Anna Zhao

    anna.whizh@yahoo.com

    One moment they were in the bitter-sweet world of a romantic love story, the next moment their nerves were strained by a horror thriller before bursting into uncontrollable laughter at a hilarious comedy, disrupted by intervals in which they exchanged ideas on a good movie — that’s what expat students from Shenzhen University were excited about at a movie salon at Shenzhen Huaxia Star Light International Cineplex on Friday.

    The students from the College of International Exchange of Shenzhen University shared their favorite movies and reasons for recommending them at the salon with their tutor He Wei.

    A Brazilian student introduced a 2014 adventure drama thriller “Trash,” a funny and thought-provoking story with criticisms on social reality.

    A student from Spain introduced the Spanish historical fiction “Agora” directed by Alejandro Amenabar. The movie was screened out of competition at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival and was the highest-grossing film of the year in Spain.

    A Japanese student introduced horror movie series “Ju-On: The Grudge,” which she thought was a good represention of Japanese horror movies.

    An older student from Japan introduced the 1995 movie “Love Letter” directed by Shunji Iwai, largely because of his own experience of working with the crew.

    When the movie was shot in Hokkaido, northern Japan, he was studying at a university there and took a part-time job as a member of the film crew. The experience made him realize that a good movie relies not only on a good director and cast, but also the concerted effort of many people who work behind the scenes.

    Chinese movie “Goodbye Mr. Loser” released in 2015 was also recommended for its unique comedic style.

    A South Korean student shared the 2016 hit “Train to Busan,” a zombie horror-thriller directed by Yeon Sang-ho. The student gave an elaborate analysis on why the movie had become a box-office record breaker with over 10 million theatergoers in 2016.

    The movie salon, a public charity event held every Friday, features the screening of an art movie and speeches from insiders in the movie industry.