365 Days of French Movies

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365 Days of French Movies

Introduction Thank you for downloading a copy of this free e-book. I am thrilled with your interest in French culture, particularly in French cinema. If you are learning to speak French, watching movies is a great way to practice your listening skills and comprehension. It will also teach you a number of slang words and expressions spoken nowadays in France. Here in Talk in French, I always believe in the idea that learning the French language should be fun and engaging. This way, you will continue to be fully motivated to pursue learning French even when the lessons get more difficult and motivation gets exceedingly hard to come by. With the help of this list of movies, you will be able to infuse French films into your daily lessons. How to Use this e-Book? This e-book is divided into 12 sections covering the different months of the year. In each month, you will see one corresponding movie for each day. It’s your choice how you would want it, but you can: 1. Follow the movie recommendations for each day and at the end of the year, you would have been able to watch 365 French movies! 2. Take your pick from any of the listed movies. Feel free to choose which movie you would want to watch. Who knows, you might discover your next ultimate favourite French film here. 3. Surprise yourself by watching the movie suggestion for the day. For example, you opened this e-book on September 3: go to the September section and look for movie #3. The movie for September 3 is Désengagement. Now be totally spontaneous and go watch that film! Regardless of how you choose to use this e-book, the important thing is that you enjoy your foray into French cinema. Use it to practice your French, to inject some fun into your French lessons, or purely for enjoyment purposes. It’s up to you. Do you like this e-book? Don’t forget to follow Talk in French on the different social media channels. Also feel free to share this e-book with your friends. Email it to the Francophiles and movie geeks in your life; that would be totally fine. In fact, I would greatly appreciate it. For even more awesome FREE content, don’t forget to sign up to the Talk in French newsletter! Merci, Frédéric BIBARD Founder, TalkinFrench.com

Contents January ................................................................................................... 5 February ............................................................................................... 36 March ................................................................................................... 65 April ...................................................................................................... 97 June .................................................................................................... 157 July...................................................................................................... 188 August ................................................................................................ 219 September .......................................................................................... 251 October............................................................................................... 281 November ........................................................................................... 313 December ........................................................................................... 343

French Movies (January)

January 1. Les temps qui changent (Changing Times) Year: 2004 Director: André Téchiné Screenplay: André Téchiné, Laurent Guyot, Pascal Bonitzer

What lengths would you go to in order to look for the first love of your life? The chance of seeing them again and bringing them back into your life is slim, but the main character Antoine is ready to risk it. On a hopeless romantic whim, Antoine moves from France to Tangiers to track down her first love.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

2. Monsieur Lazhar Year: 2011 Director: Philippe Falardeau Screenplay: Philippe Falardeau

For our second film for this month, let us welcome an award-winning Canadian-French language movie Monsieur Lazhar. Monsieur Lazhar is about an Algerian immigrant who works as a teacher in an elementary school in Montreal. After a suicide tragedy at the school by one of the former teachers, Bashir Lazhar applies as the replacement. However, there are many struggles that await him teaching in a foreign school, in a foreign country.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

3. Nés en 68 (Born in 68) Year: 2008 Director: Olivier Ducastel, Jacques Martineau Screenplay: Catherine Corsini, Olivier Ducastel, Guillaume Le Touze, Jacques Martineau

The next film, Nés en 68, is all about the challenges faced when living in a revolutionary society. The dramatic events of May 1968 are featured in this film throughout the journey of three revolutionary students and the riots and protests they experience during this time. Starring Catherine, Yves, and Herve as three of the student protesters who seek change during the late 60s. May 1968 cast life into the shadows of civil unrest, and during this time the three students bond together in face of the difficult situation.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

4. Un amour de jeunesse (Goodbye First Love) Year: 2011 Director: Mia Hansen-Løve Screenplay: Mia Hansen-Løve

The film explores the themes of love through a teenage couple who grow apart because of their different personalities, goals and desires in life. Sullivan, the male protagonist, desires to learn more about himself by exploring the world. Camille, a studious fifteen year old girls falls for Sullivan’s attitude and ambition. Sullivan, however, is not interested in anything serious. His feelings for her grow, but his youthfulness desires to be a world explorer drive him to leave her. Camille descends into a state of depression at his abandonment, to the point of being suicidal. Eight years later and the question remains, if time can heal all wounds and if they can move on from their first love.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

5. La Bonne Année (Happy New Year ) Year: 1973 Director: Claude Lelouch Screenplay: Pierre Uytterhoeven

Love can happen at the most inappropriate times, as we find out in our fifth movie. Claude Lelouch plays with the idea of stealing someone’s heart in La Bonne Année. The main character, a thief gangster, finds a stumbling block in his career when planning a heist to rob an antique shop. Instead of stealing the items as he plans to, he accidentally loses his heart to Francoise, the intelligent and beautiful antique owner. He must change his scheming from robbing items to giving compliments in order to seduce his newfound love. How will this unplanned, and rather inconvenient love affair impact the heist?

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

6. La Reine Margot (Queen Margot) Year: 1994 Director: Patrice Chéreau Screenplay: Danièle Thompson, Patrice Chéreau

For movie number six we have a historical film to enjoy. La Reine Margot stars Isabelle Adjani, Daniel Auteuil, Virna Lisi, and Vincent Perez in the 16th century historical drama. During this period, an ongoing war rages between the Catholics and Protestant Huguenots who fight for power over France. Political control, religious disputes, arranged marriages and treachery surround the characters in the film. King Charles IX and his mother Catherine de Medici rule France, but are threatened by the Huguenot. In a bid to defeat the enemy, Catherine offers her daughter to marry Henri de Bourbon, a Huguenot king of Navarre. Murder, massacres and chaos ensue after this decision. La Reine Margot is an internationally co-produced film adapted on the historical novel of the same name written by Alexandre Dumas. The film received high praise in all countries it had been shown gaining a box-office success in the United States as well.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

7. Roman de Gare (Crossed Tracks) Year: 2007 Director: Claude Lelouch Screenplay: Claude Lelouch, Pierre Uytterhoeven

Also known as Crossed Tracks, Roman de Gare explores the life of ghostwriter. In this thriller-suspense film, Judith is a novelist who doesn’t know the true identity of her ghostwriter, who goes by the name of The Magician. As a frustrated writer, Judith just wants someone to have a best-selling book that would give her popularity and money. She isn’t interested in the identity of the ghostwriter. The worlds of fiction and reality combine as themes about serial killers and identity revelations occur. The twisted plot unfolds as the famous writer and the mysterious ghostwriter use their words to uncover the truth. French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

8. La Femme d’à côté (The Woman Next Door) Year: 1982 Director: François Truffaut Screenplay: Jean Aurel, Suzanne Schiffman, François Truffaut

Meeting up with an ex can always be awkward, but our 8th film takes it to a whole new level of discomfort. Bernard Coudray and Mathilde Bauchard don’t expect to meet up ever again after their break up, but fate has a different idea. After many years, they find out that they are not only living in the same neighbourhood, but next door to each other! The flame that they thought was extinguished comes alight after their awkward reunion. They must try to repress their past feelings for each other to save their current marriages. How will they handle the challenge of being torn between fiery love and love for their families?

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

9. Callas Forever Year: 2002 Director: Franco Zeffirelli Screenplay: Franco Zeffirelli and Martin Sherman

Number nine on our movie list is a biopic by Franco Zeffirelli about a well-known opera diva. Callas Forever tells the story of the life of Maria Callas. This famous opera singer died in 1977 due to heart failure and the film follows the last days of her life. As Callas ages, the once successful opera singer finds her voice starting to fade. However, she meets a longtime friend who gives her another opportunity to revive her fame. This comes at the cost of her integrity. Will she ignore her conscience and take the tempting offer? This film closely follows the theme of losing and regaining one’s identity through accepting who you are.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January) 10. Je m’appelle Hmmm …(My Name is Hmmm…. ) Year: 2013 Director: Agnes B. Screenplay: Agnès B., Jean-Pol Fargeau, Christopher Yggdre

The story revolves around a little girl who would never say her name. Running away from her dysfunctional family, she disappears during a field trip and befriends a truck driver.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January) 11. 9 Mois Ferme (9 Month Stretch) Year: 2013 Director: Albert Dupontel Screenplay: Albert Dupontel

The movie tells the story of Ariane Felder, a highly conservative and morally strict judge, who experiences an unplanned pregnancy. What complicates the situation further is that the father is an infamous criminal, Bob Nolan, played by Dupontel. How does she deal with the shame of knowing the father is a suspect on a murder case? Albert Dupontel won Best Director and Best Actor for this movie, while the film received multiple positive reviews and various award nominations.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

12. Le Vilain Year: 2009 Director: Albert Dupontel Screenplay: Albert Dupontel

This comedy film is about a villainous bank robber, Korazy who attempts to stay safe by hiding out in his old neighbourhood. However, his mother has issues with his mischievous past activities and is eager for him to repent his sins. To his mother’s dismay, Korazy values his life of crime more than he does his promise to his family. The film unfolds in his comical situation where Korazy must deal with the police running after him, hiding from his mother’s oath of repentance and a witty property developer. Laugh along as he has to carefully plan his next move to stay safe!

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

13.LOUISE-MICHEL (Louise Hires a Contract Killer) Year: 2008 Director: Gustave de Kervern, Benoît Delépine Screenplay: Gustave de Kervern , Benoît Delépine

Louise is an ex con and has recently been fired from a children’s clothing factory without any notice. Frustrated by the injustice, she decides to take the law into her own hands. To get revenge on the company, she seeks to get rid of the man who forced her into unemployment. To do this, she hires Michel. Unfortunately, she is duped by Michel’s fraudulent way. He is incapable of finishing the job and hires some dubious novices. The movie depicts a vicious cycle of taking advantage of one another as it attacks the deeper connotations of this capitalistic society. In a harsh way, viewers witness the disadvantages of being part of the lower class society and the “measures” they are forced to take.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

14.Elle s’en va (On My Way) Year: 2013 Director: Emmanuelle Bercot Screenplay: Emmanuelle Bercot, Jérôme Tonnerre

Bettie is a restaurant owner and former beauty queen. Living with her daughter, grandson and elderly mother, Bettie struggles to find her independence as they always interfere in her life. She is caught up in a love affair with a married businessman who promises divorce so that they can be together. These prove to be empty promises as he seeks a younger mistress. Bettie embarks on a long drive to an unplanned destination as her life spirals out of control around her. During her journey, she finds herself marveling at parts of France she has never seen before and makes new friends along the way. Is Bettie running away from love on her journey, or towards it?

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

15. Artemisia Year: 1997 Director: Agnès Merlet Screenplay: Patrick Amos, Agnès Merlet, Christine Miller

French, Italian and German cinematography combine to bring us our 15th film. Artemisia revolves around the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, a female Italian Baroque painter who lived in 1593-1653. During this time, women artists had many restrictions, including being forbidden to study in the Academy and paint naked bodies. Artemisia was protected and guided by her influential father, Orazio Gentileschi, and was able to develop her art skills. Her curiosity to view male bodies and paint them leads her to seek out male volunteers to pose as models in exchange for a kiss. Artemisia became one of the first well-known female painters of her time and created a legacy of feminism. She is renowned as the epitome of a modern woman who takes control of her life and circumstances.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

16. Quai d’Orsay (The French Minister) Year: 2013 Director: Bertrand Tavernier Screenplay: Christophe Blain, Abel Lanzac

Alexandre is not your ordinary French Minister. He is tall, stylish, charming and intelligent. As the Minister of Foreign Affairs in France, he is ambitious and determined to overcome powerful technocrats. To do this, he espouses three diplomatic concepts: legitimacy, lucidity, and efficacy. Alexandre is determined to win the war against the Neo-cons, corrupt officials, and fraudulent criminals. On the other hand, there is a young graduate of the prestigious National School of Administration, Arthur Vlamnick. He is hired to write the speeches of the minister, but he has to learn in addition the complex system running in the hallways of Quai d’Orsay. French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

17.Monsieur Ibrahim et les Fleurs du Coran (Monsieur Ibrahim and the Flowers of the Koran) Year: 2003 Director: François Dupeyron Screenplay: François Dupeyron

Our next film, number seventeen, is a touching cross-cultural film. Starring Omar Sharif, Monsieur Ibrahim is a French movie adaptation of the book and play written by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt. The story revolves around the growing relationship between an elderly Turkish man, Ibrahim Demirci and a younger Jewish boy, Moise Momo, most commonly known as Momo. Ibrahim is running a grocery store in a lower class neighborhood in the 1960s in Paris. Momo is living with his father, who has depression, in a small apartment across the street. Since Momo lacks the paternal love that he needs, he finds it instead with Ibrahim. The death of Momo’s father leads to the opportunity for Ibrahim to adopt the boy. They return to Ibrahim’s hometown where Momo learns more about Muslim and Ibrahim’s culture.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

18.Enfermés dehors (Locked Out) Year: 2006 Director: Albert Dupontel Screenplay: Albert Dupontel, Guillaume Laurant

Albert Dupontel is back for movie number eighteen, which tells a story of desperation to change one’s identity. Roland is a homeless man who stumbles across a deserted policeman’s uniform. Hungry and desperate, he wears the police uniform in order to gain access to the police’s canteen. To be convincing in this, he must act like a police man and maintain peace and order in the community. As he becomes more comfortable in his new identity, Roland eventually becomes involved in high-profile cases.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

19.La vie devant soi (Madame Rosa) Year: 1977 Director: Moshe Mizrahi Screenplay: Romain Gar

The story centres on Madame Rosa, an aging and former Jewish prostitute who is an Auschwitz survivor. She now makes ends meet by living off a meagre income babysitting the children of younger prostitutes. One of these children, Momo, an Arab boy, is living under her custody. He hasn’t seen his parents in years. In her aging state, Momo is the only thing that brings Madame Rosa joy and happiness. Despite the hardships she has faced in her life, Momo teaches her to love selflessly and value the meaning of family.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

20. Potiche (Trophy Wife) Year: 2010 Director: François Ozon Screenplay: François Ozon

Our twentieth film delves into the themes and questions surrounding gender equality in politics and business back in the 1970s. Francois Ozen takes the concept of the typical trophy housewife back in 1977 and puts an interesting spin on it. Suzanne Pujol, played by Catherine Deneuve, finds herself under bizarre circumstances substituting for her husband in his position at a factory when the workers go on strike. With a new attitude and approach, Suzanne changes many aspects in the management of the company and the treatment of workers. She proves herself to be a competent female leader. However, conflict arises when her husband wants to take back his position. This movie depicts the struggles of women to make themselves heard in workplace politics in the 1970s.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

21. Mr. X, le cinéma de Leos Carax (Mr Leos caraX) Year: 2014 Director: Tessa Louise-Salomé Screenplay writer: Tessa Louise-Salome ,Chantal Perrin-Cluzet , Adrien Walter

The film/documentary is about the life of solitary French filmmaker Leos Carax who became an icon in the world of cinema.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January) 22. Fanny (2013) Director: Daniel Auteuil Screenplay writers: Daniel Auteuil

The themes of strength, faith and love intertwine in film number twenty-two as we watch the story of Fanny unfold. Fanny finds herself in complex circumstances as she has fallen pregnant to a man who abandoned her. Despite this, she tries to remain a firm believer in true love. With so many societal expectations and perspectives surrounding her, Fanny struggles to stick to her beliefs. This touching film is all about learning to love, trusting the promises of those you care about, and having faith that it is possible to embrace the challenges, flaws and beauty of a person.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

23. Alceste à bicyclette (Bicycling with Moliere) Year: 2013 Director: Philippe Le Guay

Serge is a proud man who doesn’t like to compromise his beliefs. His independent and stoic mannerisms are confronted when he meets a woman who changes his perspectives on life. Watch the story unfold as Serge is forced to question things he has always been certain of. The process of caring for another person changes his outlook on the world, but will this be a good thing for Serge?

