It's summer travel season again, but not everyone has the time or cash to get on a plane and explore the world. 

The outstanding international titles that follow let you experience new sights and cultures from the comfort of your own couch. 

So take a trip, but make it cinematic!"

Mexico — "Solo Con Tu Pareja" (1991)

Alfonso Cuaron's debut film, a surprisingly buoyant black comedy, features an unlikely Lothario who takes a break from his amorous adventures just long enough to discover he may have been diagnosed with AIDS. This understandably gives him pause. Trust me, "Solo" is a lot funnier than the premise would suggest.

Czech Republic — "Kolya" (1996)

Through a series of unlikely incidents, a struggling cellist and confirmed bachelor finds himself caring for a five-year old boy named Kolya. At first put out by the kid's presence, soon these two unlikely comrades develop a friendship that changes the older man for the better, just when he thought change wasn't possible. "Kolya" — both the boy and the film — are real charmers.

Russia — "Russian Ark" (2002)

Aleksander Sokurov's dreamy, gorgeous feature transports us back to 19th century Russia, and a fantastical tour of St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum. Multiple personages, known and unknown, swirl in front of his camera. (The film was done in a single Steadicam shot!) No traditional narrative, but with such inspired cinematic eye candy, who cares?

Spain — "The Sea Inside" (2004)

This Oscar-winning, fact-based film concerns a paraplegic man (Javier Bardem), formerly an active fisherman and poet, who's tired of being helpless and dependent on others. Thus he fights for the right to die, with the help of a female lawyer (Belen Rueda) who feels conflicted about the whole issue, as well as the growing bond between her and her client.

Denmark — "Adam's Apples" (2005)

Another dark comedy, this one concerns a goodly pastor who's asked to mentor an unrepentant neo-Nazi. It seems this surly, poisonous thug has been assigned to do community service with him. Predictably, it's no picnic. Who will prevail in this struggle between good and evil? It's a lot of fun finding out.

France — "Tell no one" (2006)

This tense, twisty Hitchcockian homage has a pediatrician in hot water. While he's still grieving over his wife's murder near their lake house eight years before, two more bodies are found on the property, and he again becomes a suspect. Stranger still, he receives a videotape from his wife, who seems very much alive, warning him he's being watched. Just what is going on?

Germany — "A Woman in Berlin" (2008)

As Berlin falls in 1945, to avoid brutal rape by invading soldiers, a German female journalist enlists protection from a civilized Russian officer — in return for sex. Though he comes to care for her, given the circumstances there's no future in their relationship. Evocative, often brutal, always fascinating.

Norway — "Oslo, August 31st" (2011)

A recovering addict leaves rehab, and takes one last shot at reclaiming his life. He does a job interview, meets up with old pals, and repeatedly tries to reach an ex-girlfriend. But as events turn against him, we fear he may be sliding back into the abyss. This haunting drama stays with you.

China — "A Touch of Sin" (2013)

Four interwoven tales of random violence and brutality cast a disturbing light on the new China. As we witness regular working people react to being marginalized or dispossessed, we wonder whether in becoming a more consumerist society, this vast nation has lost its humanity, its soul. Be warned: not for the faint of heart. This film packs a wallop.