Best movies like Better Life
Last updated March 2024
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Plot Summary:
Inspired by the drowning of 23 Chinese undocumented cockle pickers in Morecambe Bay (northwest England). Mazu, goddess of the sea, floats over the tragedy.
IMDB Rating: 6.9
IMDB Votes: 72
Genere: Drama
Country: China, UK
Duration: 55 min
Plot tags: unusual plot structure, captivating, contemplative
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Best tv shows and movies like Better Life (2010):
Similar in 89%
Bella Mia (2013)
Plot Summary:
Due to suspicion of BSE (mad cow disease), a herd of cows from a small farmstead is sentenced to be killed. The animals revolt and try to escape. People try to hunt them down but the herd, led by Bella, manages to protect itself. Further failures of people increase their aggressiveness. The escalating battle has little in common with the original veterinary prevention. However, there are also people who try to help the cows, who desire nothing more than free life in the great outdoors, even if they are also forced to learn how to live and survive without anybody to feed them, milk them or fill them up with medicine. They learn all about hunger, cold, deprivation and pain. And the loss of loved ones.
IMDB Rating: 5.8
IMDB Votes: 24
Genere: Drama
Country: Czech Republic
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: psychological, sincere, unusual plot structure, captivating, contemplative
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Similar in 77%
Taryanche Bait (2011)
Plot Summary:
Shreedhar works as a clerk, lives a happy, content life with his family in a beautiful Konkan village. His troubles begin when he takes his wife, son and daughter with him on an official tour to Mumbai. Dazzled by the sights, Omkar, Sreedhar’s son insists on visiting a five star hotel that Shreedhar can’t even dream of affording. Unable to placate the son, the father wagers a night’s stay at the hotel if the son can stand first in his school exams. The father-son duo’s attempts to win the bet and the extent to which they are pushed by harsh realities makes for the funny and emotional journey of this bitter-sweet tale.
IMDB Rating: 7.6
IMDB Votes: 123
Genere: Drama
Country: India
Duration:
Plot tags: tense, unusual plot structure, captivating, suspense, contemplative
Similar in 89%
Yvy Maraey (2013)
Plot Summary:
A filmmaker tracing the steps of Swedish explorer Erland Nordeskiold travels with a Guarani Indian from the highlands of La Paz to the swamps in the forests of South Eastern Bolivia, a place where uncontacted indigenous still exist. Philosophical Road Movie into the heart of Guarani culture of Bolivia translates ancient knowledge and explores the importance of the other in the construction of our identity.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 88
Genere: Drama
Country: Bolivia, Mexico, Norway
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, captivating, road movie
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Similar in 76%
My Country, My Parents (2021)
Plot Summary:
Actress Zhang Ziyi, actor-and-director Wu Jing, comedian Shen Teng, and actor-and-director Xu Zheng come together to direct four short films as part of a new anthology drama paying tribute to China’s families.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 526
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 157 min
Plot tags:
Similar in 76%
Chinese Wine (2016)
Plot Summary:
The relationship of two maotai liquor-producing families, between 1915, when the drink first won international fame, and the end of the Chinese civil war, after which it was named China's official national liquor.
IMDB Rating:
IMDB Votes:
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: unusual plot structure, suspense, suspenseful, contemplative
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Similar in 83%
The Savage Land (1981)
Plot Summary:
Winner of the Hundred Flowers Award for Best Film in 1988.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 33
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration:
Plot tags:
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Similar in 87%
Woman of the Ganges (1974)
Plot Summary:
A man returns to the place he once lived a passionate love affair with a woman who is now dead. So powerful are the emotions that seize him that he imagines she is still alive, and begins to live as if this were the case.
IMDB Rating: 6.8
IMDB Votes: 153
Genere: Drama
Country: France
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: avant garde
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Similar in 79%
Paths of the Soul (2015)
Plot Summary:
PATHS OF THE SOUL follows a group of Tibetan villagers who leave their families and homes to make a "bowing pilgrimage" — laying their bodies flat on the ground after every few steps — along the 2,000-kilometre road to Lhasa. Though equally devoted to the trip, they all have different reasons: one traveller needs to cleanse bad family karma; another, a butcher, wants to wash the animals' bloodstains from his soul; and another pilgrim, sensing the end is near, hopes that prayers and prostrations will break the chain of cause and effect determined by his life's actions. During their months on the road, a baby is born, they meet fellow travellers, and their resolve is put to the test by harsh snowstorms and physical fatigue. But no hardship can deter them from their ultimate goal — not even the threat of death, a very real danger in this high altitude where a common cold can take one's life.