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January) 24. Une vieille maîtresse (The Last Mistress) Year: 2007 Director: Catherine Breillat Screeenplay: Jules-Amédée Barbey d’Aurevilly and Catherine Breillat

Ryno and Hermangarde are newlyweds in Une Vielle Maitresse and their new life together is off to a rocky start. The reappearance of Ryno’s former Spanish mistress raises many questions and puts some shaky ground between him and his new wife. In the ultimate test of their marriage, Hermangarde must trust her new husband and have faith in his love for her. This is made all the more difficult by the Spanish mistress threatening to reveal more details of her past with Ryno.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

25. L’ivresse du pouvoir (Comedy of Power) Year: 2006 Director: Claude Chabrol Screenplay: Odile Barski

A magistrate Jean Charmant Killman investigates a corporate executive responsible for a significant misuse of corporate assets. But this sensitive investigation raises concerns in the politics and business community. Pressures and intimidation are taking place to stop this nosy judge. But it is too late to act. Drunk with the power, Judge Killman is determined to go through with her investigation. She is ready to sacrifice everything including her safety and even her husband.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

26. Adorables Créatures Year: 1952 Director: Christian Jaque Screenplay writer: Charles Spaak

Andrei is a youthful 21 year old looking for love. Surprisingly loves shows itself in Christine, a much older woman who is married with two children. Andrei and Christine embark on a passionate love affair. They plan to reconcile after Christine divorces her husband. However, fate and the complexities of feelings get in the way, as they both meet new people along their journey back to each other.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

27. Les ambitieux (Ambitious) Year: 2006 Director: Catherine Corsini Screenplay writer: Catherine Corsini , Benoît Graffin

Julien is a focused and determined writer with hopes of becoming published one day. He is often blinded by ambition and makes some mistakes along the way. His latest mistake was embarking on a relationship with the daughter of the editor. Rather than advancing his career as he might have hoped, he finds some complex circumstances happening around him. Julien’s world is suddenly filled with confusion and mistrust from the women in his life and he still struggles with becoming published. His only hope is his past mistakes won’t ruin his future prospects.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January) 28. L’animal (The Animal) Year: 1977 Director: Claude Dizi Screenplay writer: Claude Dizi and writer Michel Audiard , Dominique Fabre and Claude Zidi

Mike Gaucher is a stuntman, happily in love and about to marry his coworker Jane. Unfortunately Jane has some doubts about the upcoming marriage and begins to question if Mike is good enough for her, causing her to run away. Mike then meets another beautiful woman who appears to be out of his league. He doesn’t know what he can offer her, but falls hopelessly in love with her anyway. This film explores the dilemmas of pursuing someone who isn’t the same social class and gives hopes for the possibilities of love beyond societal expectations.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

29. Crime d’amour (Love Crime) Year: 2010 Director: Alain Corneau Screenplay writer: Alain Corneau and Natalie Carter

For number twenty-nine, we have a suspense thriller with an interesting twist. Christine and Isabelle are office workmates. However, ambition and greed get in the way of this as Isabelle steals Christine’s project and claims it as her own. Christine, angered by this betrayal, plots a mischievous plan against Isabelle. A series of mind games ensue as the women deal with the consequences of betrayal.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

30. Une part du ciel (A Piece of Sky) Year: 2002 Director: Benedicte Lienard Screenplay writer: Benedicte Lienard

Our thirtieth movie is a French-Belgian film by Benedicte Lienard. Une Part du Ciel tells the story of Claudine and Joanna, two very opposite women. Claudine is a union worker and Joanna is her friend, who is in prison. Joanna needs Claudine to testify for her, but Claudine refuses because it may risk her reputation. A friendship is jeopardized by politics and social statuses in an unfair way.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (January)

31.Sequins (A Common Thread) Year: 2004 Director: Éléonore Faucher Screenplay writer: Éléonore Faucher, Gaëlle Macé

Our final film for the month is a story of friendship and the way it impacts our lives. Eleonore Faucher explores the foundations of friendships by asking how friendship begins, and if it is founded on more than just common interests and personal connection. The protagonist Claire finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and moves to a new town. Madam Melikian has just suffered the loss of her son due to an accident. The two form an unlikely relationship and begin to bond. Over time, their friendship grows deeper as they start to appreciate and value each other’s presence in their lives.

French Movies (January)

French Movies (February)

February 1. Paris Directed: Cédric Klapisch Written: CédricKlapisch

Cédric Klapisch’s movie is about peeping into somebody else’s life without permission. Looking one way you see Pierre, a superb dancer, who happens to suffer from a heart disease. He’s stuck in time, day by day waiting for a new heart that will (or won’t?) save his life. What can you do while balancing between life and death? Explore life around you, from the window of the world you’re settled in. That’s what Pierre does day and night…. Looking the other way you see Pierre’s sister Elise, busy with three kids and their brother who’s in need of her care. You see an old man trying to hook a young chick from his class. You see Parisians who are reflected in Pierre’s eyes while dancing in the City of Light. C’est la vie. You make your own happy ending – what a gem from Cédric Klapisch!

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

2. De Rouille et d’Os (Rust and Bone) Directed: Jacques Audiard Written: Jacques Audiard

This movie is a “must watch” for those who believe in soulmates. Two people struggling through tough times find happiness together in a romance-filled story. While staying at her sister’s place in Antibes, Sophie meets Alain, who’s a whale trainer with a tragic past. The two life wanderers have a solid soul-connection especially when Stephanie gets over the hardest heartbreak of her entire life.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

3. L’Écume des Jours (Mood Indigo) Directed: Michel Gondry Written: Michel Gondry, Luc Bossi

Two young for-ever-in-love people enjoy their paradise on earth. One day Chloe finds out there’s a water lily growing in her lung. In order to get money to pay for the bills in a surrealistic version of French capital, Colin deals with the most absurd jobs. An impressive and attention-hooking story line combined with Michel Gondry’s creativity turns into a surreal never-to-be-forgotten movie!

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

4. Thérèse Desqueyroux Directed: Claude Miller Writers: François Mauriac, Claude Miller

An exquisitely tasteful, amazingly pretty and equally dour picture of how oppressive bored and apathetic the life of a provincial bourgeoisie can be! The film is set in the middle of the magnificent nature that surrounds the heroine. n a 1962 setting, everything that surrounds Therese is her own prison: half-hearted marriage to the man who seems absolutely indifferent, the unwanted baby and the thoughts that keep roaming through Therese’s mind.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

5. Entre les Murs (The Class) Directed: Laurent Cantet Written: Laurent Cantet, François Bégaudeau, Robin Campillo

This exhilarating Oscar-nominated plot is based on a book written by a former teacher, who actually performs in the movie. It certainly gives more life and authenticity to the film. François is tough in his teaching methods, yet, he’s fair with each student. Unfortunately, one day his methods are being challenged by the class and put to the strictest test.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

6. Taxi Directed: Gérard Pirès Written: Luc Besson

Taxi is considered to be one of the favorite Gérard Pirès movies by many. Taxi driver Daniel makes a solid deal with a police officer Emilien in order to get out of a serious traffic offense. A co-operation quickly turns into a friendship as two guys happen to be in pursuit of dangerous German bank robbers.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

7. La Vie d’Adèle – Chapitres 1 & 2 (Blue Is the Warmest Color) Directed: Abdellatif Kechiche Written: Abdellatif Kechiche, Ghalia Lacroix

If you’re looking for something emotionally charged drama, look no further. 15-year-old Adèle is trying hard to face up to her upcoming adulthood and finally experience her first love. One day she meets Emma and the merry-go-round starts to pick up its speed! Sex is in the air. Everything that two young women do on the screen is an absorbing drama. Hearts will break, but eventually life will go on.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

8. La Femme Nikita (Nikita) Directed By: Luc Besson

For some fierce action and heart-tugging drama, la Femme Fatale Nikita is your best bet. See how a fragile female’s life can turn upside down in an instant with this classic action flick.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

9. Un Monstre à Paris (A monster in Paris) Directed: Bibo Bergeron Written: Bibo Bergeron

Watch the animated version of Vanessa Paradis wow audiences with her lovely butterfly wings outfit. The 3D version perfectly captures the enchanting and mysterious Paris of 1910. The movie features a shy but lovable monster and a wonderful singer caught in the midst of an adventurous love story. The 3D version is awesome and kicks ass but 2D version is remarkable all the same.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

10. Je t’aime, Je t’aime (I Love You) Directed: Alain Resnais Written: Jacques Sternberg

This is defintiely one of the most underrated films of all time from director Alain Resnais. After a failed suicide, Rich (Claude Ridder) is visited by two strangers who invite him to test an experiment. Rich is offered to travel into the past to find out whether he can recall a certain moment of his life. A witty sci-fi time-traveling film combined with a poetic love-story that is perfectly played out by a genius cast.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

11. La môme (La vie en rose) Directed: Olivier Dahan Written: Olivier Dahan

The most memorable songs from the 40s wouldn’t be the classics that they are now without the one and only Edith Piaf. Travel in time with Ms. Piaf’s enduring music and Marion Cotillard’s Oscar-winning performance that will without a doubt, leave traces in the history of cinematography. French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

12. Léon Directed: Luc Besson Written: Luc Besson

One of the top 10 best action movies made in France; a “must-watch” for every film-addict! “Leon” features a sweet Natalie Portman, who surprisingly makes friends with a hitman within the local Mafia. Jean Reno is adorable as brave Leon, the big-hearted man who slowly opens up his door and his heart for Mathilda, whose family is slaughtered by a dishonest policeman.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

13. Mes Amis, Mes Amours (My friends, my loves) Directed: Lorraine Lévy Written: Philippe Guez, Lorraine Lévy, Marc Lévy

A comedy with a French twist passes all the tests with its hilarious plot and top cast. In everyday life of old friends Mathias and Antoine, nothing is the way it used to be. Since the two guys moved in together in London, they need to somehow cooperate in establishing house rules, raising kids and getting along with the ladies. But while making a “house rules” list everything runs smoothly, handling affairs with females is another matter!

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

14. Les Aventures Extraordinaires d’Adèle Blanc-Sec (The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec) Directed: Luc Besson Written: Luc Besson, Jacques Tardi

The tale opens with a witty and charming Adèle Blanc-Sec, who happens to be on her mission in Egypt, trying to find a sarcophagus in order to get it back to Paris. At the same time, a fragile but brave enough lady fends off snags organized by archaeologist Dieuleveult. While Adele somehow balances on both fronts, a Parisian scientist with magical powers to cure Adele’s sister accidentally lets out Pterodactyl in the middle of Paris! Cartoonish old-school fun coming from the comic-books is a chaotic and free-spirited adventure that mixes up the best OMG moments from Indiana Jones and Victorian–era Paris charm! French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

15. Jeune & Jolie (Young & Beautiful) Directed: François Ozon Written: François Ozon

A young 17-year-old, sweet and girly Isabelle is on her summer vacation with all the family members when alll of a sudden she is thrust into the grown-up life. The young lady loses her virginity and once she gets back home, she makes a life as a prostitute and bonds with one of the clients. A sexually awakening story line, but still sensationally enigmatic for many.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

16.Le Fabuleux destin d’Amelie Poulain (The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain) Directed: Jean-Pierre Jeunet Written: Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Guillaume Laurant

Known among movie addicts just as “Amelie”, this film is without a doubt a number one chick flick. An interactive, fun and even touching movie from 2002 reveals the story of a shy Frenchdemoiselle and her fabuleux life in Paris. If you’re not in love yet with “Amelie”, you are guaranteed to fall for the movie right after the first few minutes.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

17. Amour Directed: Michael Haneke Written: Michael Haneke

A heartfelt love story of two octogenarians Anne and Georges. This loving couple are peacefully enjoying everyday life in retirement until one day when the woman has a small stroke. When Anne gets back from the clinic, one side of her body is paralyzed. See how eternal love goes through ages and is put to the test when hard times come.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

18. Intouchables (The Intouchables) Directed: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano Written: Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano

No raunchy jokes or chick-flick stuff here. This is a touching but at the same time thoughtprovoking story that shows how close two individuals can become despite being on opposite sides of the social scale. An aristocrat with a serious diagnosis and a street-smart know-it-all: two different lives – one heartwarming companionship!

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

19. Le Magasin des Suicides (The Suicide Shop) Directed: Patrice Leconte Written: Patrice Leconte, Jean Teulé

Imagine the city, where people have lost all desires for living. A grey graveyard of skyscrapers and misery! And in the middle of the doomed-to-death world unexpectedly appears … a suicide shop! All the desperate individuals are welcome to the store of Lucrèce, Mishima and their kids. The Adams-like family makes business on selling various ingredients that one can take to end a thrice-hated life. A hilarious project for all the very-very dark humored fans!

