Every list is an essay: why these films, and why this order.

The Chinese-Language Canon

Eight Chinese-language films, from Shanghai in 1934 to Hong Kong in 2000

8 FILMS

A Black-and-White Primer

Eight black-and-white films, made between 1928 and 1960

8 FILMS

A Fellini Primer

Three films, Fellini from 1954 to 1963

3 FILMS

Italian Neorealism

Three films from postwar Italy, shot on location with non-professionals

3 FILMS

The French New Wave

Three films from France, 1959 to 1962

3 FILMS

The Golden Age of Japanese Cinema

Six films from Japan, 1950 to 1954

6 FILMS

Silent Cinema's Last Light

Six silent films, 1922 to 1931

6 FILMS

Film Noir

Four films, 1931 to 1958

4 FILMS