IMDB Rating: 7.5
IMDB Votes: 926
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 115 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, suspense, disturbing, road movie, no music
Similar in 90%
Dog Days (2016)
Plot Summary:
Endless dog days of summer weigh heavily on the impoverished suburb of Changsha where a young mother, Lulu, works as a dancer in a cheap nightclub. Coming home late one night, she discovers that her boyfriend Bai Long has disappeared with their baby. Her desperate search takes her to a transvestite bar where gay man Sunny is performing; he knows the whereabouts of the child’s father. A deal is struck between the odd couple whose lives are now fatefully intertwined.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 85
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: psychological, tense, suspense, suspenseful, unusual plot structure, contemplative
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Similar in 86%
La Migra (2015)
Plot Summary:
La Migra is a 'Romeo and Juliet' story set in the border crossing town of Imperial Beach, California - US Border Patrol Agent Diego Chavez (Michael Copon) works closely with his Uncle Manny Chavez (Marco Rodríguez) the Port Director for the San Ysidro Port of Entry, and the two have a close relationship, both professionally and personally. Currently dating San Diego Police Detective Tracy Jensen (Nikki SooHoo) ... Diego unexpectedly falls hard for Natalie Martinez (Antoinette Kalaj), his childhood sweetheart who lived next door to him. Natalie has now grownup into a beautiful woman who makes a great living as a model. However, as the CBP and Border Patrol join forces with ICE and DEA to investigate a new cartel that's popped up, Diego becomes uneasily aware that Natalie might be much more than she says.
IMDB Rating: 7.9
IMDB Votes: 32
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: psychological, light, unusual plot structure, captivating, contemplative, hispanic
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Similar in 90%
Jinn (2018)
Plot Summary:
Summer is a carefree teenage girl whose world is turned upside down when her mother abruptly converts to Islam and becomes a different person. At first resistant to the faith, she begins to reevaluate her identity after becoming attracted to a Muslim classmate, crossing the thin line between physical desire and piety.
IMDB Rating: 6.0
IMDB Votes: 442
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: psychological, tense, unusual plot structure, captivating, contemplative, indie film
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Similar in 90%
Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass (2015)
Plot Summary:
A coming of age story set in the Vietnamese countryside during the late 1980s, as told through the eyes of a 12 year old boy named Thieu. Thieu and his younger brother Tuong share and do everything together. Their days unfold like a whimsical and comical journey filled with innocence, wonder, confusion and curious adventures. Tuong idolizes his older brother’s confidence and constantly strives for his approval. But in fact, Thieu’s “over-confidence” is to compensate for his overwhelming insecurities. Thieu is constantly jealous of his younger brother when it comes to grades, talent and affection from the girl next door, Moon. This leads to an act of violence which leaves Tuong paralyzed and bedridden. In coming to terms with his own conscience, Thieu attempts to redeem himself and discovers the true meaning of brotherhood.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: Vietnam
Duration: 103 min
Plot tags: psychological, touching, sentimental, unusual plot structure, captivating, contemplative, independent film
Similar in 86%
Nanayo (2008)
Plot Summary:
A young woman leaves her job and lover in Japan to start a new life in Thailand.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 652
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan, Thailand
Duration: 90 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 79%
Speechless (2012)
Plot Summary:
A guy is found by the police swimming naked. He can't, or refuses to, speak and is sent to a hospital. Since no diagnosis can be made, he will be transferred to a mental hospital, when his male nurse decides to take another route. Slowly the reason for his speechlessness becomes clear. Together with the nurse's girlfriend and a female friend of the silent stranger, their history is explained.
IMDB Rating: 5.9
IMDB Votes: 452
Genere: Drama
Country: Hong Kong, China
Duration: 92 min
Plot tags: suspenseful, serious, realistic, unusual plot structure, contemplative, homoerotic, queer cinema
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Similar in 86%
Sauna on Moon (2011)
Plot Summary:
In Guangdong, the forefront of China's reform and opening-up, the business of a sauna is fairly flat. The boss, Wu, together with his team, pursuits his dream and constructs a entertainment kingdom persistently with their wisdom, effort and positive spirit. Eventually, after a special fashion show, Wu tears for his uneasy success. During the period, some of his employees leave hopelessly, some are imprisoned, some are still longing for a better tomorrow by his side.