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

20. Le Jouet (The Toy) Directed: Francis Veber Written: Francis Veber

A step-by-step guidance on how to play somebody else’s life when you’re up to your neck with money. When François, a humble journalist is wandering in a huge store trying to catch inspiration for a new article, he turns into a new toy in the store owned by Rambal-Cochet’s son. What should you do when your despotic boss is hanging over you as a dark cloud? Just what François did! Say “yes” to the entire masquerade. Still the end impresses even the most sarcastic movie fans, when François makes friends with a kid showing him how tyrannical his father’s life is.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

21. Le Scaphandre et le papillon (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly) Directed: Julian Schnabel Written: Ronald Harwood, Jean-Dominique Bauby

In this heartfelt memoir, the “Elle” magazine editor Jean-Dominique Bauby weaves an engaging story of his struggle with Locked-in Syndrome. Communicating with the outer world only through a speech therapist, “Jean-Do” was still able to write a compelling book that hooks you from the beginning til the end.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

22.Le premier jour du reste de ta vie (The First Day of the Rest of Your Life) Directed: Rémi Bezançon Written: Rémi Bezançon

You’re welcome to spend five random days in a French family. The lives of its members are spread out over a dozen years. The plot shows all the ups and downs of family life in a comedydrama perspective. A funny and sometimes painfully honest story about growing up, being a parent, living and dying.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

23. Paris, Je t’Aime (Paris, I Love You) Directed: Olivier Assayas, Frédéric Auburtin Written: Olivier Assayas, Frédéric Auburtin

“Paris Je T’Aime” is a mixture of 18 miniatures, each concentrated in a different part of Paris and presented by a different director and cast. A juicy-tasting menu includes a great variety of amuse-bouches. 20 much-admired movie-makers from all around the globe examine eternal love sur le ciel de Paris in their own way. “Paris Je T’Aime” could be easily used as a multi-colored brochure for the travelers: the Seine banks are attracting lovers for rendezvous, La Tour Eiffel sparkles in the dark, but the City of Lights we see in the film looks unreal and hectic.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

24. L’ Idole (The Idol) Directed: Samantha Lang Written: Gérard Brach, Samantha Lang, Michel Tournier

One day a new tenant enters an old house in Paris. A charming young actress from Australia changes the world of every person in the house. Sarah’s life habits drive the tenants crazy: the girl makes love too loudly and the door of her apartment is never closed. Only old wise Chinese Zhao knows that the “newbie” is going to end her life. Fascinated by passion and misery of his new pal, Zao offers Sarah a magical Chinese cure for her melancholy…

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

25. La Boum! (The Party) Directed: Claude Pinoteau Written: Danièle Thompson, Claude Pinoteau

First kiss. First love. First heart break. When you look into the pretty eyes of Sophie Marceau, you do believe in everything popping up on the blue screen. Everyone has a story in La Boum! Sweet 13 year old Vic is a newbie in her school. With a good friend of hers she’s on the lookout for the big love. Vic’s mom and dad are dealing with their own love misfortunes while a witty grandma Poupette works out her grandchild’s life. The sensational comedy is called one of the best that has ever been created by French filmmakers!

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

26. La Double Vie de Véronique (The Double Life of Véronique) Directed: Krzysztof Kieslowski Written: Krzysztof Kieslowski

The movie “The Double Life of Véronique” provides you with the inside look into the life story of two young women, who turn out to be…in an unexplainable, irresolvable and odd way…the same female stuck between two lives, which are mysteriously interconnected.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

27. Rien à Déclarer (Nothing to Declare) Directed: Dany Boon Written: Dany Boon, Yaël Boon

Hollywood just doesn’t provide enough record-breaking stories, but Dany Boon does! A gagfilled movie Rien à Déclarer happens to be the number one French hit of 2011! Set in the early 90’s, the comedy reveals the story of a Francophobe Belgian and his French nemesis, who are being forced to team up to fight against the drug dealers. A cheesy and always en vogue comedy.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

28. À Gauche en Sortant de l Ascenseur (Door on the Left as You Leave the Elevator) Directed: Édouard Molinaro Written: Gérard Lauzier , Gérard Lauzier

See how complicated life can turn out to be in the wink of an eye! A successful artist is waiting for his date Florence at his apartment. But when the doorbell rings, Yan faces a half-naked lady on his threshold. His neighbor Eva locks herself out of the flat and needs help desperately. The plot picks up speed when Florence and Eva’s hellishly jealous man Boris pops up on Yan’s doorstep!

French Movies (February)

French Movies (February)

29. Dheepan Directed by: Jacques Audiard Written by: Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, and Noé Debré

This award-winning crime-drama released on September 2015 revolves around the story of three Tamil refugees who came to France from war-torn Sri Lanka in the hopes of starting a new life. Sivadhasan, a Tamil Tiger soldier in the Sri Lankan civil war, flees his country using a dead man’s passport, and is joined by a woman who had to pose as his wife, and a 9-year old girl posing as their daughter. This film is hailed as one of the best French movies in 2015 and even won the coveted Palme d’Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

French Movies (February)

French Movies (March)

March 1. Sauve qui peut (la vie) Directed : Jean-Luc Godard Written :Anne-Marie Miéville, Jean-Claude Carrière

A stunning return to the cinema of director Jean-Luc Godard, the film looks at the everyday life of three people: Paul Godard (TV producer), Denise Rimbaud (Paul’s ex-gf and co-worker) and Isabelle Riviera (a prostitute once frequented by Paul). The film is divided into three parts, focusing on the three main characters.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

2. Angélique, marquise des anges Directed : Bernard Borderie Written : Anne Golon, Serge Golon, Claude Brule, Bernard Borderie, Francis Cosne

This film is based on the 1956 novel of the same title. Hilarious and romantic, this story set in 17th century France will give any contemporary chick flick a run for its money.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

3. Les parapluies de Cherbourg (The Umbrellas of Cherbourg) Directed : Jacques Demy Written: Jacques Demy

Les Parapluies de Cherbourg has successfully stood the test of time just as Deneuve’s beauty has. Jacques Demy’s 1964 brilliant work is a pop-art love-opera / movie in song. This juicy romantic story is born in 1957 and tells the story of a girl who picks between waiting for her lover and accepting a marriage offer from a rich guy. A bitter-sweet movie set to Michel Legrand’s fabulous music!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

4. 37,2 le matin (Betty Blue) Directed : Jean-Jacques Beineix Written By : Jean-Jacques Beineix, Philippe Djian

The “372 le Matin” movie is a colorful and swirling—-but at the same time, harsh—story. It’s the all-time-greatest movie début of model Dalle as an anxious babydoll who can’t link reality to her personal perception of a happy life. The movie centers on a love affair that slowly descends into madness and shows the difficulties of being a free-spirited sexual femme.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

5. L’ appartement (The Apartment) Directed : Gilles Mimouni Written : Gilles Mimouni

An enigmatic French thriller that dazzles you with its Hitchcock-like lines and complexity. First you see Max, who’s on his way to Tokyo. The main character lives in Paris and never stops flirting with young women. Cutting from the old life, Max is about to tie the knot. By chance he runs into his young-and-sweet love Lisa. As cupid takes his shot, Max forgets about everything else. Being obsessed with Lisa, Max finds out where the lady’s apartment is and hides in there. A different femme Alice finds an unexpected guest and things take a complicated turn.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March) 6. Un homme et une femme (A Man and a Woman) Directed : Claude Lelouch Written : Pierre Uytterhoeven

Enjoyable and heart-melting, “UnHomme et Une Femme” is a classy mosaic of ecstasies and inner agonies of two lonely people with kooky careers and private pains. A real smash hit in the world of cinematography, this film was eye-catching in 1966 and still hooking die-hard fans until now.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

7. Le hérisson (The Hedgehog) Directed : Mona Achache Written : Mona Achache, Muriel Barbery

As the story opens, you see 11-year-old Paloma thinking about committing suicide on her twelfth birthday. The girl lives and breathes philosophy and art and documents pretty hilarious thoughts about the world around her. As Paloma’s date with Death comes up, the young lady suddenly meets acquaintances that turn her life’s viewpoints up-side-down.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

8. Sans soleil (Sunless) Directed : Chris Marker Written : Chris Marker

The brilliant “Sans Soleil” movie is more of an experimental, intuitive film. Presented as a mosaic of bizarre moments taken from a long trip to Tokyo featuring small rituals and silent agreements between the plot and the camera. An unforgettable movie and truly a different kind of experience.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

9. La vie de Jésus (The Life of Jesus) Directed : Bruno Dumont Written : Bruno Dumont

This film is good enough to be French film virgins’ first contact with French cinema. Covering a social project about everyday life in the north of France, the story revolves around Freddy and his pals who are both jobless. They kill time by wandering around and getting into mix-ups with Arabic immigrants. Freddy falls for Marie, a supermarket cashier, and as it usually happens, the girl’s heart belongs to someone else. French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

10. Martyrs Directed : Pascal Laugier Written : Pascal Laugier

An absolute recommendation for fans of the horror genre! More than any other horror work, “Martyrs” evokes different levels of emotion. Are you ready to get excited, provoked or disturbed? This is for you. Just a short health warning. If you’ve got a weak stomach, stay away from this. “Martyrs” is a perfect mix of “Hostel” gore, “Heavenly Creatures” female friendship & Polanski’s “The Apartment” creepiness. But what you actually see on the screen is a deeply touching parade of human conditions. French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

11. Le prénom (What’s in a Name?) Directed : Alexandre de La Patellière, Matthieu Delaport Written : Alexandre de La Patellière

Are you about to deal with diapers and bibs? Take a minute to peep into Vincent’s life. A slick real-estate agent is getting ready to be a dad. When hanging out with childhood pals to discuss the future kid’s name, jaws drop and there goes the scandal!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

12. Les compères Directed : Francis Veber Written : Francis Veber

When your problem son runs away from home, first thing you do is…get into contact with your ex-lovers. Wait—what? How about to convince two old boyfriends – a ninny hypochondriac and a rough journalist – that each of them is the runaway’s father? When the police are out of action, two exes will do the job! But…what happens when they all meet up?

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

13.De battre mon coeur s’est arrêté (The Beat that My Heart Skipped) Directed : Jacques Audiard Written : Jacques Audiard, ToninoBenacquista, James Toback

A film manual on how to make the right choices in your life. Will Thomas dive deeper into the criminal world? Or, will he get closer to his dream of becoming a … pianist? Find out!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

14.17 filles (17 Girls) Directed : DelphineCoulin, Muriel Coulin Written : DelphineCoulin, Muriel Coulin

How to turn a small town into a chaotic mess? Camille will show you the way. When a high school chick accidentally gets pregnant, 16 of her classmates decide to do the same. Inspired by true events!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

15.Trois couleurs: Bleu (Three Colors: Blue) Directed : Krzysztof Kieslowski Written : Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Piesiewicz

“Troiscouleurs: Bleu” – a masterpiece created by Kieslowski – is a long-lasting trip from brokenness and misery to the “resurrection” of a woman’s soul. Julie is the only survivor of a car crash that killed her soulmate and their child. Truly a brilliant performance by Binoche! French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

16. Les bronzés (French Fried Vacation) Directed : Patrice Leconte Written : L’ Equipe du Splendid

The film focuses on six French tourists relaxing on the sunny African shores: the hilarious (un)couplings, the efforts to make out with a record number of ladies, the attempt at an openrelationship lifestyle, and other kinds of hilarity. See how these friends survive the vacation!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

17. Les fugitifs Directed : Francis Veber Written : Francis Veber

A stunning comedy from the past century but still en vogue even now! A hare-brained and desperate bank-robber Francois takes Luca hostage during a bank hold-up. Here goes a chaotic car chase. How can recently release from jail Luca prove he’s not guilty? Will a 6-year-old autistic girl unite strangers?

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

18. Tais-toi! (Ruby & Quentin) Directed : Francis Veber Written : Francis Veber

After getting thrown into prison, a gloomy outlaw Ruby runs into a dim-witted inmate Quentin. A walking ‘chatterbox’ befriends Ruby even though a criminal doesn’t really want it. But when Quentin reveals a brilliant escape plan, Ruby decides to make a break with him.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

19. La fille sur le pont (The Girl on the Bridge) Directed : Patrice Leconte Written: Serge Frydman

A beautiful love story. A perfect mish-mash of hopelessly romantic old movie bits. 22 year old Adèle feels like her life is nothing but a long line of miscalculations. No love. No luck. No money. No hope. Standing on a bridge and overlooking the Seine, Adèle is about to end her life. That’s when a romantic drama opens up. A knife-thrower Gabor talks Adèle into becoming his new human-being-target. Will the suicidal girl postpone her meet with Death?

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

20. Le dernier métro (The Last Metro) Directed : François Truffaut Written : François Truffaut

While staying in the occupied city of Paris, Marion needs to hide her husband – Jewish director Lucas Steiner – in the basement. What does it feel like walking on the razor’s edge?

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

21. Le placard (The Closet) Directed : Francis Veber Written : Francis Veber

When there are tons of stories about gay men pretending to be straight to save their whatever-it-may-be, “Le Placard” shows just the opposite! A tart comedy shows a man, who babbles around about his fake gayness to save his career. With the help of his neighbor, a phony gay man turns his life into a mess!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

22. Jules et Jim Directed : Francois Truffaut Written : François Truffaut Jean Gruault

Before WWI, two pals Jim and Jules have a crush on the same dame. But the charming lady Catherine makes her choice – Jules! When the war is over, the old ‘gang’ meets up in Germany. Here’s where Catherine starts to have feelings for Jim… And there goes the love triangle carried through the years.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

23. Le passé (The Past) Directed : Asghar Farhadi Written : Asghar Farhadi

A thickly knotted and realistic movie featuring the life of Parisian working class, “The Past” feels too slow sometimes – just as everyday life does. A man from Iran wants his French wife and their kids to get back to his fatherland. How to face your past if your present is involved in a new relationship? Asghar Farhadi is a natural story-teller, who reveals how people wish to erase what’s behind them and live in the now.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

24. Möbius Directed : Eric Rochant Written: Eric Rochant

A sweet love affair with a pinch of bitterness. Perfect recipe!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

25. Amour & turbulences (Love Is In The Air) Directed : Alexandre Castagnetti Written : Vincent Angell, NirinaRalanto, Brigitte Bémol, Julien Simonet, Alexandre Castagnetti

On a flight from NYC to Paris, ex-couple Antoine and Julie find out they’re seated beside each other, for the first time since their break-up. Can they patch things up over the course of one flight?

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

26. Les petits mouchoirs (Little White Lies) Directed : Guillaume Canet Written : Guillaume Canet

A melodramatic, near-fatal affair focuses on Parisian friends going on vacation. An automobile accident leaves one of them on a hospital couch. The friendship bonds are severely tested. At times, it’s charming. At times, it makes you cry out. Still a good movie to watch. French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

27. 20 ans d’écart (It Boy) Directed : David Moreau Written : David Moreau, AmroHamzawi

Alice, the 38-year-old fashion glam magazine editor, meets young and sweet Balthazar—a sweet guy who is barely 20 years old. Then a quick photo, where Balthazar and Alice are (or aren’t?) kissing goes viral on Twitter. But Alice’s chief likes the idea that the woman has a crush on someone way younger. Realizing that the key to her promotion is in her hands, Alice starts her own game. But trifling with love has rough consequences. French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

28. La boîte noire (The Black Box) Directed : Richard Berry Written : Eric Assous, ToninoBenacquista

Blurred images spark in Arthur’s brain. Strangers’ voices buzz in his head. Did he have a car accident? Or … didn’t? Did he run over a boy in the street or…not? And how come he appears to be near Cherbourg when his home is in Paris? Is he really conscious? A nurse from the hospital take notes of everything Arthur says while being delirious. When Arthur opens up her notebook, its time to investigate.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

29. Le charme discret de la bourgeoisie (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie) Directed : Luis Buñuel Written : Luis Buñuel

Luis Bunuel adds up another masterpiece to his solid record! A virtually plotless, somehow surreal and bizarre tale of so-called well-to-do couples. A long series of blurred dreams focused on six bourgeois-type people and their failure to have a meal. As the plot lines thickens, the dreams dive into the other dreams. Still, they never belong to a single dreamer exclusively.

