The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most important festivals in the world where some of the most prestigious directors showcase their films. Over the past few years a number of great films have premiered and have become considered Cannes Classics. The following list showcases some of Latin Post's recent favorite Cannes Films.

"The Tree of Life" -- Terrence Malick's film will always be remembered for its controversial opening. The movie was universally praised but was also booed by many pundits. The film, which starred Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, and Sean Penn, was admired for its visuals but at the same time traditional festival goers complained about the pacing and the experimental style. However, the movie surprisingly took home the top prize -- the Palme D'Or. The film later went on to be a commercial flop but was nominated for the Academy Awards for Best Picture. Malick's movie is difficult to digest especially if audiences are expecting a traditional narrative. This movie succeeds due to its soaring musical score, the dynamic and complex visuals created by Emanuel Lubezki and the naturalistic performances from its actors.  The movie features a breathtaking sequence of the creation of the world as well as of a baby being born. Throughout these beautiful sequences, Malick creates a spiritually moving film that is easily one of the greatest achievements for the director.

"4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" -- Back in 2007 Romania's Christian Mungiu brought this harrowing portrayal of abortion. The film tells the story of Gabita, a student who has a back-alley abortion, and the horrific consequences she and her friend Otilia suffer as a result in Ceausescu's Romania. The film was universally praised by critics when it premiered and it won the Palme D'Or. However when it was released in the U.S., the movie proved too harsh for the American audiences. Mungiu takes a number of risks in the film as most of the scenes are shot with wide-angle single takes. He barely cuts to close up and the result is a very raw movie that is off-putting at times. For example, d Mungiu has no qualms with showing how an abortion is made. The movie also features a riveting performance by Anamaria Marinca. Even if the film proves a hard watch it is an unforgettable experience that unfortunately did not get enough exposure in the U.S.

"No Country for Old Men" -- Most audiences will recognize the Coen Brothers film as the Academy Award winner of 2007. However its Academy run began at Cannes. The film was beloved by audiences and critics for its suspense and dry humor as well as for Javier Bardem's demonic villain Anton Chigurh who is easily one of the most memorable villains in quite a long time. Interestingly enough the movie went unrewarded at the Cannes Film Festival and almost under the radar. However the movie's later screenings at other festivals were where the awards buzz really took off.

"Inside Llewyn Davis" -- The Coens brought their A-game to the Festival last year in one of their greatest films. The movie tells the story of a young folk singer who navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961 and attempts to revive his career. The movie had a breakout performance by Oscar Isaac, who makes an unlikeable character sympathetic. Bruno Delbonnel's unsaturated cinematography was easily some of the most beautiful of last year. The production design evoked the 1960s to perfection. The movie went on to win the Grand Jury Prize and earn universal praise from critics worldwide. Unfortunately, U.S. audiences were sour toward the film and it became one of the biggest Indie flops of the awards season.

"Gomorrah" -- Matteo Garrone's crime drama is easily one of the most gritty and realistic features to come out of Cannes. The movie takes a look at Italy's modern crime families. What is fascinating about Garrone's tale is that he was able to bring together multiple tales of different ages and show how they all get involved in the mafia. It was also interesting how some of the crime family took part in the film and how Garrone mixed non-actors with professional actors. The outcome was an intense movie that won the Grand Prize Jury award at the festival.

"The Pianist" -- Roman Polanski's 2002 film will always be remembered for Adrien Brody's Oscar winning acceptance speech and for his breakout performance. However, the film first triumphed at Cannes by winning the Palme d'Or.  The movie opened at the festival to rapturous ovations and was critically acclaimed. Polanski's achievements go beyond the Brody performance. The director easily takes the World War II subject and creates a visually stunning work that is both sentimental and powerful. It is also a work that does not idolize or take sides.

"Amour" -- Michael Haneke's movie about aging and death went into the festival as a black horse. While the director had already won the Palme D'Or, the film was very subtle and could have easily been overshadowed by the likes of Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom" or John Hillcoat's "Lawless." However, "Amour" proved to be a devastating and resonating film that captured the suffering and last days of an aging couple. The film also featured incredibly beautiful performances by Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva. The result was a second Palme D'Or for Haneke; "Amour" also became one of the few foreign films to score Best Picture and Best Director nominations at the Academy Awards.