Malaikottai Vaaliban has gotten all of us talking about Magical Realism. As a genre, Magical Realism is extremely enjoyable as it blurs the line between reality and fantasy, and provides a brief escape from the mundaneness of the ordinary world. So if you are eager to step out into other realms created through magical realism, here’s a list of 15 movies that will interest you.
Pan’s Labyrinth
Set in post-Civil War Spain, this movie tells the story of a young girl who discovers a labyrinth filled with mythical creatures. This magical realism film weaves together the brutality of war with the enchantment of fairy tales.
Amélie
Amélie follows the life of a shy waitress, Amélie Poulain, who decides to spread kindness and magic to those around her in the streets of Paris.
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Big Fish
This movie follows the tale of a son’s journey to understand his father’s larger-than-life stories.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
A couple undergoes a procedure to erase their memories of each other. The rest of the movie is an exploration of love, memory and heartbreak that will leave you teary-eyed.
Spirited Away
Spirited Away is an animated movie where a girl named Chihiro gets stuck in a magical bathhouse and has to save her folks. It’s full of enchanting creatures and awesome adventures – totally a must-watch! While this magical realism movie is a light watch, there are theories on the internet that talk of its deeper meaning.
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A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls is the story of a young boy who befriends a giant tree monster that helps him cope with his mother’s illness. It’s a poignant exploration of grief and fantasy.
Stardust
An adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s novel, Stardust, is the story of a young man who goes to retrieve a fallen star. Just that the fallen star is not just any star, but a living, breathing woman.
Midnight in Paris
A writer finds himself getting transported through time during his midnight walks in Paris, and gets to meet iconic figures from history. We know this sounds like a boring plot, but this movie straddles the magical realism genre with the romantic comedy genre, and so you can put on during a date night.
The Shape of Water
What happens when an aquatic creature in a high-security government facility and a mute woman fall in love? Watch The Shape of Water to find out!
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Coraline
Another Neil Gaiman novel adaptation on this list, Coraline, is the story of a young girl who discovers a secret door to an alternate world. It’s a dark and whimsical adventure that will keep you riveted to your seat.
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
This fantastical tale revolves around a travelling theatre troupe that offers audience members a chance to enter a magical mirror and explore their innermost desires.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Set against the backdrop of ancient China, this film revolves around skilled warriors who have to protect a legendary sword. The sword gets stolen and the ensuing story fuses breathtaking action with a compelling love story.
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The Fall
The Fall follows the story of a paraplegic stuntman who spins an epic tale for a little immigrant girl in a Los Angeles hospital.
The Green Mile
A prison guard’s life is changed when he encounters a death row inmate who possesses a miraculous gift. This emotionally charged film is sure to get you thinking about racism and how broken the justice system is in the US.
Groundhog Day
A cynical weatherman is sent to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. But he gets stuck in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over again. Watch it to know if he breaks out!
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That was our list. Did we miss out on your favourite magical realism movies? Tell us in the comments!