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

30. Michael Kohlhaas (Age of the Uprising: The Legend of Michael Kohlhaas) Directed : Arnaud des Pallières Written : Christelle Berthevas, Arnaud des Pallières

A handsomely photographed and beautifully made 16 th-century era story. The plot reveals Michael Kohlhaas, a horse dealer who’s happily married. Then the “dark lord” appears. When the ruler treats Michael unjustly, he raises the sword to restore his rights!

French Movies (March)

French Movies (March)

31. Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (Welcome to the Land of Shtis/Welcome to the Sticks) Directed : Dany Boon Written : Dany Boon, Alexandre Charlot

No need to expect something artistically and revolutionary groundbreaking in the “Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis” plot. But still, this is what you call the biggest movie hit from the land of cheese and wine! A tale of a postman, who hopes to move to the Côte d’Azur, but appears in the north instead. A contagiously funny comedy about love, misconception and real friendship. You’ll like it for its self-deprecating humor.

French Movies (March)

Learn French with Stories: Improve your reading and listening comprehension in French Discover why this e-book continues to top the bestseller charts in Amazon. Get it for only $4.90 at the Talk in French Store. Also available in paperback and audiobook format on Amazon.

French Movies (April)

April 1. 2 days in Paris Directed: Julie Delpy Written: Julie Delpy

The “2 Days in Paris” movie proves that Deply can boast of having an authentic style of humor! French-born photographer Marion and American designer Jack are on their way back home from Venice. A lovely voyage turns into quarrels and scandals. Maybe a two-day stop in Paris will save the day? Unlucky for Jack, the city of love and fashion proves to be a culture shock. Marion’s mom and dad appear as two old-fashioned “revolutionaries”, who make knock-down statement regardless of who’s around. Adding more to the problem are Marion’s parents who are pretty icky about Americans.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

2. Viens chez moi, j’habite chez une copine (Come to My Place, I live at a Girlfriend’s) Directed: Patrice Leconte Written: Luis Rego (play), Didier Kaminka

Based on a cabaret theater play, “Viens chez Moi, J’ habite chez une Copine” makes you laugh until you cry tears of joy. A carefree gas station assistant suddenly needs shelter over his head after his boss catches him trying to swindle the clients. As a result, Guy is thrown into the street. An easy-going and kind couple, Francoise and Daniel, are ready to share their flat with a needy friend … “for a couple of days”. The “couple of days” turns into a week, then two, a month into a year… The heartwarming welcome begins to wear out and Guy turns into a real disaster for Francoise and Daniel’s relationship. French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

3. La vérité si je mens ! (Would I Lie to You?) Directed: Thomas Gilou Written: Gérard Bitton, Michel Munz

Mistaken for a Jew, an unemployed dude is given a break by a top-notch Paris tailor. A sudden journey into the world of Sephardic Jews of France! Simply hilarious!

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

4. Un homme et une femme: Vingt ans déjà (A Man and a Woman: 20 Years Later) Directed: Claude Lelouch Written: Claude Lelouch, Pierre Uytterhoeven

Anne and Jean-Louis have had their fling and breakup. 20 years later their lives cross again. He’s still dating every “skirt”. She is a big-hit director whose work is booming. Should THESE TWO souls unite once again? We’d recommend cynics to proceed watching this movie and see for themselves.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

5. La cité des enfants perdus (The City of Lost Children) Directed: Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet Written : Gilles Adrien, Jean-Pierre Jeunet , Marc Caro

It’s hard to find the right words to describe the film “La Cité des enfants perdus”. So, we’ll just provide you with some highlights. OK. There’s an ancient castle. Then there’s Siamese twins, a crazy head scientist, a talking brain and a gang of… clones. Should we go on? If you’re a fan of bizarre stuff – this oughta be your number one pick! Jeunet and Caro prove their distinctive signatures in movie-making.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

6. Mon père, ce héros (My Father the Hero) Directed: Gérard Lauzier Written: Gérard Lauzier

How do you cheer yourself up if you’re a teen girl and you’re bored? Go on vacation à l’île Maurice with your dad. Meet a potential boyfriend there. Impress him by saying that your father is actually your … lover. Pretend to be a mistress of a cruel ex-gangster who’s dying. See how it works out with Véronique and André.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

7. LOL (Laughing Out Loud) Directed: Lisa Azuelos Writen : Lisa Azuelos, Nans Delgado

A charming and jaw-dropping cast and laugh-out-loud moments – that’s what makes “Laughing Out Loud” a big hit. When Lola finds out that her bf cheats on her during his summer trip, she longs for revenge. To punish the unfaithful boyfriend, Lola flirts with his best pal. But the situation heats up when their class plans a trip to London. In text slang LOL means “laughing out loud”. That’s what you’ll actually do when watching a stunning comedy with Sophie Marceau.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

8. Mon oncle (My Uncle) Directed: Jacques Tati Written : Jacques LaGrange, Jean L’Hote, Jacques Tati

This award-winning 1958 comedy centers on the awkward but lovable Monsieur Hulot and his struggles with modernism and materialism as reflected by his sister’s ultra-modern geometrical house. Considered a satirical comedy that pokes fun at France’s post-war consumerism and obsession with modern architecure, this movie has received wide acclaim all over the world.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

9. L’homme orchestre Directed: Serge Korber Written: Serge Korber

Forever young Louis De Funes (Evans) stars as a brilliant but tyrannical ballet director. The only other male in the crew is his real-life son Olivier De Funes (Philippe). As one of the girls gets pregnant and labels Philippe as the young dad – Evans turns into a babysitter. Let the craziness begin!

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

10. Panique au village (A Town Called Panic) Directed: Stéphane Aubier , Vincent Patar Written: Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, Vincent Tavier, Guillaume Malandrin

There’s not much to say about this movie except that it is absolutely awesome! Animated plastic friends like Indian, Cowboy and Horse face a bag of trouble. Indian and Cowboy’s plan to make a birthday surprise for Horse ends up with a house destryoed. The Trio goes on an insane trip to the center of the earth. Join the group’s surreal adventures in their hyper-vivid world!

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

11. La fée (The Fairy) Directed: Dominique Abel , Fiona Gordon Written: Dominique Abel, Fiona Gordon

The best thing you can say about the movie “La Fée” is that it certainly sweeps you up and carries you into its own world. A unique treasure trove of gags, the film shows a real-life fairy, who suddenly pops up in the life of a hotel clerk. La femme makes promises. She grants (traditionally) a couple of promises and vanishes in a twinkling of an eye. That’s act one. Curious about what happens next? Watch this and you won’t definitely regret it.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

12. Une femme est une femme (A Woman Is a Woman) Directed: Jean-Luc Godard Written: Jean-Luc Godard

When a stripper’s lover suggests the idea of having a baby, she switches to the next best thing – her boyfriend’s best pal. But just as always, Jean-Luc Godard highlights his priorities d’amour, and once remarkably stated, “No need to FEEL for the ‘Une femme est une femme’ film. You must feel for a woman for you can’t kiss a film”.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

13. Toute une vie (And Now My Love) Directed: Claude Lelouch Written: Claude Lelouch

As a tradition, Mr. Fabulous Claude Lelouch gives eternal love its due in “Toute Une Vie”! More like a glossy romantic drama, the movie takes you into the lives of three generations of Parisians. The film chronicles three love stories in three generations. French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

14.L’enfant (The Child) Directed: Jean-Pierre Dardenne , Luc Dardenne Written: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Another ultra-realistic, astonishing family drama from the talented Dardenne frères. The Cannes Film Festival winner “L’enfant” tells a story of 18 year old Sonia, who gives birth to a boy. Bruno, the baby’s dad, doesn’t show much interest in fathering the new-born. Can we forgive what is impossible-to-forgive? (Note: This movie is actually from Belgium. The Dardenne brothers produce so much good movies that I needed to introduce at least one here.) French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

15.Des hommes et des dieux (Of Gods and Men) Directed: Xavier Beauvois Written: Xavier Beauvois (adaptation), Etienne Comar (scenario)

A deeply touching and profound film showing a group of monks working in the Algerian mountains. Under terroristic threat, the Trappist monks must decide whether to stay or leave the place for good. Alternately humbling and harrowing, the story reveals the destiny of men whose compassion is put to the test in the most brutal fashion. Need a thought provoking movie? Try this one.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April) 16. La vie rêvée des anges (The Dreamlife of Angels/The Daydreams of

Angels) Directed: Erick Zonca Written : Erick Zonca, Roger Bohbot

Those blokes who don’t have the slightest idea of what is going on in the female psyche will be pleased with “La Vie rêvée des anges”. Zonca shows an extraordinary way to get into a lady’s mind. As one of the French masterpieces, this film understands what only few Yankee-made films dare admit: not every individual can afford the luxury to follow his heart. Zonca’s lyrical style results in the smallest flare-ups and tensions that can ruin a solid friendship in a flash.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

17.Les yeux sans visage (Eyes Without a Face) Directed: Georges Franju Written : Pierre Boileau, Jean Redon, Thomas Narcejac

Horror at its worst. Pure evil. Ready for some wild goosebumps? We promise that you won’t be able to shake the movie out of your head! Dr. Genessier, a plastic surgeon steals the face of an unwilling young female donor in order to save his daughter. Dr. Genessier fears that the transplant may fail. And of course, his fears turn into reality.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

18. Les quatre cents coups (The 400 Blows) Directed: François Truffaut Written: François Truffaut, Marcel Moussy

Distinguished by its close-to-real-life, quasi-documentary and sentimental approach, the movie “Les Quatre cents coups” is a piercingly frank picture of troubled youth. An amazing central performance of 12-year-old Jean-Pierre Léaud touches all the strings of the viewer’s heart. This film is an intensely moving portrayal of a misunderstood adolescent who strives for attention and slowly slides into a life of a criminal.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

19. La haine (Hate) Directed: Mathieu Kassovitz Written: Mathieu Kassovitz

A powerful urban drama combined with an excellent performance by Vincent Cassel, this film will truly make your day. Concentrated over one day in the routine life of suburban social outcasts, and amazingly shot in black and white, the movie hooks you in. Intense drama comes as a thought-provoking commentary on the never ending cycle of hatred that gives birth to more and more hatred.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

20. À bout de souffle (Breathless) Directed: Jean-Luc Godard Written: François Truffaut

Jean-Luc Godard at his best! The topnotch movie “À bout de souffle” is a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece and considered as Godard’s best work. The story follows a young drifter who, on a panic, kills a cop and has to hide out in his girlfriend’s apartment. The story may seem simple enough, but that’s not the core of Godard’s masterpiece. “À bout de souffle” is at the same time a heart-breaking monochromatic representation of Paris. A perfect demonstration of what it is like to be young and reckless. If you have never seen “À bout de souffle”, watch it now and see for yourself why critics and viewers alike have raved about this film. French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

21.Ernest et Célestine (Ernest & Celestine) Directed: Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar Written: Gabrielle Vincent, Daniel Pennac

An Animated story of an unlikely bond between two creatures – a young and sweet mouse Celestine and a bear named Ernest. Although solid and forever lasting, this unprecedented friendship is not widely accepted by everyone living below and above the ground.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

22.Dans la maison (In the House) Directed: François Ozon Written: François Ozon

This one is quite an impressive movie. Although you may look at it as at some sort of psychodrama experiment, it covers reality and fantasy in the most unusual ways, showing imaginary and realistic evens with equal sincerity. A high school French tutor dives deep into a gifted student’s story, that of his relationship with a pal’s family. “Dans la maison” blows your mind and hooks you in.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

23. Sur la piste du Marsupilami (HOUBA! On the Trail of the Marsupilami) Directed: Alain Chabat Written : Alain Chabat, Jeremy Doner

While out hunting for a news story in Palombia, reporter Dan Geraldo is confronted with an unbelievable discovery that gives him the chance to share a huge news with the whole world! Cooperating with a local guide Pablito, he goes on a breath taking adventure that takes him to the unusual and mischievous animal called – the Marsupilami!

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

24. Comme un chef (Le Chef/The Chef) Directed: Daniel Cohen Written : Daniel Cohen

Soufflé-light, is a light-hearted French comedy. A self-trained cook named Jacky is slightly crazy about haute cuisine. Unfortunately, Jacky gets fired from several jobs. Trying to save their financial situation, his pregnant lover Beatrice arranges a handyman position for her boyfriend. Nonetheless, Jacky hears the siren of haute cuisine. At the same time, Alexandre, the 3-star Cargo Lagarde chef is having a crisis. Will their paths cross?

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

25. Tomboy Directed: Céline Sciamma Written: Céline Sciamma

This film explores the relationships between grown-ups, kids, and even more complex ones between a human’s body and heart. A typical French family moves to a new district during their summer vacation. On one hand, they’re absolutely happy with two daughters, Laure (10 years old) and Jeanne (6 years old). But if you take a closer look at them, you’ll see all the skeletons in the closet. With her tomboy ways and haircut, Laure is mistaken for a teen boy in her new neighborhood. She seems to like this “game” and passes herself off as a boy named…Michael. The “Tomboy” movie is a charming reminder that for a pretty long time France has been wellknown for an absolutely different kind of movies about kids.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

26. L’illusionniste (The Illusionist) Directed: Sylvain Chomet Written: Sylvain Chomet (adaptation), Jacques Tati

A jobless French illusionist makes a trip to Scotland where he meets a young lady and their lives are changed for good! A hand-drawn eighty-minute animation from Sylvain Chome packed with heart-breaking emotions, this is considered as one of the most depressing fins ever performed in French animated works. A perfect mix of crack-a-smile humor and romeo-etjuliette schmaltz makes L’illusionniste such a divine masterpiece. French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

27. Un coeur en hiver (A Heart in Winter) Directed: Claude Sautet Written : Claude Sautet, Jacques Fieschi, Jérôme Tonnerre, Yves Ulmann

Stephane is a genius. Being a violin maker, he works magic when it comes to fixing damaged instruments. He runs a business together with his pal, Maxime. But Maxime falls in love with charming Camille et voila! Here comes a love triangle! Beautiful and sad, this film will tug at your heartstrings.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April) 28. Belle de jour (1967) Directed: Luis Buñuel Written : Joseph Kessel, Luis Buñuel, Jean-Claude Carrière

One of the brightest representations of French cinéma of all times, The “Belle de Jour” film concentrates on a woman who slowly loses her attractiveness in her husband’s eyes. She starts turning her sexual fantasies into reality, but the results she faces are shocking.

French Movies (April)

French Movies (April)

29.Une vie de chat (A Cat in Paris) Directed: Jean-Loup Felicioli, Alain Gagnol Written: Alain Gagnol, Jacques-Rémy Girerd, Alain Gagnol

Cats are not as simple as they may seem. They lead a double life. In Paris, a fluffy protagonist Dino runs a secret life. By day, he is a pet cat licking himself clean in the kitchen and playing with a ball of string. But when night falls, Dino sneaks out of the bedroom window to meet Nico, a big-hearted slinky cat who moves from rooftop to rooftop guarding the City of Lights. The Two worlds suddenly cross when Dino’s owner Zoe follows her pet in his night adventures. The young girl falls into the hands of a gangster. Now Dino has no other choice but to team up with his nocturnal friends to rescue Zoe’s life!

