Worst film country for you?

[Armoreska]

Any countries from whence you constantly rate down movies?

In WC, my Portugal score history is 0:11
and none of the 5 movies made it above 5/10
overall, 2/3 of movies from there end up as 5 or lower

[OldAle1]

Nope. There's no country from which I've seen at least 10 films where my average is below 6/10, and the countries that I've seen a lot from with the lowest averages - the USA, Italy and Canada - all still have averages over 7 and medians of 7. And they are only as low as they are because I deliberately watch more schlock from them than I do from any other countries.

But I realize of course that I'm an extreme outlier, and liking most of the movies one sees is very weird, and probably immoral and a sign of low intelligence, extremely poor/lowbrow taste, and probably insanity.

[mightysparks]

Turkey. Blame Ertem Egilmez.

[OldAle1]

Turkey. Blame Ertem Egilmez.

The single name most responsible for me never caring about the IMDb lists. Still haven't watched a single film of his. Turkey is probably one of my higher-rated countries thanks to only watching critically-acclaimed stuff - and not much of that so far.

[Armoreska]

B, how do you count those country stats?

[xianjiro]

Can't say I've seen a good Nigerian film yet.

[AdamH]

Turkey. Blame Ertem Egilmez.

I have fond memories of watching the first four Hababam Sinifi films.

Good old plots of the Hababam Crew making everyone hate them throughout the film then being loved at the end because they sang a funny song.

[pitchorneirda]

I can't think of any movie from ex-Yugoslavia I really liked

[Cocoa]

All of these countries (or territories) I have no films rated 7/10 or above and I have an average of 5/10 or below. Although out of the below countries, the most I've watched is three films from. North Korea is probably the worst but there are others that are contenders as well for worst.

Spoiler

Angola = 3/10
Mali = 5/10
Niger = 4/10
Rwanda = 5/10
North Korea = 6/10 & 4/10
Sri Lanka = 5/10
Albania = 4/10 & 6/10
Andorra = 3/10
Bosnia and Herzegovina = 5/10 & 5/10
Isle of Man = 5/10
Kosovo = 4/10
Ukraine = 4/10
Bahamas = 5/10
Cayman Islands = 5/10
Dominican Republic = 5/10
Jamaica = 5/10
Panama = 4/10 & 3/10 & 6/10
Peru = 4/10 & 4/10 & 5/10
Uruguay = 4/10 & 5/10

[mightysparks]

So, I checked my spreadsheet. I have seen more than 10 films from 35 countries. My average rating for each of those ranges from 3 - 6.6 (congrats to New Zealand for being the only country with an average over 6.0).

Countries with an average rating of 5/10 or less (and how many films from that country I've seen):

5.0
Italy - 194
Czechoslovakia - 28
Brazil - 19

4.9
Mexico - 34
Russia - 18
Poland - 17

4.8
Thailand - 13

4.7
Hungary - 19

4.6
Finland - 10

4.4
Soviet Union - 57
India - 37
Taiwan - 19

3.9
Yugoslavia - 15

3.0
Turkey - 23


No surprises there really. These are definitely the countries I look least forward to and avoid often.

[Onderhond]

Wow, what happened to Taiwan? They make great films!

[mightysparks]

Wow, what happened to Taiwan? They make great films!

Clearly not

These are the ones I've seen:

Spoiler

6/10
Kong bu fen zi (1986)

5/10
Wo hu cang long (2000)
Du bi quan wang da po xue di zi (1976)
Bei qing cheng shi (1989)
Yi yi (2000)
Hai shang hua (1998)
Xi yan (1993)
Qing shao nian nuo zha (1992)

4/10
Gu ling jie shao nian sha ren shi jian (1991)
Ni na bian ji dian (2001)
Xia nü (1971)
Tong nien wang shi (1985)
Lian lian feng chen (1987)
Xi meng ren sheng (1993)
Ai qing wan sui (1994)
Nan guo zai jian, nan guo (1996)
He liu (1997)
Bu san (2003)

3/10
Shi cheng (2014)

Now I wish I had English language titles included in my spreadsheet... Also I don't remember any of them.