IMDB Rating: 5.6
IMDB Votes: 33
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 95 min
Plot tags: serious, realistic, captivating, gloomy
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Similar in 87%
Pickpocket (1997)
Plot Summary:
Little pocket thief Wu never got away from the streets like his friends did. He realises that he is alone, as his old buddy doesn't invite him for his wedding. When he falls in love with a hooker he is forced to think about his future. Can he break with his criminal past?.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 3000
Genere: Drama
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 108 min
Plot tags: contemplative, neo noir, independent film, psychological, serious, captivating, realistic, biting, suspense
Similar in 77%
My People, My Homeland (2020)
Plot Summary:
In different parts of rural China, various people explore what makes their communities unique.
IMDB Rating: 6.4
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 153 min
Plot tags: social, psychological, thought provoking, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 83%
Hamlet (2015)
Plot Summary:
From its sell-out run at Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre comes a film version of this unique and critically acclaimed production of Hamlet with BAFTA-nominee Maxine Peake in the title role. This ground-breaking stage production, directed by Sarah Frankcom, was the Royal Exchange's fastest-selling show in a decade.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 129
Genere: Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 184 min
Plot tags: psychological, atmospheric, serious, captivating, contemplative, gloomy
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Similar in 87%
Son of Sofia (2017)
Plot Summary:
11-year-old Misha is coming from Russia to Athens during the 2004 Olympic Games to live with his mother. He does not know there is a father waiting for him.
IMDB Rating: 6.3
IMDB Votes: 553
Genere: Drama
Country: Greece, Bulgaria, France
Duration: 111 min
Plot tags: tense, unusual plot structure, captivating, suspense, suspenseful, contemplative
Similar in 90%
1921 (2021)
Plot Summary:
Tells the story of a Communist Party's early history during the turbulent era, examining the remarkable Chinese revolutionary leaders' zeal and contrition for the ascension of the Chinese people.
IMDB Rating: 4.4
IMDB Votes: 375
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 138 min
Plot tags: thought provoking, captivating, disturbing
Similar in 83%
Little Q (2019)
Plot Summary:
Little Q is an aspiring guide dog, training to be a guide for the blind. Soon Little Q is partnered with Bo-ting, a renowned pastry chef who’s losing his sight. But Bo-ting is irritable and reluctant, constantly losing his temper at those around him and rejecting Little Q. Eventually, dog and owner bond as Little Q wins Bo-ting over with its unwavering loyalty. However, as Little Q gets older and Bo-ting’s health suffers, the two of them face an unwilling separation.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 242
Genere: Drama
Country: China, Hong Kong
Duration: 107 min
Plot tags: psychological, captivating, disturbing
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Similar in 79%
Party Talk (2015)
Plot Summary:
Four creative and sexually confused high school seniors are forced to deal with their sense of isolation while attending a booze-soaked party in New York City.
IMDB Rating: 8.9
IMDB Votes: 13
Genere: Drama
Country: USA
Duration:
Plot tags: psychological, unusual plot structure, captivating, suspense, contemplative
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Similar in 81%
6A (2016)
Plot Summary:
As if immersed in the situation, the viewer witnesses a distressing encounter between angry parents, a helpless teacher and three schoolgirls. It soon becomes clear that certain things are going wrong in their class. There have been complaints of bullying. The parents are mainly concerned with defending their own children. They throw around neurotic accusations and make untenable demands. Using a camera which itself seems to participate in the discussion, scene after scene is dissected with refreshing malice and a sense for the dark side of human nature. Desperate attempts to resolve things unleash an avalanche of other problems. It takes a long time before Denise, Bella and Mina can have their say.
IMDB Rating: 6.1
IMDB Votes: 117
Genere: Drama
Country: Sweden
Duration: 61 min
Plot tags: tense, suspense, unusual plot structure, captivating, suspenseful, contemplative, juvenile
Similar in 83%
A Cappella (2016)
Plot Summary:
Set in the year 1969 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Kyoko Noma is a loving female high school student who takes part in campus protests. One day, she meets university student Wataru Domoto in the tea cafe Mubansou ("A Cappella"). Kyoko falls in love with him, but they get involved in an incident that leads to a shocking ending.