French Movies (April)

French Movies (May)

May 1. Incendies (Incendies) Directed: Denis Villeneuve Written: Valérie Beaugrand-Champagne, Wajdi Mouawad

Twins make a decision to travel to the Middle East in order to explore their family history, only to discover skeletons in the closet. Highly talented director Denis Villeneuve transfers Wajdi Mouawad’s play to the screen- yet keeps the atmosphere intact. “Incendies” appears more like a fascinating history lesson rather than a thriller or drama. But then it suddenly explodes into a gripping action!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

2. Yves Saint Laurent Directed: Jalil Lespert Written: Laurence Benaïm, Jacques Fieschi, Marie-Pierre Huster, JalilLespert

Ever dreamt about spending time with legendary director Yves Saint Laurent? You are welcome to share the French designer’s life from the very beginnings of his professional path in 1958. That’s when the fashion guru met his business partner and lover – Pierre Berge. Despite fighting his inner demons, Yves Saint Laurent, brick-by-brick, creates a fabulous empire that helps aid the liberation of women all over the globe. French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

3. La science des rêves (The Science of Sleep) Directed: Michel Gondry Written: Michel Gondry

Depressed over his father’s death, a shy man, Stéphane Miroux, comes to Paris to support his bereaved mother. Kind-hearted, but reserved, his life seems as colorless as his job. Until one day when Stéphane falls deeply in love with his beautiful neighbor, a French woman. Unfortunately, winning the lady’s heart will not be as easy as pie… With his childish sense of wonder and vivid imagination, Stéphane Miroux will try to conquer all the odds!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

4. La mariée était en noir (The Bride Wore Black) Directed: François Truffaut Written: CornellWoolrich, François Truffaut, Jean-Louis Richard

A tragic and thrilling portrait of lives shattered by violence, the Bride Wore Black stars Jeanne Moreau, a charming lady whose fiancé is cruelly murdered by a violent gang. With a cold fury inside her, the protagonist tracks down the murderers, sexually tortures them and, with the skill of a professional assassin, fakes their deaths. Alfred Hitchcock would be a great admirer of François Truffaut’s work! French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

5. Le tableau (The Painting) Directed: Jean-François Laguionie Written: Jean-François Laguionie, Anik Leray

A deep dark forest, a mysterious château, flowering gardens…. For some unknown reasons, The Painter has left his living canvas unfinished! As the story begins, you see three groups of characters who go on their lives inside the painting. The Toupins are completely painted. The Pafinis are longing for a few more colors. And here go the Reufs. Who are only sketches… The animated painting is similar to wider society. The Toupins, considering themselves of a better quality, turn the Reufs unto the slaves and chase the poor Pafinis from the beautiful château. Who will bring the harmony back to the painting? Convinced that the Painter is the one who can save them, Lola, Ramo and Plume make a trip to find their creator. Through their marvelous adventures they begin find the answer to the vital questions: why did the Painter leave them? What is the reason behind his decision to destroy all his work? Will they ever uncover the Painter’s secret?

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

6. Diva Directed: Jean-Jacques Beineix Written: Daniel Odier, Jean-Jacques Beineix, Jean Van Hamme

Visually breathtaking and with a mind-blowing plot, this stylish movie cleverly twists plot-lines revolving around Parisian postman Jules, who’s on the run. Trying to escape from a gang, the mail-carrier shows a cunning playfulness that the audience will 100% appreciate, and even openly applaud! The labyrinthine plot follows the unlikely friendship between the French postmen and a reclusive diva. An exciting motorbike chase through the Paris subway tunnels is combined with an amazing soundtrack – truly a fun way to spend a few hours of your time.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

7. Les femmes du 6ème étage (The Women on the 6th Floor) Directed: Philippe Le Guay Written: Philippe Le Guay, Jerome Tonnerre

A powerful movie which perfectly encapsulates romance, drama, comedy and… class politics. In 1960’s Paris, a conservative family’s life is almost ruined by two sassy maids from Spain. The everyday life of the Joubert family is turned upside-down when the two poor servants try to show them that life is not only about huge penthouses and bulging wallets. A clever comedy that packs a real punch!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

8. La guerre est déclarée (Declaration of War) Directed: Valérie Donzelli Written: Valérie Donzelli, Jérémie Elkaïm

When their newborn baby is diagnosed with a fatal form of cancer, Romeo and Juliette are not ready to give up. Young mom and dad choose to fight against the disease, the odds and pessimism itself… Intensively moving, courageous and inspiring, the movie is based on a touching true-life story. Valérie Donzelli, a famous director, her ex-husband, screenwriter and actor Jérémie Elkaïm, and their little son were the inspiration for this touching tear-jerker.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

9. Les triplettes de Belleville (The Triplets of Belleville) Directed: Sylvain Chomet Written: Sylvain Chomet

“Les triplettes de Belleville” is a fantastical adventure suitable for both kids and adults. A surreal story of an old lady raising her grandson. When the boy is kidnapped during the Tour de France, the aged heroine teams up with the all-singing, all-dancing Belleville Sisters’ team, and her loyal pooch Bruno in order to save him. Made in 2003, “Les triplettes de Belleville” features high-class retro animation and the completely other-worldly voices of Michel Robin, Michèle Caucheteux and Jean-Claude Donda.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

10. La conquête (The Conquest) Directed: Xavier Durringer Written: Patrick Rotman, Xavier Durringer,

This hilarious film is a satirical allegory of French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s path to power. See how Nicolas rose to his victory in the 2007 presidential elections. A highly gifted Denis Podalydès portrays the French president with uncanny accuracy and brilliance.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

11. La planète sauvage (Fantastic Planet) Directed: René Laloux , Roland Topor Written: Steve Hayes, René Laloux

Quite unlike everything you’ve watched before. The futuristic tale is focused on a cartoon planet ruled by giants. Oppressed and miserable, the humanoids rise up against the oppressive rulers. It must be said though, the hand-drawn animation is decidedly crude. Nonetheless, the artwork by René Laloux and Roland Topor is truly imaginative.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

12. Les émotifs anonymes (Romantics Anonymous) Directed: Jean-Pierre Améris Written: Jean-Pierre Améris, Philippe Blasband

A cup of sweet cocoa gives you a warm feeling deep inside. Kind of the feeling you’ll experience after watching “Romantics Anonymous”. Watch Angélique, a talented chocolate maker, and her boss – Jean-René—fall in love. A small chocolate factory turns into an oasis for the two highly emotional soul mates. But things are not easy when both lovers are painfully shy. Will fate allow them to live happily ever after, or will the pressure be too much for them? Watch and find out … French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

13. Le gamin au vélo (The Kid with the Bike) Directed: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne Written: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

I know it is not a French movie but I’m adding this here because the Dardennes are darned good directors. Difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable viewing, The Kid with the Bike is a dark, and unsettling adult fairy tale about an 11 year old boy, Thomas Doret, who breaks free from an orphanage to find the father who abandoned him there. While he finds a surrogate mother in the form of kindly hairdresser Cecile De France, he finds himself consumed by his quest to be reunited with his parent. “Le gamin au vélo” is not a rose-tinted comedy, and is sometimes pretty hard to watch, but impossible to forget indeed.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

14. Chasseurs de dragons (Dragon Hunters) Directed: Guillaume Ivernel, Arthur Qwak Written: Frédéric Lenoir, Arthur Qwak

An imaginative, exhilarating and unexpectedly fun adventure from the first second to the last! A brave little girl lends a helping hand to two would-be heroes to save the world from a wild beast. Despite being a low-budget project, this GCI-animated movie impresses with truly stylish backgrounds and impressive animation.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

15.Peau d’âne (Donkey Skin) Directed: Mag Bodard Written: Jacques Demy, Charles Perrault

Demy successfully creates a colorful and amazingly delightful surrealist dream world. Based on a well-known story the “Peaud’âne”, the film is a pretty bizarre, but, at the same time, enchanting story for grown-ups.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

16. Les vacances de monsieur Hulot (Mr. Hulot’s Holiday) Directed: Jacques Tati Written: Jacques Tati, Pierre Aubert, Jacques Lagrange, Henri Marquet

As Monsieur Hulot arrives at a seaside hotel for a vacation, his much-loved alter ego somehow causes havoc. This one is a pure cinematic gem that is worth all the money they spend on making any of today’s comedies. “Les vacances de monsieur Hulot” is a timeless charming story that should not be missed!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

17. L’enfant d’en haut (Sister) Directed: Ursula Meier Written: Antoine Jaccoud, Ursula Meier

“L’enfant d’en haut” is one of the dramas that immediately gets sous la peau! The movie plot focuses on the dramatic tension of the characters’ relationships. 12 year old Simon lives with his jobless sister beneath a wealthy ski resort. The grim industrial valley is in complete contrast to the luxury mountain high above. Faced with poverty yet fighting against it, thanks to the boy’s skills as a thief, the siblings have an opportunity to survive. In winter, Simon goes to the opulent world of the rich ski resort, yet soon discovers their problems are deeper than they imagined. A tear-inducing, powerful drama about unspoken desperation.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

18. La Femme de Mon Pote (My BestFriend’s Girl) Directed: Bertrand Blier Written: Bertrand Blier, Gérard Brach

Isabelle Huppert is a gorgeous Parisienne who’s on the lookout for some hot stuff while on her vacation.What is the best place to have some fun when you’re an unattached, attractive lady? The ski slopes of Courchevel! In the heart of the Alps she strikes up a love affair with a hunky salesman. But the love story doesn’t end in a typical ‘happily ever after’. At the same time, the woman is hooked by a chubby, insecure, DJ from the local night club. Seems like a perfect plan to have a good time on both sides. But what if the disk jockey and the salesman turn out to be best friends?

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

19. La piscine (The Swimming Pool) Directed: Jacques Deray Written: Jean-Claude Carrière, Jacques Deray

There is a love story behind the screen. For several years, Romy Schneider and Alain Delon have been one of the most glamorous couples in French movie history. Still, their love affair had long ended when the ex-lovers were re-united as Jean-Paul and Marianne in the beautiful “La Piscine”. A loving couple enjoying their vacation in Saint-Tropez are faced with the sudden intrusion of Marianne’s boyfriend and his flirtatious daughter Penelope. The twosome quickly turns into an unsettling foursome. The movie plot is concentrated around the swimming pool, which is amagnifique metaphor for all the desires hidden below the surface of human’s soul.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

20. L’homme qui plantait des arbres (The Man Who Planted Trees) Directed: Frédéric Back Written: Jean Giono (story), Jean Roberts

A simple story, yet one told in an impressive way. It tells the touching story of a shepherd who selflessly cultivates a forest to re-build the ruined ecosystem. The breathtaking animation style will hypnotize you with its sheer magnificence!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

21. Marius et Jeannette (Marius and Jeannette) Directed: Robert Guédiguian Written: Jean-Louis Milesi, Robert Guédiguian

Marius works as a keeper for the deserted cement works in Marseilles. Jeannette is just trying to make ends meet. She works hard to raise her kids. Marius and Jeannette’s relationship is not going to be trouble-free. Besides the material difficulties, both of them have scars left by life’s cruelties. See this well-structured lesson on how to learn to be happy again!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

22. Paulette Directed: Jérôme Enrico Written: Laurie Aubanel, Jérôme Enrico

Paulette lives all alone in the suburbs of Paris. Receiving a meager pension, the old lady realizes she can’t make ends meet any longer. When fate shows her a new path to follow, Paulette decides to sell…marijuana. After all, why not?

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

23. Un bonheur n’arrive jamais seul (Happiness Never Comes Alone) Directed: James Huth Written: James Huth, SonjaShillito

There’s a certain chemistry between brilliant stars Sophie Marceau and Gad Elmaleh that makes the couple really easy to watch. Sacha Keller’s lifestyle is focused only on one night stands with hot chicks. Aside from that, he also has a ‘phobia’ of children. But when he meets Charlotte –everything changes! After Sacha and Charlotte have sex, Sacha finds out that his new lady is a mom of three. She also has a jealous ex-husband-to-be who owns the corporation where they all work. Charlotte and Sacha have nothing in common or… maybe they were meant to be together?

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

24. Les beaux jours (Bright Days Ahead) Directed: Marion Vernoux Written: Fanny Chesnel, Marion Vernoux

A touching drama from Marion Vernoux covers two major themes usually not often combined in the movies – retirement and adultery. The dentist Caroline is now free from her job. She attends computer classes. She also has a crush on her younger tutor. But when her husband reveals the secret, her quiet retirement becomes complicated!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

25. Et Dieu créa la femme (And God Created Woman) Directed: Roger Vadim Written: Roger Vadim, Raoul Lévy

And the devil created Brigitte Bardot, as some of the French-cinema-fans tend to say. In sunny and luxury Saint-Tropez, a young and sweet sexpot falls for one brother but gets married to the other. And that’s when life starts getting complicated!

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

26. Les garçons et Guillaume, à table! (Me, Myself and Mom) Directed: Guillaume Gallienne Written: Guillaume Gallienne

How to become a real man if everyone around you has other plans? This is the kind of challenge young Guillaume has faced with. A sly comedy about gender roles and expectation, with Guilliame Galliene bravely taking a dual role of ‘himself’ and his mother.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

27. La grande vadrouille (Don’t Look Now – We’re Being Shot at) Directed: Gérard Oury Written: Gérard Oury, Danièle Thompson

One more Louis de Funès classic éternelle! An amazing example of French-English collaboration. The story is about a RAF Bomber who is shot down by the Germans, causing the allies to parachute into France. With the help of kind-hearted Frenchmen, they try to cross to the south of France which is still unoccupied by German troops. Sounds like a pretty harsh war action. But when there’s forever young Louis de Funès, you’ll be laughing your heart out.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

28. Les ripoux (My New Partner) Directed: Claude Zidi Written: Didier Kaminka, Simon Michaël

This drama-comedy about cops was a big hit when it was released. In a similar vein with Hollywood cop dramas like 48 Hours and Lethal Weapon, this movie features two mismatched policemen--René, who’s built his career on racketeering and bribes, and his naïve and honest partner François. Poor François becomes hopelessly embroiled in René’s dirty schemes. Eventually, the young and innocent François comes up with an idea to swipe enough money for them both to have an easy retirement.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

29. 99 francs Directed: Jan Kounen Written: Nicolas & Bruno, Jan Kounen

Creative ad genius Parango Octave’s life takes a dramatic turn when his beloved Sophie ditches him. His career turns haywire when his new ad project goes kaput. Surprisingly, the wealthy and cynical drug addict begins to rebel and boycott the system.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

30. Hors de prix (Priceless) Directed: Pierre Salvadori Written: Pierre Salvadori, Benoît Graffin

A charming thirty-something, Irène, never had much trouble when it comes to choosing between money and love. Going after males with hefty wallets, she coasts through life in a comfortable, utterly spoilt manner. However, the shallow life of a sex-and-status lady comes to an end when she’s wooed by a mere….bartender. Ha! And here goes fate, playing her most unexpected trick! After all, love is the only thing that is truly priceless, right? French Movies (May)

French Movies (May)

31. La moutarde me monte au nez (Lucky Pierre) Directed: Claude Zidi Written: Michel Fabre, Pierre Richard

Meet Pierre, a rumpled-looking dude who often gets overlooked by ladies at the school where he works as a teacher. However, when Pierre hooks up with a movie star, he receives more attention than he could dream of! The media world is entranced. His dad disapproves of the affair. The school girls stick to him like bees to honey.