[Onderhond]

Mostly just the New Wave films it seems. It's a perfect spot-the-ICMer list

[OldAle1]

Mostly just the New Wave films it seems. It's a perfect spot-the-ICMer list

Maybe. I've seen a pretty similar list to what mighty has - nearly everything from Hou, Yang, Tsai - but of course my average rating is like 3-4 points higher. But I also saw most of those long before icm was a glimmer in anyone's eye. One thing a lot of people tend to forget is that icm developed out of "typical" cineastes' tastes, which weren't really that different (for good or ill) 30 years ago than when the site was created - though for younger people it might seem like the other way around now.

But I also of course loved your favorite Taiwanese film so there's hope for me yet

[sol]

If we are talking about countries that we have seen more than 5 films from:

Zimbabwe - seen seven movies from the African nation, none of which I have rated higher than a 6/10

If we are talking about countries that we have seen more than 100 films from:

Canada instantly springs to mind since I have purposely been watching low-rated Canadian films lately but I am honestly loving around half of what I am getting through and I adore body horror and Michael Snow, so this clearly isn't my worst country.

Worst country with 100+ watches is probably Australia. We have made a handful of excellent films over the years, but we also produce a lot of routine films about day-to-day living and tons of mediocrities, including stuff as The FJ Holden - probably the most questionable of several questions films on the Official AU list.

[Onderhond]

But I also saw most of those long before icm was a glimmer in anyone's eye.

Oh, definitely. I guess I used "ICMer" in a broader context, as someone who learns mostly about films through lists/critical recommends rather than personal digging. I understand these people existed before ICM did

For me it's probably Germany. I'm still looking for my first favorite from that country, I don't even have an idea where to begin though. I find their films usually a bit old-fashioned, even the ones that try to be more modern. I got close this weekend (Saw Polder, Swiss/German co-production), but again not quite polished/freaky enough for a real high rating. Tips are welcome!

[Armoreska]

Countries with an average rating of 5/10 or less (and how many films from that country I've seen).

Those are surprising countries. Yet no Portugal among them.
Poland is currently the World Cup all time leader.
Maybe you just watched their horror movies

[Mario Gaborović]

Don't keep any spreadsheets but I'd say Hong Kong for sure. I've got impression they always tried to copy US mainstream films which annoys me a lot.

[Mario Gaborović]

For me it's probably Germany. Tips are welcome!

Antikörper, I remember it was the first German film that really enjoyed. I don't see it's being recommended a lot.

[mightysparks]

Countries with an average rating of 5/10 or less (and how many films from that country I've seen).

Those are surprising countries. Yet no Portugal among them.
Poland is currently the World Cup all time leader.
Maybe you just watched their horror movies

Have only seen 6 films from Portugal, but my average is 4.7 so I'm sure it'll make it in there

I haven't followed the WC for years, but it doesn't surprise me that my opinion would differ. And I've only seen 3 Polish horror films.

Spoiler

6/10
Krótki film o milosci (1988)
Popiól i diament (1958)
Kanal (1957)
Córki dancingu (2015)

5/10
Krótki film o zabijaniu (1988)
Nóz w wodzie (1962)
Swiadectwo urodzenia (1961)
Pociag (1959)
Amator (1979)
Petla (1958)
Loving Vincent (2017)
Demon (2015)

4/10
Przesluchanie (1989)
Rekopis znaleziony w Saragossie (1965)
Matka Joanna od aniolów (1961)
Ida (2013)
Na wylot (1973)

[Mario Gaborović]

B, how do you count those country stats?

Would you share yours? At least somebody who had seen considerable amount of films and not basing his stand of few bad experiences.

I'd recommend you No Quarto da Vanda but noticing that you've already checked the film, indicates that you're not thrilled about it, are you...?

[Fergenaprido]

I'm a pretty generous rater, so for a country (or a year) to have an average below 7 I've either not seen enough or they've been pretty bad. Any country that I've seen at least 25 films from has an average of at least 7.10, so with the following cases it's most likely that I've simply not seen enough.

Stats for feature-length films only.

