'Ordinary people' movies where nothing much happens?

[penguinwithasuitcase]

Most of my favourite movies are the slow, 'study of everyday life' type, about very ordinary people, where not a lot happens but the nothing-muchness is beautiful.

For example:

Paterson (Jim Jarmusch),
Tokyo Story,
Sideways,
Land Ho
Another Year (Mike Leigh)...

What other films of this type can you think of?

Hunting for things to add to the list that I haven't seen...

Amelie is my go to film of that type - it is in French with subtitles, but it's so relaxing to watch

I think Under the Tuscan Sun would suit as well

For a film where literally nothing happens, try Russian Ark. It was all filmed in one take - very arty with no real story. I think that was in Russian with subtitles, but there is literally so little happening, you don't need to know what they're saying

Nowhere Special.

Boyhood absolutely, I found it similar to Tokyo Story in that aching way where everything is on the unsaid & it's just life.

Can't wait to watch some of these-thanks for the thread!

Italian films "Perfetti sconosciuti" and Ameri-British "Locke" with the great Tom Hardy.

These two films you definitely should watch :3

Before Sunrise / Sunset / Midnight

Burn after reading sort of fits .... a bit

And also "Inside I'm dancing" trailer on which you can watch on youtube as well :3

All of Wes Anderson’s films. Fabulous to look at and really enjoyable stories.

Happy New Year, Colin Burstead

Also love Red Dog and Amelie.

Swingers, it’s a cool 90s film about trying to make it as an actor. One of my favs

Enough Said

Big Sick
Opposite of Anger

Jeff, who lives at home

@yknaps - Le Quattro Volte is brilliant! The goats are amazing!

Most of the non-historical works of Mike Leigh.
Some of the Dardenne Brothers' best films.

Totally not nothing happens but if you've not seen it, watch dancer in the dark & wait 17 minutes to see if you can get past Bjork's weird accent. It's sublime if you do.

' You've never seen Niagara falls',
'I have seen water, it's water, that's all'

Minari

I can't see if anyone's mentioned 'The Starling' which is currently on Netflix. It's very low key and under stated, but I thought it was very good.
It's about a woman coming to terms with the death of her baby and the impact it had on her marriage and husband, so probably not for everyone though.

I loved Manchester by Sea

Also Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri was great.

Classic B&W, This Happy Breed, about a lower middle class South London family between the wars. Directed by David Lean, from a play by Noel Coward. With Robert Newton, Stanley Holloway, John Mills, Celia Johnson.

Might be on YouTube.

Puzzle with Kelly MacDonald fits the bill I think, watched it a few nights ago and although not a lot happens I'm still thinking about it now.

It's not quite the same thing, but do have a look for All Aboard The Sleigh Ride! It's not on iplayer any more but you can find it on YouTube - two hours of reindeer herders with a camera on the sleigh following an ancient route through the Arctic Circle and one of the most beautiful and compelling things I've ever seen on a screen. I watch it at least once every Christmas 😊

Blue Valentine.

I urge everyone to see this slow burning masterpiece of a movie. I've never seen a more accurate portrayal of a relationship going sour. It really is the most beautiful film. I've recommended it to so many but some people don't get it , saying it's "boring"

I found it fascinating though. I couldn't stop thinking about it for ages afterwards.

The film is split into two halves showing the giddy heights of all consuming new love - this is done so realistically you fall in love with them! Then it's juxtaposed years later when the cracks have set in. It jumps back and forth throughout in such a brilliantly original way.

Eighth Grade