1. The Conformist
Paramount PicturesBernardo Bertolucci's study of fascism in Italy, The Conformist stars Jean-Louis Trintignant as Marcello Clerici, a weak-willed man lacking in morals who desires nothing more than to be normal, but instead finds himself conforming to the destructive ideology of dictator Mussolini and setting out to lead his former philosophy professor - now an anti-fascist - to his death. Superbly acted (co-star Stefania Sandrelli is particularly ravishing as fiancee Giulia), the real star is Vittorio Storaro's cinematography. Rarely has such jaw-dropping imagery ever been captured on film; it's almost impossible to think of a movie which matches its perfect compositions and camera moves, and its intrinsic grasp of colour and balance - not surprising from a DoP who would later go on to shoot another masterpiece, Apocalypse Now. Made in 1970, The Conformist became the style guide for a generation of filmmakers, an accolade which it fully deserves. Which are your favourite foreign language movies? Agree or disagree with the selection on this list? Why not let us know in the comments below?