List by cronos
Let's Go Around the World by Best Directors.
This is a list idea I've been toying with for awhile. The 5 best films from the best directors from every country. I'll only use 1 director from each country. I plan on doing the same type of list for Cinematographer, Writer, Actor, and Actress as well. I love to show the diversity of film and maybe get people to look at films from countries you maybe haven't tried yet. Every country brings it's own unique style to each genre.
I am basing this on their country of birth only. If I've left out a country you feel should be added (or feel I'm wrong about one) just leave it in the comments.
I'd pick Nicholas Winding Refn for Denmark, Atom Egoyan for Canada, and Akira Kurosawa for Japan.
How about Peter Weir for Australia?
@Ryan - I debated on the big trio from Japan. Ozu, Kurosawa, and Mizoguchi. To me it comes down to influence and overall depth of their films. That is not to take away from either. Kurosawa clearly had a huge influence on Westerns. Ozu films are just simply brilliant - he is hugely underrated and as much a pioneer in style as Kurosawa.
As for the other two - Atom Egoyan was actually born in Egypt and not applicable for Canada (I'll add him for Egypt as I'm not sure I'd find someone better). Refn is just too new. He doesn't have the library - Though, Theodore is basically only know Passion and Vampyr, I still think that's enough to top Drive and Bronson.
Incidentally, Valhalla Rising was a gorgeous movie and by far my favorite of his catalogue.
@Steve - I'll add him to the list, I was going to add Luhrmann but decided against it. Weir, I think is a better director overall.
Ah, you're right about Egoyan. He did, however, grow up and live and make all his films in Canada, as far as I know.
Refn really isn't that new. He made Pusher in 1996 - over 1.5 decades ago, has 8 films under his belt, and each one show even more promise and maturity than the last. He's going to end up alongside the greatest directors of all time...mark my words.
I believe you are right about Egoyan shooting in Canada - I had a similar thing with Elia Kazan, very obviously he was an American, but he was born in Turkey. At least it gets them on the list.
I don't disagree with Refn being a great director. I love the level of visual form he creates. It's always pitch perfect for the film. It's insanely refined. As great as he is (I'm a huge fan of his work!) none of it can yet hold up to a film that people put in "greatest film of all time" talk. I do agree before he's done that will be his name.