Announcing the Top Five International Horror Films for 2010! ~ 28DLA

Well, we have taken a look at the "Best of" on the domestic circuit, in relation to indie films. Now, let us go global to track down the best in international horror. This is a year where the vile was unleashed with the Human Centipede to the action oriented zombie film the Devil's Playground. This reviewer admits a weakness in the areas of Asian and Italian films, from abroad. If it is not Takashi Miike, then this movie lover has likely not heard of it. Giallo is another film genre that does not appeal here.

However, there were several good outings from Scandinavian countries like Dead Snow and French horror continues towards an apex with movies such as La Horde and High Lane. Some unreleased projects like the serial killer franchise Fritt Vilt 3 (Cold Prey 3) will be included in this list. So, sit back, relax and let this movie reviewer delve into the best in horror internationally.

5) Dead Snow by Tommy Wirkola.

This is a film that cleverly incorporates classical musical selections in battle sequences, while stealing some of the style of the Evil Dead films. Overall, this was a gory send up of the young adults going into the woods theme, with the make-up and costumes adding some frights. Well paced, campy and constantly poking fun at itself, Dead Snow is an easy choice for this top five list. A review of this title can be found here: Dead Snow Reviewed on 28DLA.

4) Siege of the Dead aka Rammbock b Marvin Kren

This is a film that is a little hard to come by in the United States and Canada, as this title has only just released in the UK. However, zombies are given new abilities and differing weaknesses, in this film. Their infective bite can be subdued if you are very quiet and still. Think of how hard it would be to take up bed rest in a zombie apocalypse! Also, zombies have a sensitivity to light, which is used to stunning effect, in the film's climax. Although in German, Siege of the Dead is 80 minutes of almost pure thrills. A review of this title is offsite at Yahoo: Siege of the Dead Reviewed on Yahoo.

3) La Horde by Yannick Dahan.

This is a French zombie film, which puts several policemen and drug dealers on the same side. They unify because of environmental pressures such as ravenous, blood thirsty zombies. Their bond is ever shaky and the film shows the struggles of working with those who would rather see you dead. The action sequences and musical selections keep the tempo ever pounding and the film stands out for its competent use of gunplay and visual effects. Of course, the film's message of overcoming challenges is universal. Have a watch of the film's international trailer here: La Horde International Trailer.

2) High Lane by Abel Ferry.

This is another French language film, which puts several mountain climbers up against a deranged cannibal. The thrills are dual, as the high vertical heights create tension and the viciousness of the villain is more than the five friends can handle. This film is tense throughout and positive for showing the courage of heroines, in a mostly male dominated cast. Check this one out, when it releases in Feburary of 2011. An introductory article on this film, with movie stills, is available here: High Lane on 28DLA.

1) Heartless by Philip Ridley

Are you ready to face the devil? This is the central question that this English film poses. Character Jamie Morgan (Jim Sturgess) attempts to appeal to Satan, while maintaining some part of his humanity. This is hard to do, especially after he falls in love with another denizen of the lower realms. Moralistically challenging, full of fright, Heartless is a solid horror flick, with few flaws and many unanswerable questions. A trailer for this feature can be found here: Heartless Trailer.

Honourable mentions in this category go to the Australian horror flicks Crush and Road Kill, while Solomon Kane is another film which deserves greater attention.

*Most anticipated film is Fritt Vilt 3.

Some of the films can be found here. Others are unreleased (Siege of the Dead):

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