I have enjoyed all movies by the Coen brothers (re: Serious man). Also Mika and Aki Kaurismäki have done brilliant movies.

I tend to watch movies from varying cultural spheres. I have trouble "getting" Israeli cinematography, and seriously do not get anything Bollywood!

I would tempt English speaking people venture way beyond US productions, and obviously British people beyond anything UK (brilliant stuff, but do open your mind). Soviet / Russian, Italian, Norwegian, Danish, older German cinema - all worth exploring.

As always, see the original if there was a remake, especially a Hollywood remake. Lots and lots of gems have been turned into mediocre puddings by the Americanization engine. Try any original Spanish movie with an edge and a later watered down remake for proof.