Lowest averages for countries with 10 or more films seen:
6.86 Thailand (10 films) - this surprises me actually, I thought it would have been higher - time to seek out more Thai films.
6.64 Finland (11 films)
6.54 Malaysia (10 films)
6.41 Greece (14 films)
5.83 Indonesia (19 films) - this is largely due to me watching all of the Putra-Suzzanna horror films from the 80s and 90s. They're so bad, but I just can't get enough of them. Excluding those, the average would be in the mid 6s (I've seen 7 of their films, with an average of 4.66).

Lowest averages for countries with less than 10 films seen:
6.40 a whole slew of countries are here
6.35 Turkey (8 films) - and I haven't even seen any of the Hababam films yet!
6.34 Cuba (7 films) - perhaps the widest ranging one on this list, with great highs and terrible lows.
6.20 Nigeria (1 film) - it was a non-Nollywood one.
6.03 Ukraine (6 films)
6.00 Angola (1 film)
5.80 Bahamas (1 film)
5.10 Uruguay (2 films)
3.40 North Korea (1 film) - Pulgasari!

And taking a different approach, and looking at the lowest highest-rated film instead of average (for countries from which I've seen at least 3 films), I get...
Portugal (8 films) 7.4 high - 4.0 low
Ukraine (6 films) 7.4 high - 4.6 low
Bolivia (3 films) 6.8 high - 5.8 low
Dishonorable mention: Uruguay (2 films) 5.6 high - 4.6 low

I know these countries have made some good films... I just haven't found them yet

Similar to Onderhond, I'm open to suggestions on what I should watch from any of these countries. But no horror

Films high on my watchlist from the aforementioned countries

Thailand - Onthakan [The Blue Hour], The Adventures of Iron Pussy, Taxi Triver, Fathers, Beautiful Boxer, and Sud sanaeha [Blissfully Yours] - Weerasethakul is hit and miss with me
Finland - Juha (1937), Inspector Palmu's Error, The Main Without a Pas, Elokuu [The Harvest Month], The Forester's Bride, and People in the Summer Night
Malaysia - Ola Bola, The Journey, Mukhsin, Gubra, and Muallaf
Greece - To potami [The River], Stella, Iphigenia, 1922, Mavro livadi [Black Field], and maybe Dogtooth
Indonesia - Naga bonar, Si mamad, Tjoet Nja' Dhien, Letter to an Angel, and maybe The Raid
Turkey - Yol, Bal, Sürü, Tenin Ardi, Mr. Gay Syria, Hababam Sinifi (but only the first one), and Ceylan's Uzak, Winter Sleep, and OUATI Anatolia
Cuba - Lucía, The Last Supper, and A Cuban Fight Against Demons
Nigeria - Ezra (though this may be British), Rag Tag, and I should probably watch a Nollywood film or two on Netflix or YouTube
Ukraine - Plemya [The Tribe], Golos travy [The Voice of Herbs], and Vechir Ivana Kupala
Angola - Sambizanga
Bahamas - none
Uruguay - Whisky, Migas de pan, and La perrerra
North Korea - none
Portugal - Diamantino, Rita ou Rito?..., Francisca, À Flor do Mar, and Morrer Como Um Homem
Bolivia - Dependencia sexual, Warawara, and El vertiente

[Armoreska]

B, how do you count those country stats?

Would you share yours? At least somebody who had seen considerable amount of films and not basing his stand of few bad experiences.

I'd recommend you No Quarto da Vanda but noticing that you've already checked the film, indicates that you're not thrilled about it, are you...?

It was a 4/10
Portugal = slow movies > I'm bored

[Onderhond]

Similar to Onderhond, I'm open to suggestions on what I should watch from any of these countries. But no horror

For Thailand, I would definitely try the work of Wisit Sasanatieng (Citizen Dog, Tears of the Black Tiger).

[Mario Gaborović]

Dishonorable mention: Uruguay (2 films) 5.6 high - 4.6 low

Uruguay - Whisky, Migas de pan, and La perrera

Please watch Gigante. Those ratings will soar.

[Mario Gaborović]

6.64 Finland (11 films)

I know some ratelifters here: Kuuma kissa and The Punk Syndrome come to mind first.

[beavis]

I came up with nothing on this... from every country that I've seen at least 5 movies from, there was some (and in a lot of cases mostly) good stuff found
Maybe you guys like to know what in my mind comes close to being a "bad movie country" then? -> South Africa, Morocco and, maybe, Egypt... maybe. And as I've seen less from most other African countries, you could say the entire continent (with Tunesia being the exception to the rule) is not on my wavelength...