French Movies (May)

French Movies (June)

June 1. Populaire Directed by: Régis Roinsard Written by: Régis Roinsard, Roinsard, Daniel Presley and Romain Compingt Year: 2012

Start your month with a witty and entertaining film in the form of Populaire. Set during the late 50’s, the film depicts the fashion, lifestyle, and ambitious personality of the young women during this time. A movie full of color, life and sophistication, the film’s love triangle of a man, a woman and a typewriter will surely make your day! Who can ever imagine that a typewriter can be part of a love triangle, but Roinsard? Intriguing? Watch the pursuit of a better life of the sweet-natured Rose Pamphyle (Déborah François) and the charming, but aggressive, Louis Échard (Romain Duris), an insurance agency boss. Rose is a terrible secretary for Louise but an extraordinary typist, (lightning-fast!]. Will Louis succeed in making her the world’s fastest typist? Watch Louis as he puts everything on the line for the sake of making Rose the most respected typist in the world.

French Movies (June)

2. Il y a Longtemps Que Je t’aime (I loved you so long) Directed and written by: Philippe Claudel Year: 2008

Il y a Longtemps Que Je t’aime tells the story of a woman who is struggling to retrieve her former existence after being imprisoned for fifteen years. Juliette Fontaine was released under the custody of her younger sister, Lea. While trying to get back on her feet in the outside world, she constantly fights emotional battles concerning her strained relationship with her family, and societal stigma given to former prisoners. The movie asks the hard questions such as: at what point does unconditional love push a person into transgressing society’s boundaries? Can we judge an action based solely on incomplete narratives and objective legal and ethical solutions? On what moral grounds a crime continues to be a crime? These are but some of the questions the movie tackles. It will not only fill your heart with a thirst for justice, but make you reflect about your moral values at the same time.

French Movies (June)

3. Le Concert (The Concert) Directed and written by: Radu Mihăileanu Year: 2009

Want to experience a magical concert from the comfort of your home? Try Le Concert’s irresistible melody of hope, perseverance and teamwork. Arguing that time and negative circumstances will not kill a musician’s passion for music, Le Concert portrays the life of Andrey Simonovich Filipov, a world-famous conductor-turned-janitor, and his comeback with an orchestra composed of older musicians and a majestic solo violinist, Anne Marie.

French Movies (June) 4. La Rafle (The Round Up) Directed and written by: Roselyne Bosch

Have you watched Le Pianiste? How about Schindler’s List? The common theme in these three movies is their dramatization of the events of WWII and the Holocaust. Many non-French are unaware of the effects of the Holocaust to the Jewish citizens of France. This touching film is based on the life of a young Jewish boy, his family and the Vel’ d Hiv Roundup: the mass arrest of 13, 000 Parisian Jews that happened in July 1942. The plot is a sentimental ‘Hollywood’ history, but a masterful retelling of one of Europe’s darkest and most painful periods of history.

French Movies (June)

5. Orphée Directed and written by: Jean Cocteau Year: 1950

Orphee is the second movie in the trilogy by Cinematic poet Jean Cocteau. A legendary classic that you must not miss if you want to experience original French cinema, Orpheus or Orphée is an updated version of the Greek myth Orpheus in the underworld. The movie starts with Orpheus (Jean Marais), a famous poet, visiting Café des Poètes, the same time as the Princess of Death (Maria Casares). This incident will be the catalyst for a bizarre turn of events in Orpheus’ life and his voyage between the real world and the Underworld, to find his true love; either with the Princess of Death or with his wife, Eurydice. Can he bring back his wife and live happily after or will he instead choose the enigmatic princess?

French Movies (June)

6. 8 Femmes (8 Women) Directed by: François Ozon Written by: François Ozon and Marina de Van Year: 2002

Eight women, eight secrets, one murdered man! Each character is trying to solve the mystery of the abrupt death of Marcel, but ends up revealing the secrets they are hiding from each other. 8 Femmes, or 8 women, is a hybrid film combining different genres. It can be seen as part farce, melodrama, musical, and murder-mystery film. A liberal movie set in the conservative 1950s, revolving around an eccentric family and their employees, Francois Ozon addresses the issues of murder, greed, adultery, homosexuality, and feminism. Unaware of their fate as they prepare for Christmas, will they eventually solve the mysteries of this house?

French Movies (June)

7. L’Auberge Espagnole (The Spanish Inn) Directed and written by: Cédric Klapisch Year: 2002

Another comedy film that will warm your heart, L’Auberge Espagnole is about Xavier (Romain Duris), an economics graduate student who is advised to study in Barcelona, Spain under the ERASMUS program. As we can infer from its title’s literal and idiomatic meaning, the characters literally live in one apartment, and figuratively that they’re a hodgepodge of EU (European Union) citizens. Those who have experienced moving to a foreign city (especially alone) would immediately recognize and appreciate some of the truths apparent in the movie: the difficulties and pleasures of adapting to a foreign lifestyle, getting to know/finding acceptance with a different set of people, and coping with a new city and country.

French Movies (June)

8. Le Samourai (The Samurai) Directed by: Jean-Pierre Melville Written by: Jean-Pierre Melville and Georges Pellegrin Year: 1967

How do you imagine the life of a samurai was? Solitary… dark… mysterious… As Melville so vividly conveys in the movie, ‘There’s no greater solitude than that of the Samurai’s, unless perhaps it be that of the tiger in the jungle. – attributed to the Book of Bushido’. Le Samourai is considered legendary, and has become influential to other similar French films due to its masterful control of character and style. Jef Costell (Alain Delon) is a professional assassin-for-hire who, by nature, is aloof and solitary. He is being hunted by the Police while he is plotting his revenge on the employer who betrayed him. See how the hunter becomes the prey in this unforgettable film.

French Movies (June)

9. Zazie dans le Métro (Zazie in the Metro) Directed by: Louis Malle Written by: Louis Malle and Jean-Paul Rappeneau Year: 1960

Zazie dans le Metro is based on the novel by Raymond Queneau. A 10-year-old girl called Zazie stays in Paris with her Uncle Gabriel while her mother spends some time with her lover. However, the naughty Zazie manages to escape and go on an adventure around Paris, alone! From unusual city dwellers to various misadventures and even a food fight, Zazie dams le Metro will allow you to see Paris from a new perspective. This movie will show you Paris as seen from a child’s eyes.

French Movies (June)

10.Trois Couleurs: Rouge (Three Colors: Red) Directed and written by: Krzysztof Kieślowski Year: 1994

The last of the ‘Three Colors’ trilogy, Three Colors: Red (Trois couleurs: Rouge) is the final film by acclaimed director Krzystof Kieslowski. The films examine the 3 French Revolutionary ideals, in this instance, ‘fraternity’. This concept is shown through characters bonded closely together, despite what, at surface level, appears to be a lack of common ground. Focusing on the character of Valentin, a beautiful model who has crossed paths with a retired judge, the film looks at issues concerning invasion of one’s privacy, eavesdropping and interference with other people’s lives, but also spiritual kinship and mutual redemption.

French Movies (June)

11.Jean de Florette Directed by: Claude Berrie Written by: Claude Berrie, Gérard Brach and Marcel Pagnol Year: 1986

Based on a novel by Marcel Pagnol, the film takes place in beautiful Provence, where two local farmers try to trick a novice into leaving his newly inherited property. Nonetheless, despite the underhandedness of the two men, the owner’s wily daughter counters them at every turn. Who will win this battle of wits? Check it out in this witty and award-winning movie!

French Movies (June)

12. Molière Directed by: Laurent Tirard Written by: Laurent Tirard and Grégoire Vigneron Year: 2007

A battle between verses and prose, Molière is about a possible scenario that could explain the disappearance of the French playwright and actor Jean-Baptiste Poquelin – aka Molière. In 1645, Molière was touring the French countryside with his company, but he was put in jail as a debtor. He was subsequently bailed by a very wealthy benefactor who hired him as tutor. Not long after, he realizes his love for this gorgeous widower. Will Moliere propose his love to her, and will he bring out the rich talent existing in his benefactor’s imagination?

French Movies (June)

13. La Vènus à la Fourrure Directed by: Roman Polanski Written by: Roman Polanski and David Ives Year: 2013

How far should you go to convince a director that you are perfect for a role in his upcoming production? Frustrated by the poor performance of the applicants, director Thomas is planning to leave when Wanda von Dunayev arrives. Because of Wanda’s energetic, aggressive and competitive nature, Thomas allows Wanda to audition. Much to his astonishment, Wanda displays a great understanding of the character and delivers every line by heart. As the audition progresses, Thomas attraction turns to obsession. The film is a fun jeu d’e sprit on playing between passion and perversion, illusion and reality, and life and art.

French Movies (June)

14.Elle s’appelait Sarah (Sarah’s Key) Directed by: Gilles Paquet-Brenner Written by: Gilles Paquet-Brenner and Serge Joncour Year: 2010

Another movie depicting the notorious Vel’d Hiv Roundup in 1942, Sarah’s Key portrays a contemporary journalistic investigation into the horrors of that event. Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas) is a journalist commissioned to write an article about the incident. Eventually, she stumbles upon a family secret which will connect her to a young Jewish girl in WW2, Sarah. The movie tells the story of Sarah’s experiences during and after the roundup, illustrating both the participation of many French bureaucrats and the bravery of some French citizens in hiding her from the authorities. You’ll be given a peek intothe dehumanized conditions suffered by Jews arrested by the French, and the terrible events that follow in Sarah’s life.

French Movies (June)

15.Le Huitième Jour (The Eight Day) Directed and written by: Jaco Van Dormael Year: 1996

A story of friendship between a workaholic man and one with Down’s syndrome, Le Huitime Jour shows life through the eyes of a mentally-challenged person. Georges lives in a mental institution while Harry is a businessman who lost his family because of his obsession with work. Conversely, Georges only family, his mother, is dead. While we might think that we are always right and our vision of life is in accordance with reason, our complex thinking can blind us to the simple ways of life and consequently, happiness and satisfaction. This is what Georges will teach Harry, and every person who watches Le Huitieme.

French Movies (June)

16. Le Grand Bleu (The Big Blue) Directed and written by: Luc Besson Year: 1988

Listen to the voice of the ocean as Jacques and Enzo explore it for you with their dangerous sport – free diving! This visionary film is based on true stories of the lives of Mayol and Majorca who were distinguished divers during their youth. While not truly ‘French’ in the sense that it is an English-language film, its visual elegance is a near-perfect example of the French Cinema du look style. This movie will not fail to amaze you if you are looking for a French movie to enjoy.

French Movies (June)

17. Delicatessen Directed and written by: Marc Caro and – Jean Pierre Jeunet Year: 1991

Are you looking for an offbeat, even surreal movie to watch? Delicatessen will not fail you with its futuristic post-apocalyptic setting, located in an apartment complex. The movie conveys a dystopian future where there is scarcity of food, and grain is used as currency. The apartment complex is owned by a butcher. Despite the shortages, the mysterious butcher still keeps his tenants well-supplied with meat, and can even rustle up the odd delicacy! The movie is filled with pitch black humour and satirical imagery combined with a little touch of morbidity and grossness which may turn one’s stomach upside down. But that is exactly what make this film so different and special in comparison to mainstream cinema. It’s also a character-based film displaying the odd and idiosyncratic behaviors of the tenants, and their bizarre relationship with each other.

French Movies (June)

18.Le pacte des loups (Brotherhood of the Wolf) Directed: Christopher Gans Written by: Stephane Cabel Year: 2001

For a change, let’s move into more mainstream territory. If you like great CGI, martial arts and a creepy story that’s guaranteed to send shivers up your spine, then here’s a treat for you. Set in 18th century France, the Chevalier de Fronsac and his Native American friend Mani are sent by the King to investigate the killings of almost a hundred people by a mysterious beast. Loosely based on a French legend of a huge, murderous wolf-like monster creature known as the Beast of Gevaudan, this wonderful big-budget blend of fantasy and historical ‘fact’ is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

French Movies (June)

19. Exils Directed and written by: Tony Gatlif Year: 2004

A pair of Bohemian lovers living in Paris, start their journey to learn more about the home country of their parents, but instead, uncover some hard truths about each other. So, if you have ’Hodophobia’ – fear of travelling – then this movie may be for you; it all depends on your willingness to accept the potential for travel. A complex and confrontational movie about belonging and identity, this is bound to strike a chord with any young couple who’ve gone backpacking to ‘find themselves’ only to discover unexpected answers.

French Movies (June)

20. The Artist Directed and written by: Michel Hazanavicius Year: 2011

A movie star meets a rising young actress in a silent movie. While the age of ‘talkies’ may have killed off the silent movie nearly a century ago, we can still have our portion of this memorable cinematic object d’art. Because of the additional background music, The Artist may not be a silent movie in the true sense, but it still imbues us with a nostalgia for the golden age of cinema. The Artist is a great movie where you will experience the beauty of communication without the necessity of oral conversation. Join the carefree and narcissistic Georges as he bounces from the studio, to the red carpet, to his life with his dog and wife in Beverly Hills.

French Movies (June)

21. Polisse Directed by: Maïwenn Written by: Maïwenn and Emmanuelle Bercot Year: 2011

How does the Child Protection Unit of the Parisian police handle the stress and emotional strain of their job, the overwhelming number of child investigation cases piling up every day, and the realities of balancing work and private life? Polisse followed the daily lives of the team of men and women who work in the challenging child protection department. We always rely upon our police officers to maintain peace, security and justice, but like the rest of us, they too suffer stress, depression and emotional breakdown from the demands of their work and the problems in their personal lives. As they capture child molesters, take in underage pickpockets, pile up cases, confessions, and interrogations, and knowing that the worst of evil exists in this world, their mutual support sustains them in the rigours of a challenging and unending vocation.

French Movies (June)

22. Persepolis Directed and written by: Marjane Satrapi and Vincent Paronnaud Year: 2007

A film dedicated to all Iranians, Satrapi’s Persepolis is a provocative adaptation of her graphic novel. It follows the life of a young girl as she grows up during the Iranian Revolution, who finds her unique attitude and outlook on life to be repeatedly challenged by the repressive and intolerant religious environment. The film is an excellent portrayal of the lives of women in a theocracy, with clever use of black and white animation to depict the Manichean mind-set of the oppressors.

