I've recently been on a dvd-renting binge and have found some fantastic movies that I'd never heard of before (or at least, hadn't known how good they were). Of course, I have been renting quite a few duds but it's always cool when an impulse rent turns out a gem! Two standouts for me were, "Elling" (Norwegian comedy) and "Songs from the Second Floor" (Swedish Absurdism... (?)) Also, got hooked on Chris Lilley's "Summer Height High" series. (I'm now officially a fan of Mr. Lilley) Anyone else want to add their own recommendations?
not sure how unknown they are, but they didnt get a major US release kitchen stories JSA Memories of Murder
Memories of Murder is AMAZING! Not sure how big it was in the states, but In Bruges is really, really funny.
"Comrades: Almost a Love Story" is a little known masterpiece. http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film/Reviews/caal.htm#c
Blood Car! I saw it at last years Boston independent film fest. It's a great movie about a vegan elementary school teacher who accidentally invents a car that runs on blood....
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0386064/ Brotherhood/Brotherhood of War is absolutely fuckin amazing! Best war film ever!!! And just a generally brilliant touching film. And Dogville. I think both of these are in my top twenty
Les Amants du Pont Neuf - in my Top 10 films list since the day I saw it. Johnny Got His Gun - my favourite 'war' film Dead Mans Shoes - you do not fuck with Paddy Considine
Which on? In Bruges is Irish, about 2 Irish hitmen hiding out in Belgium with hilarious consequences.
So quoting those other posts actually had nothing to do with your question Memories of Murder is by the same guy who did Host and most recently Mother.
Songs from the Second Floor is brilliant, discovered Andersson myself just recently - can't wait to see his latest! Also, "+1"s on In Bruges and MoM... I would like to add Albert Dupontel's hilarious, absurd and tragic Bernie to the list, which seems to be so unknown that I can't even seem to find the trailer on youtube. Beat that, guys!
I finally got around to seeing the notorious Brazilian film "Como Era Gostoso o Meu Francês" aka "How Tasty Was My Little Frenchman" Muhahahaha! Gotta love those old weirdo/auteur/semi-forgotten films.
The Hall Monitors of the Subway. Cool flick. Not sure if this qualifies as an unknown movie, but Vincent Gallo's Buffalo '66 is one of my all time favorites. Mickey Rourke has a small but very funny scene.