[Mario Gaborović]

I came up with nothing on this... from every country that I've seen at least 5 movies from, there was some (and in a lot of cases mostly) good stuff found
Maybe you guys like to know what in my mind comes close to being a "bad movie country" then? -> South Africa, Morocco and, maybe, Egypt... maybe. And as I've seen less from most other African countries, you could say the entire continent (with Tunesia being the exception to the rule) is not on my wavelength...

Mr Uys has made a few good ones. Since he's a Boer while you're a Dutch, you two might be on the same wavelength

[OldAle1]

Egypt actually would be one of my most highly rated countries though with only a little over 20 films seen, not statistically meaningful. But Youssef Chahine and Henry Barakat were both great directors, and I have a soft spot for musicals and Egypt produced a bunch of those, and what I've seen has been solid. The only real disappointment I've had there is Eshtebak (2016) which everybody seems to like more than I did. South Africa has some good films but like the Philippines and Canada it was for a time a place where American schlock directors would go to shoot on the cheap so there's a lot of junk to wade through, particularly from the 80s. It's probably one of my lower-rated countries with 20+ seen actually. The only other countries from the continent that I've seen more than 10 films from are Tunisia (mostly good, not quite great) and Senegal (mostly great).

[beavis]

For me it's probably Germany. I'm still looking for my first favorite from that country, I don't even have an idea where to begin though. I find their films usually a bit old-fashioned, even the ones that try to be more modern. I got close this weekend (Saw Polder, Swiss/German co-production), but again not quite polished/freaky enough for a real high rating. Tips are welcome!

I have to say I really don't understand your taste, so I couldn't actually recommend something... but then I like Germany and a challenge, so for you, I think these are my best bets Germany wise:
Der Nachtmahr (2015)
Decoder (1984)
Lebenszeichen (1968)

[beavis]

I came up with nothing on this... from every country that I've seen at least 5 movies from, there was some (and in a lot of cases mostly) good stuff found
Maybe you guys like to know what in my mind comes close to being a "bad movie country" then? -> South Africa, Morocco and, maybe, Egypt... maybe. And as I've seen less from most other African countries, you could say the entire continent (with Tunesia being the exception to the rule) is not on my wavelength...

Mr Uys has made a few good ones. Since he's a Boer while you're a Dutch, you two might be on the same wavelength

only seen The Gods Must Be Crazy (1980), not very great, but I think I liked it as a child...?

from what I've seen from the country (8, not counting foreign co-productions), I liked Dust Devil (1992) and Jannie Totsiens (1970). The other ones were still good to just about ok, like the Gods must be Crazy, nothing really atrocious, but also nothing mind blowing. And there doesn't seem to be anything appetizing on my watchlist either.

[beavis]

Egypt actually would be one of my most highly rated countries though with only a little over 20 films seen, not statistically meaningful. But Youssef Chahine and Henry Barakat were both great directors, and I have a soft spot for musicals and Egypt produced a bunch of those, and what I've seen has been solid. The only real disappointment I've had there is Eshtebak (2016) which everybody seems to like more than I did.

I've seen only 11 from Egypt with Al-Khoroug lel-Nahar (2012) on top (also best movie for the entire continent) and Al-Mummia (1969) second. There were a few stinkers though: La Anam (1957), Al-Boustaguy (1968) and Kit Kat (1991). I liked those of Chahine I've seen, but it never blew me away (only Bab el Hadid (1958) and Siraa Fil-Wadi (1954) so far), from Barakat I've only seen Doa al Karawan (1959) and I liked that about the same. I need to see more of Chahine I think, and I'm sure there are some hidden gems for me still, but I've not digged deep yet.

[russa03]

Worst 12 countries I've seen more than 10 films, in descending order of quality:

Brazil
Portugal
Hong Kong
Scotland
Ireland
Chile
New Zealand
Israel
Argentina
Turkey
Norway
India

[Armoreska]

What kind of India movies have you been watching?

[russa03]

What kind of India movies have you been watching?