French Movies (June)

23. La vie est un Long Fleuve tranquille (Life Is à Long Quiet River) Directed and written by: Étienne Chatiliez Year: 1988

Two babies are accidently swapped at birth, one goes to a rich, bourgeoisie and repressed family, the other to a crude, ignorant but joyous one. When the mistake is rectified 12 years later, the children find themselves in environments nothing has prepared them for! This clever satirical comedy plays on stereotypes of class and identity, and completely turns it all around.

French Movies (June)

24. Les Invasion Barbares (The Barbarian Invasions) Directed and written by: Denis Arcand Year: 2003

A Canadian (Quebecois) Movie!”Les Invasion Barbares” is about a dying man who wants to find peace and reconciliation with his old friends, former lovers, ex-wife and estranged son. The movie explores issues of philosophy, politics, economics, and the previous sexual and intellectual exploits of the elder characters in the film. Even its title has a lot to say about the holistic philosophy that you will find in the film. It provides a comparative analysis between disparate political ideologies such as: socialism and democracy or liberalism through its fictional depiction of Quebec’s political and economic status during the sixties; and the conflict between the political circles which the father and son belong to.

French Movies (June)

25. Mon Meilleur Ami (My Best Friend) Directed by: Patrice Leconte Written by: Patrice Leconte, Olivier Dazat, Jerome Tonnerre Year: 2006

Do you have a best friend? If you do, then you must be amazing! François will envy your skills and might even hire you to tutor him on ’How to find the best buddies in the world’. Finding true friends is not easy, if you are so consumed with yourself and your career. Challenged by business partner Catherine to produce a best friend or lose a valuable Greek vase forever, the remote François is forced on a desperate quest around Paris to find someone he can pass off as his pal. With time running out, he engages a gregarious taxi driver for help, but, to his surprise, begins to understand how empty his life is. This comedic tale of friendship will show you what skills you must master to get the best buddy in the world.

French Movies (June)

26. Les Visiteurs (The Visitors) Directed by: Jean-Marie Poiré Written by: Jean-Marie Poiré and Christian Clavier Year: 1993

What would happen if people from an age before technology, civilization and baths were teleported into the modern era? Could they possibly cope? Les Visiteurs is a sci-fi comedy about a 12th century nobleman, Godefroy and his squire Jacquouille, who were mistakenly transported to the 20th century by an old sorcerer. In addition to desperately trying to return to their own time, the three of them must o cope with the cultural and technological challenges presented to them by the modern world. Additionally Godefroy will also learn that the new owners of the family castle plan to turn it into a luxury hotel! Will they succeed in resolving these issues? What will be the effects if they interfere with the activities in the future? The film humorously and with comic precision displays the differences in manners and technology between the two eras. The movie justly earned the status of un film culte in France.

French Movies (June)

27. Le dîner de cons: The Dinner Game Directed and written by: Francis Veber Year: 1998

Every Wednesday, the wealthy Pierre Brochant and his friends organize a dinner they call ”un dîner de cons”— a competition where each of them must bring the dumbest person they could find as a guest. All guests are asked to talk about themselves, and later on, when all the guests have left, the friends will vote for the stupidest person in the group and viciously dissect their idiocy. However, Pierre won’t make it to the next dinner, as he’s experienced a severe back pain, so he’s stuck with the astonishingly useless Francois Pignon, who aggravates what is already the worst night of his life.

French Movies (June)

28. Irreversible Directed and written by: Gaspar Noé Year: 2002

“Le temps détruit tout” (“Time destroys everything”), this is the motif of the film Irreversible. This one is a controversial film that earned positive reviews and awards because of its frankness and the artistic display associated to cinéma du corps, and negative reactions from different sectors of society because of its explicit rape scene and brutal violence. Told in reverse chronological order, the film gradually uncovers a dark, disturbing and powerful tale of revenge.

French Movies (June)

29. Hiroshima Mon Amour Directed by: Alain Resnais Written by: Marguerita Duras Year: 1959

Hiroshima Mon Amour tells the relationship between a French actress and a married Japanese architect while the actress was in Japan to create an anti-war film in Hiroshima. Resnais wove the story plot discussing two different and totally contrasting perspectives about the Hiroshima bombings. This movie explores the differing understandings of the 2nd World War and the protagonists’ perceptions. Resnais’ “Hiroshima Mon Amour” is not regarded as an easily digestible film, but as a remarkable work of art. It is full of symbolism which is entwined together to tell another narrative of the real emotions, history and unknown side-effects of the Hiroshima bombings.

French Movies (June)

30. Caché (Hidden) Directed and written by: Michael Haneke Year: 2005

If you are looking for a film which will give you real creeps, ”Caché/Hidden” shows the fear lurking inside the home of a seemingly normal Middle-class Parisian couple. Lacking the dramatic musical score and the traditional shocks and excitements of a typical horror/suspense film, it still leaves the audience in fear for the terrible capacity for man’s cruelty. It is a stalker/nightmare narrative with an ambiguous title signifying both hidden cameras and hidden guilt; creating an unsettling ambience, as though the viewer themselves is the one under scrutiny. The story revolves around the life of Georges, Anne and their 12-year-old son. When video tapes and cameras start to show up at their door, it does not just threaten their peaceful lives, but the whole neighborhood as well. Hidden is a masterpiece; speaking the voice of denial and guilt inherent within the foundations of ’Western prosperity’- betrayal and threat. It is a compelling politico-psychological view of the world.

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French Movies (July)

July 1. Diabolique Directed by: Henri-Georges Clouzot Written by: Henri-Georges Clouzot and Jérome Geronimi Year: 1955

The story revolves around a provincial boarding school run by sadistic headmaster, Michel Delasalle. After being murdered by his wife and mistress, strange events being to plague the school, but what is their origin? This film might be an old one, but there are no thrillers like Diabolique. Critics regard this movie to be above many comparable psychological thrillers because of its unusual attention to characterisation and the physical details of the setting. With its unpredictable narrative twists and horrifying images and ambiance, this film brought its director, Henri-Georges Clouzot, universal acclaim and made him the legendary “French Hitchcock”.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

2. Le Salaire de la peur (The Wages of Fear) Directed by: Henri-Georges Clouzot Written by: Henri-Georges Clouzot and Jérome Geronimi Year: 1953

Another movie created by the legendary “French Hitchcock”, La Salaire de la peur. The Wages of Fear is a 1953 French film noir based on Georges Arnaud macho novel about the lives of the men who transport explosives for oil companies. The movie is purposely divided into two halves. The first, slower paced half explores the motivations of such men, and the greed and exploitation that entrap them. The second part being a tense and suspenseful rollercoaster as the men drive through the mountains with their precarious cargo. Tough and cynical, the film is ahead of its time in showing the brutal tactics of oil companies in developing countries. It is not an easy watch, money is shown as the primary motivating factor for all protagonists, but it’s a compelling film that will have you on the edge of your seat nonetheless.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

3. Violette Directed and written by: Martin Provost Year: 2013

Now to a more contemporary movie, Violette is a French biographical drama and the formation of the early French feminist novelist Violette Leduc. In particular, it portrays the relationship between her and the renowned philosopher Simone de Beauvior, and how the lives and ideas of these two important women impacted on each other. This biopic presents issues such as sexuality, abortion, homosexuality, self-identity and women’s insecurities. This movie is not just beautifully crafted and executed, but the exceptional acting and story plot will also captivate your heart. French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

4. La Commune Directed by: Peter Watkins Written by: Peter Watkins and Agathe Bluysen Year: 2000

A critical and audacious film, La Commune is an unusual documentary-style, historical drama about the legendary Paris Commune of 1871. Peter Watkins, a noted filmmaker and critic, explores the fractured French political system in Paris during the Franco-Prussian war in his epic (6 hour) film. Although this movie was greatly criticized for the unorthodox format it uses, the thought-provoking ‘breaking news’ style will take you back to the history of the revolutionary euphoria and of the radicalization of the working class in Paris. Moreover, this film presents a cynical critique of modern media and our contemporary perspectives of French society.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

5. Le Cercle Rouge (The Red Circle) Directed and written by: Jean-Pierre Melville Year: 1970

Le Cercle Rouge is a 1970 French film about a former prisoner, an escaped convict, and an alcoholic former cop getting together to pull off an elaborate jewellery heist. However, Police inspector Mattei (Bourvil) will use all means at his disposal to stop them. This volley of action, stunts, running, physical dexterity and frantic chases has one cool scene after another. On top of this,, this masterpiece is more than a story of heists and crimes, as Michael Mann would later emulate, the film examines the nature of crooks, and the men who hunt them down. More than just a thriller, this is a meditation on machismo, and a clear influence on contemporary directors such as Quentin Tarantino.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

6. Vivre Sa Vie (My Life to Live) Directed by: Jean-Luc Godard Written by: Jean-Luc Godard and Marcel Sacotte Year: 1962

An exploration to a Parisian woman’s descent into prostitution, Vivre Sa Vie is composed of twelve unconnected episodes, each presented with an introduction and brief summary, about the life of Nana (Anna Karina). This innovative use of sound and vision is a clever device the director uses to explore and the outwardly beautiful but flawed and exploitative consumerist culture of that time in Paris: a seedy of cinemas, coffee bars, neon-lit pool halls, pop records, photographs, posters, pinball machines, jukeboxes. foreign cars, etc, etc… The film, is not just an unsettling critique of the sex-trade, it’s an existentialist exposition of the materialistic life that the world is currently living.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

7. La Cage aux Folles Directed and written by: Édouard Molinaro Year: 1978

Be gay and fabulous while watching this comical, international musical sensation depicting the hilarious events that occur when a gay man attempts to pose as a straight one for the sake of his son’s future. Will they be able to pull it off and impress the arch-conservative parents of his son’s fiancée? Find out by watching La Cage aux Folles! The film was followed by two sequels: La Cage aux Folles II (1980) and La Cage aux FollesIII (1985).

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

8. Innocence Directed and written by: Lucile Hadžihalilovid Year: 2004

How would you describe your childhood memories? It is probable that you were living with your family, studying in schools like the other children in the neighbourhood, and playing freely, in short, you are living a perfectly normal life: unlike the girls in this surreal movie Innocence. You might be confused at first on why a (living) six year old girl will arrive inside a coffin but that is only one of the mysteries to uncover in this dark gothic fairytale. The girls are carefully handpicked and taken from their families at a very young age for unknown reasons. They are kept in a remote boarding school under the governance of two teachers, and mainly taught and trained with ballet and biology. They are ranked according to their age, which are shown through ribbons in their hair. But why?

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

9. A Prophet Directed by: Jacques Audiard Written by: Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, Abdel Raouf Dafri, Nicolas Peufaillit Year: 2009

Another award-winning movie, A Prophet showcases a great story about Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim) a young part Arab, part Corsican petty criminal. He arrives in the jail entirely alone and, because of his young age and ignorance, disadvantaged. However, his initiation into Corsican and Muslim subcultures, bravery and quick wit rise in the inmate community. This movie explores the connections between the brutal prison system and violent radical Islamic subculture prevalent in some parts of Europe. Although Audiard claimed that it is a fictional, it is easy for the viewers to draw their own parallels between violence, prison and gang warfare and extremism. It is also a film for any crime-flick fans looking for a great story.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

10. Le Million (The Million) Directed and written by: René Clair Year: 1931

A hilarious movie from the 1930s that takes us on a trip to the glory days of the ‘music hall’ school of entertainment. Le Million is a French musical comedy directed by Rene Clair, revolving around the gently humorous story of a poor artist who discovers that he has won one million on the lottery, but lost his ticket. Will he find it in time to claim the money? This is the major problem our leading man is facing, and he is ready to take any risk to find that small piece of paper. Clair has this determined chase of one small, but important ticket accompanied with a lighthearted selection of theatrical dialogue sang by the actors and actresses. As a whole, the film might not match the technological perfection of contemporary movies, but it will still be regarded as a sophisticated masterpiece from the first true master of the ’talkie’.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

11. Cyrano de Bergerac Directed by: Jean-Paul Rappeneau Written by: Jean-Paul Rappeneau, Jean-Claude Carrière, Edmond Rostand Year: 1990

Do you believe in true love? This may sound cheesy to cynics, but for hopeless romantics out there, you will find yourself relating to Cyrano de Bergerac, as he uses his passion to become a bridge to the happiness of the woman he loves. Cyrano is a brilliant swordsman, with a gift for words and poetry, but deprived of physical attractiveness by his enormous nose, and is therefore doomed by his insecurities to be forever lonely. Put into the position of helping his less eloquent friend win the heart of a woman both men love, he must decide between friendship and romance, risk and safety. The romanticism of Cyrano de Bergerac will make you fall in love and break your heart at the same time. French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

12.Un long dimanche de fiançailles (A very long engagement) Directed by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet Written by: Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant Year: 2004

After moving your heart with Cyrano’s tragedy, watch another lost soul searching for that most elusive of emotions, happiness. Set during the aftermath of WW1, this concerns a young woman desperately searching for her missing-in-action fiancée. Part romantic drama, part mystery, and part war film, this unusual and sumptuously filmed movie offers something for everyone.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

13. Jeux d’enfants (Love Me if You Dare) Directed by: Yann Samuell Written by: Yann Samuell and Jacky Cukier Year: 2004

The third romantic movie for this week, Jeux d’Enfants is about the lives of two alienated people trapped in an increasingly complex and irresponsible game of dare. Maturing in style as the characters age and develop, this multi-layered and often cynical film shows the lengths some people will go to protect themselves from emotional vulnerability. Not a ‘Hollywood’ style wacky comedy, the characters are selfish and sometimes cruel, but nonetheless one which shows uncomfortable truths about the complexities of male/female relationships.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

14. Mesrine: Killer Instinct Directed by: Jean-François Richet Written by: Jean-François Richet and Abdel Raouf Dafri Year: 2008

For numbers 14 and 15, let us dedicate two days to the gangster biopic of the infamous Jacques Mesrine. The first part, Mesrine: Killer Instinct, is about Jacques’ roots as a low-level thug involved in burglary and racketeering, which he perceived to be preferable to the life of a manual labourer. Tough, ruthless and resourceful, he climbs the ranks, delighted to have the opportunity to rebel against a government he distrusts. The movie was received well by critics and movie viewers because of the exhilarating performance of Vincent Cassel. It also captured the rush of a criminal’s life, wherein a man do whatever he wanted and take whatever he wanted, simply because he is capable of doing it.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

15. Mesrine:Public Enemy #1 Directed and written by: Jean-François Richet Year: 2008

Now to the second part of our gangster epic; which explores the later years of this complex and divisive character’s life. Mesrine was declared as France’s Public Enemy #1 when he kidnapped a judge and received a maximum penalty in a maximum-security prison. While in prison, he wrote his memoirs and began to establish himself as a household name. Upon escape, he resumes his gleeful mayhem. What puts this film into a league of its own, isn’t the gangsterism, but its depiction of how Mesrine learnt to control the media, an arch manipulator, he remains a divisive figure in France to this day. The two movies portraying the life of Mesrine will show you the twin faces of crime, both the power and the rush of success, and the heavy price paid in achieving it.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

16. 13 Tzameti Directed and written by: Géla Babluani Year: 2005

Desperate for money, an aimless young man takes the identity of another, a decision that takes him into a brutal world where rich men gamble with the lives of the dispossessed. A stark black and white thriller about the cruelty of men, which shows the relationship between money, power and cruelty in the most disturbing way imaginable.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

17. La Pianiste (The Piano Teacher) Directed and written by: Michael Haneke Year: 2001

A controversial yet interesting exploration of human psychology, La Pianiste uses Freudian principles about female sexuality, and how they relate to masochism and sadism. La Pianiste is one of a new wave of sexual explicit films in European cinema where sado-masochistic relationships are explicitly expressed. Intentionally disturbing and unerotic, it is an unsettling depiction of the depths lonely people can reach in their quest for fulfilment.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

18. Les Bien-aimés (The Beloved) Directed and written by: Christophe Honoré Year: 2011

Is it better to love or to be loved? Director Christophe Honore presents the complicated lovelife of a mother and a daughter in his movie Les Bien-aimes. Both the mother and the daughter are experiencing similar dilemma – they’re trapped in a love triangle. Light yet engaging, this movie chronicles the characters’ lives and loves from the 60’s to the present day. The radiant background and plot of Les Bien- aimes are made even livelier by the frequent musical interludes (though Director Honore did not categorize it as a musical.)