IMDB Rating: 6.2
IMDB Votes: 109
Genere: Drama
Country: Japan
Duration: 132 min
Plot tags: tense, sincere, unusual plot structure, captivating, suspense, contemplative
Similar in 90%
Song of the Exile (1990)
Plot Summary:
Set in the early 1970s, it tells the story of a Chinese-Japanese student who returns to her native Hong Kong after graduating from a university in London. Once she arrives back home, she and her family begins to fight, largely due to cultural and societal conflicts between her mother and herself.
IMDB Rating: 7.4
IMDB Votes: 542
Genere: Drama
Country: Hong Kong, Taiwan
Duration: 100 min
Plot tags: sentimental, sincere, thought provoking, touching, realistic, contemplative
Similar in 85%
So Pretty (2019)
Plot Summary:
Four young queers in New York City struggle to maintain their proto-utopian community against the outside world as their lives curiously merge with the 1980s German novel "So schön" by Ronald M. Schernikau.
IMDB Rating: 5.1
IMDB Votes: 376
Genere: Drama
Country: USA, France
Duration: 83 min
Plot tags: psychological, tense, sexy, unusual plot structure, captivating, disturbing, contemplative, queer cinema
Similar in 83%
Mawson - Life and Death in Antarctica (2007)
Plot Summary:
The Douglas Mawson Antarctic Expedition of 1912 is considered one of the most amazing feats of endurance of all time. Although his two companions perished, Douglas Mawson survived, but how? In a bold historical experiment, scientist and adventurer Tim Jarvis is retracing the gruelling experience, with the same meagre rations, primitive clothing and equipment to uncover what happened to Mawson physically-and mentally-as a man hanging on the precipice of life and death.
IMDB Rating: 7.0
IMDB Votes: 12
Genere: Drama
Country: Australia, UK
Duration: 85 min
Plot tags: uplifting, serious, realistic, suspenseful, tense, captivating
Similar in 81%
The Saver (2015)
Plot Summary:
When teenaged Fern is orphaned in the middle of a harsh Montreal winter, she is determined to avoid her mother’s tragic fate, and take care of herself. With Youth Protection nipping at her heels, she lies about her name and age, to get a job as a janitor another as a cook. Juggling life and work and the discovery of the book, ‘50 Ways to become a Millionaire: All you need to do is save,’ Fern decides to do just that, replacing her grief with the quest to become a millionaire. Written, directed and edited by award-winning filmmaker Wiebke von Carolsfeld (Marion Bridge, Stay), The Saver stars the newly discovered Imajyn Cardinal and is based on the young adult novel by Edeet Ravel.
IMDB Rating: 6.6
IMDB Votes: 106
Genere: Drama
Country: Canada
Duration: 88 min
Plot tags: psychological, thought provoking, unusual plot structure, captivating, disturbing, contemplative
Similar in 85%
Chicken (2015)
Plot Summary:
RICHARD, 15 with learning difficulties, longs to put down roots but his restless and destructive brother, POLLY, needs to keep moving. When the land they live on is bought by a new landowner, and the electricity supply to their caravan is cut, their already precarious living conditions get even worse. Then a chance meeting with the new landowner's daughter, 17 year old ANNABEL (Yasmin Paige), leaves RICHARD besotted; whilst POLLY befriends the guys who run a seedy traveling fair. Richards optimistic view on life becomes increasingly difficult to maintain as Polly's abusive behavior worsens, family secrets are revealed, and he is torn between loyalty to his brother and his first true friend in ANNABEL. For better or worse, Richards life is about to change forever.
IMDB Rating: 6.7
IMDB Votes: 535
Genere: Drama
Country: UK
Duration: 86 min
Plot tags: touching, psychological, sentimental, unusual plot structure, captivating, suspenseful, contemplative
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Similar in 84%
Caught in the Web (2012)
Plot Summary:
The story of three women whose worlds collide - a social commentary about the 'sound bite' society we are becoming, where perception becomes reality and judgments based on limited facts quickly spread, without regard for the truth or the damage they could cause.
IMDB Rating: 6.5
IMDB Votes: 1000
Genere: Drama
Country: China
Duration: 117 min
Plot tags: realistic, serious, psychological, captivating, offbeat, biting, fast, suspense
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