Kristoferson, Willie Nelson, Wesley Snipes, Owen Wilson, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.