Well, a few recently. The first two were awful, next one poor and the latter were decent but nothing special. I'm someone who likes long films but no matter if it's mainstream or arthouse Indian films go on too long.

Gumnaam (1965)
Chupke Chupke (1975)
Bhumika (1977)
Mirch Masala (1987)
27 Down (1974)

[AdamH]

Worst 12 countries I've seen more than 10 films, in descending order of quality:

Scotland

[pitchorneirda]

What kind of India movies have you been watching?

Well, a few recently. The first two were awful, next one poor and the latter were decent but nothing special. I'm someone who likes long films but no matter if it's mainstream or arthouse Indian films go on too long.

Gumnaam (1965)
Chupke Chupke (1975)
Bhumika (1977)
Mirch Masala (1987)
27 Down (1974)

It seems like you're trying to watch the Indian movies available on Mubi that have the highest average rating, aren't you? I think the Indian mafia is quite present on Mubi and it's not a good idea to filter the movies this way

[russa03]

It seems like you're trying to watch the Indian movies available on Mubi that have the highest average rating, aren't you? I think the Indian mafia is quite present on Mubi and it's not a good idea to filter the movies this way

I never look at the ratings on MUBI so they don't influence me on whether i watch it. I tend to watch films on MUBI that are on an ICM list (3 of the ones i mentioned are) and if they aren't then if the film sounds interesting. This is just recently, overall I don't like Indian cinema. I don't think much of the most respected directors Ray and Dutt.

[Nathan Treadway]

Greece - To potami [The River]

[Fergenaprido]

It seems like you're trying to watch the Indian movies available on Mubi that have the highest average rating, aren't you? I think the Indian mafia is quite present on Mubi and it's not a good idea to filter the movies this way

I never look at the ratings on MUBI so they don't influence me on whether i watch it. I tend to watch films on MUBI that are on an ICM list (3 of the ones i mentioned are) and if they aren't then if the film sounds interesting. This is just recently, overall I don't like Indian cinema. I don't think much of the most respected directors Ray and Dutt.

I've also watched a lot of films from India on Mubi this year; I also don't really pay attention to the ratings there either. Here are my ratings for the 26 Indian films I've seen on Mubi this year; it's a mix of popular Bollywood and critically acclaimed dramas. I think most of them are still available through the library section.

in order of date seen, all in Hindi unless otherwise stated

7.4 - Amar Akbar Anthony (1977)
7.2 - Socha Na Tha (2005)
6.8 - Chhoti Bahu [Younger Daughter-in-Law] (1971)
8.0 - Tahader Katha [Their Story] (1992) (Bengali)
6.4 - Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
8.4 - Agantuk [The Stranger] (1991) (Bengali)
7.6 - Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (Who Am I to You...!) (1994)
5.2 - Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro [Who Pays the Piper] (1983)
6.6 - Namak Haraam [Ungrateful] (1973)
5.6 - Duvidha [In Two Minds] (1973)
7.6 - Masoom [Innocent] (1983)
7.8 - Awãra [Vagabond] (1951)
7.6 - Ram Teri Ganga Maili [God, Your River Is Tainted] (1985)
6.8 - Tahaan (2008)
7.6 - Gumnaam (1965)
7.4 - Dil [Heart] (1990)
7.6 - Mahal (1969)
6.8 - Maine Pyar Kiya [ I Fell in Love] (1989)
7.0 - Party (1984)
7.6 - Paying Guest (1957)
7.2 - Gaman [Departure][Going] (1978)
7.6 - Ankur [The Seedling] (1974)
7.6 - Devdas (1955)
7.2 - Pestonjee (1988)
6.0 - Anhey gorhey da daan [Alms for a Blind Horse] (2011) (Punjabi)
7.6 - Bhumika [The Role] (1977)

Most of them have been good or just okay. The only big favourite from there is Ray's Agantuk, but I also quite liked Tahader Katha. The only dislike for me is Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro, though a couple others came close. I plan to keep watching more this year while they're still available, and found a handy list that someone created which I'm checking against the official lists.

Also, check the runtimes of the long Indian films before you watch them. I've found some of the versions on Mubi missing up 15 minutes or more. And a lot of their Indian library comes from Shemaroo, and that studio also has a few official YouTube channels where they make their films available, sometimes with English subtitles.