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

19. Le Havre Directed and written by: Aki Kaurismaki Year: 2011

An aging shoe-shiner helps a young immigrant in the port of Le Havre, achieve his dreams. Mixing nostalgic comedy with social drama, this warm and tender comedy about the complexities and difficulties concerning immigration and identity has won many awards and high praise from critics. The film received good reviews and various awards because of the film’s unique theme and focus.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

20. JCVD (Van Damme) Directed by: Mabrouk El Mechri Written by: Frederic Benudis, Mabrouk El Mechri, Christophe Turpin Year: 2008

A poignant and touching film that skilfully blurs fact and fiction, this stars ‘The muscles from Brussels’ as an aging, drug-addled action movie star called JCVD, whose real and screen lives become confused when he intervenes in a robbery. A fascinating meditation on the often cruel way we treat film stars when they’re no longer popular, this features a sensitive and engaging performance by Van Damme, basically playing himself as a vulnerable former A-list star desperate to be famous again. Whether this is a movie or a documentary is debateable; it did pay dividends for the likeable star though, who has gained cult status once more.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

21. Ne le Dis à Personne (Tell No One) Directed by: Guillaume Canet Written by: Guillaume Canet and Philippe Lefebvre Year: 2006

Tell no one tells the story of a bereaved doctor whose attempts to get his life back are thrown into chaos when two further bodies are discovered near to where his wife was murdered. On top of this, he has begun receiving emails from his supposedly dead wife! Under suspicion from the police, and convinced he’s being framed by unknown forces, he goes on the run, but who, if anyone can he trust? Find out in this twisty thriller.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

22.OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius Written by:Jean Francois Halis and Michel Hazanavicius Year: 2006

James Bond in Paris! A gleeful subversion of the creakingly old-fashioned 1960’s novels of Jean Bruce, this movie has great fun at the expense of the spy genre. Set in an anachronistic world where men were men, women were admiring and foreigners were shifty stereotypes, this wild satire has great fun at the expense of the Bond movies. Never knowingly politically-correct, its absurd humour will appeal to anyone who’s ever watched a thriller and shouted in exasperation at the illogicality of the plot.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

23. Indigenes (Days of Glory) Directed by: Rachid Bouchareb Written by: Olivier Morelle and Rachnid Bouchareb Year: 2006

For a long time, it was rare to find a movie depicting the brave sacrifice of the North African soldiers who fought for France during the World War II. Most often derogatively referred to as ‘Indignes’ their sacrifice was generally marginalised on screen. “Days of Glory” by Director Rachid Bouchareb is a tribute revealing the great contribution of the North African soldiers during the World War 2. Beautifully filmed and stirringly acted, this is a timely and stirring reminder of the great sacrifice made by African troops during the Second World War. French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

24. Coco Before Chanel Directed by: Anne Fontaine Written by: Anne and Camille Fontaine Year:2009

France is the home of many of the most famous designers and their signature brands of bags, clothes, shoes and hats. Director Fontaine explores the life of one great persona in the world of fashion---Coco Chanel. This is a woman whose life was focused towards a paradigm-shifting aim ‘It is not about glamour and luxury, but comfort and style’. Coco Before Chanel is a biopic about the early life of Coco Chanel and her drive towards creating a modern style of hats for women. The movie is damaged by its unsentimental approach to the lead’s early life, but the film is nevertheless a beautifully crafted and tastefully refined film.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

25. Camille Claudel 1915 Directed and written by: Bruno Dumont Year: 2013

Camille Claudel 1915 is the fourth biopic this month, and like Coco Chanel and Violette l, its story revolves around the life of an outstanding female artist, Camille Claudel. She is a brilliant sculptress who became insane due to loneliness and the pressures of her art. She was the mistress of Auguste Rodin and their complicated relationship added to her paranoia and misery. To protect her, Paul Claudel, her brother, put her in an asylum. The movie was criticized as gratuitously disturbing because of its use of actual handicapped people as supporting cast members. Moreover, it has a tendency to concentrate on her unhappy later life in an asylum. Despite these criticisms, it is an intense and accurate portrayal of madness and obsession.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

26. Heartbreaker (L’Arnacoeur) Directed by: Pascal Chaumeil Written by: Laurent Zeitoun, Jeremy Domer and Yohan Gromb Year: 2011

To lift the mood after three straight days of drama, let’s cheer ourselves up with this French romantic comedy. Heartbreaker stars Romain Duris as Alex, a handsome but manipulative professional heartbreaker and Vanessa Paradis as Juliette, a beautiful heiress. Hired by Juliette’s father to break up the marriage before it has even begun, Alex pulls out all the stops, but soon finds himself dealing with more than he bargained for!

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

27. Prete-moi ta main (I Do: How to Get Married and Stay Single) Directed by: Eric Lartigau Written by: Alain Chabat, Philippe Mechelen, Laurent Tirard, Gregoire Vigneron and Laurent Zeitoun. Year: 2006

Prete-moi ta main is a good example of a mainstream funny Parisian rom-com film. It stars Alain Chabat as Luis Campos and Charlotte Gainsbourg as Emma. Luis is savouring his life as a successful perfumer and a bachelor despite his persistent mother and sisters. One day, his mother and sisters decide that he is not getting younger, so he needs to get married, immediately. The problem here is he does not want to enter in a serious relationship, so he ends up hiring his best friend’s sister to be his fiancé who will dump him in the date of their marriage. But is there a flaw in this brilliant plan?

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

28. Les Contes de la Nuit (Tales of the Night) Directed and written by: Michel Ocelot Year: 2011

For kids and the young-at-heart, Le Contes de nuit is just right for you. From the vivid imagination of internationally renounced animator Micheal Ocelot comes six fables from differing periods and cultures. Beautifully captured in a faux-traditional silhouette style, it’s evocative mix of fairy-tale and modern animation techniques are bound to enrapture the young; and young at heart! French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

29. My Piece of the Pie Directed and written by: Cedric Klapsich Year: 2011

A biting satire about the gulf between the ‘haves and have-nots’, My Piece of the Pie tells the story of a poverty-stricken mother of three forced, by unemployment, to take a job as a housekeeper for a stockbroker who appears to be the living embodiment of the soulless corporate capitalist shark. In addition, it appears his shady dealings are the reason she’s unemployed in the first place. Despite their differences, the two develop feelings for each other, but can she show him the error of his ways?

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

30. Comme une Image (Look at Me) Directed by: Agnes Jaoui Written by: Jean -Pierre Bacri and Agnes Jaoui Year: 2004

Comme une Image (Look at Me) is a 2004 satirical drama film about the dynamics of self-image and celebrity life juxtaposed against familial love, acceptance and pure love for another person. 20 year old Lolita aspires to be a singer, but plagued with insecurities about her looks, and generally ignored in favour of her successful, self-obsessed father, her low self-esteem may prove an impassable barrier to success. A fascinating dissection of the desire for fame an attention, featuring well-rounded characters, and exploring this modern phenomenon in a sensitive, yet original manner.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (July)

31. Holy Motors Directed and written by: Leos Carax Year: 2012

Let’s finish on a bizarre note with the acclaimed ‘Holy Motors’. Although any synopsis for this experimental film is slightly spurious, it follows a strange figure, Monsieur Oscar, who adopts differing roles during a night’s journey through Paris in a white limousine. Featuring a brilliant performance by Denis Lavant, this will have you applauding and scratching your head in equal measure.

French Movies (July)

French Movies (August)

August 1. Sauve qui peut (la vie) (Every Man for Himself) Year: 1980 Directed by: Jean-Luc Godard Written by: Jean-Claude Carrière; Jean-Luc Godard; Anne-Marie Miéville

Another movie list beginning with a Godard movie, Every Man for Himself stars Jacques Dutronc (as Paul Godard), Isabelle Huppert (Isabelle Riviera) and Nathalie Baye (Denise Rimbaurd). It is a powerful, dark and surreal film examining different sexual relationships through the interactions of the three protagonists. But the film is not without a comedic touch: balancing the combination of early experimental cinematic forms, such as its various slow motion scenes, with its pessimistic ideology about life, perversity, love and work.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

2. Alyah Year: 2012 Directed by: Elie Wajeman Written by: Gaëlle Macé, Elie Wajeman

With a drug addict brother and a dream to pursue, Alex, a 27-year-old Jewish drug dealer living in the working-class Paris neighbourhood is working hard to pursue his Aliyah: a Jewish term for immigrating to Israel. In order to achieve his dream however, he must leave his home, his former love, his best friend Mathias, Jeanne, the woman he’s having a relationship with, and his stubborn brother. He is being torn between his Aliyah, his drug business, complicated love life and his love for his brother. This movie received praise from many critics due to its representation of different social classes in Paris and its focus on the culture of the Jewish community in France.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

3. Mélo Year: 1986 Directed by: Alain Resnais Written by: Alain Resnais, Henri Bernstein

The plot of Melo is simple and quite predictable: two best friends fighting over the love of a woman. The difference in comparison to most such dramas is its beautifully crafted story of a woman dealing with a complex ménage à trois without hurting either man. You will find a story of undying love, faith, friendship, adultery and lies; skilfully blended with Resnais’ directorial magic in this wonderful movie. Watch how Romaine, Marcel and Pierre fight for their love, sacrifice life and happiness, and treasure friendship and dignity till the end.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

4. Le Cinquième Élément (The Fifth Element) Year: 1997 Directed by: Luc Besson Written by: Luc Besson , Robert Mark Kamen

Set during the twenty-third century, The Fifth Element is an English-language French science fiction film starring Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, and Milla Jovovich. The film’s plot revolves around an alien invasion, a cynical reluctant hero, and a beautiful and enigmatic woman with mysterious powers. At the time of its release, The Fifth Element was the most expensive European film ever, and the most successful French film until the release of The Intouchables. So, if you are asking yourself what is the fifth element? Find out by watching and enjoy the performance of the blue diva, the search for the mystical stones, and the impending battle between humans and aliens from the dark and mysterious outer space.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

5. Vénus noire (Black Venus) Year: 2010 Directed by: Abdellatif Kechiche Written by: Abdel Kechiche, Ghalya Laroix

Venus noire is a special and one-of-a-kind true story movie about Sarah Baartman (Yahima Torres), a Khoikhoi woman who was exhibited in Europe under the name “Hottentot Venus” in the early 19th century. Venus noire (Black Venus) shows a life of a young woman from the ’dark continent’ of Africa brought to Europe. She is treated as a sideshow attraction and viewed as part human and part animal by most people. The term ’Hottentot Venus‘was devised by Hendrick Caezar (Andre Jacobs) as Sarah’s stage name. The most unusual thing about Sarah’s story is her conscious acceptance of becoming an exhibit, and her willingness to be staged in such a seemingly derogatory way. Venus Noire explores important questions about life, immigration, racism and exploitation.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

6. Kirikou et la Sorciere Year: 1998 Directed and written by: Michel Ocelot

Now, let’s turn to a happier story that also concerns Africa. Kirikou et la Sorciere is a cartoon drawn from the different elements of West African folk tales. The story takes place in a little village somewhere in West Africa, which is plagued by the wrath of an evil sorceress. The witch dries up their spring and takes all the males of the village except for one—the uncle of a brave little boy called Kirikou. Unfortunately, his uncle must pay a visit to the evil sorceress, and this will be the beginning of Kirikou’s use of wit and cunning to save his people from the hands of the sorceress The film garnered controversy in the US as it showed scenes of female and male nudity, which was still the norm in in pre-colonial Africa, but not clearly not in the U.S during its release. Nevertheless, the movie was successful and was followed by two sequels, and a stage musical.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

7. Couleur de peau: miel (Approved for Adoption) Year: 2012 Directed by: Laurent Boileau Written by: Jung

The second animated film will bring you back to your childhood dreams and imagination. The artist Jung Henin has adapted his popular graphic novels about his life as an adopted child. He was one of the thousands of children adopted by Western families by the end of the Korean War. The story revolves around the life and struggles of an adopted child, his period of identity crisis at being stranded in between two very different types of culture, and his success in finding himself. The film is a combination of witty humour and inspiring snippets which will capture those soft spots of yours.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

8. Astérix et Obélix : Mission Cléopâtre (Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra) Year: 2002 Directed by: René Goscinny, Lee Payant, Albert Uderzo Written by: Eddie Lateste, Jos Marissen, Pierre Tchernia

Asterix and Obelix: Mission Cleopatra is a movie based on a French comic book written by Rene Goscinny. Empress Cleopatra (Monica Bellucci) tells Julius Caesar that her people can build a pyramid in three months. She chooses architect Numerobis (Jamel Debbouze) to manage the project on time or be fed to the crocodiles. To do this, Numerobis will need the help of the warriors: Asterix (Christian Clavier) and Obelix (Gerard Depardieu), with the powerful Panoramix (Claude Rich) along with their pet Dogmatix. How will these unlikely warriors help Numerobis to finish the pyramid project in time? For an amusing evening, watch Asterix et Obelix: Mission Cleopatre.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

9. Au Galop (In Rush) Year: 2012 Directed and written by: Louis-Do de Lencquesaing

Paul (Louis – Do de Lencquesaing) who is contemplating suicide, meets Ada, a beautiful mother of one, who is about to get married with a businessman. Paul is an accomplished author with a daughter, but still lives with his domineering mother. When he meets Ada (Valentia Cervi), his world is changed forever. He admires her beauty, while she adores his wit and intelligence. The two begin their forbidden love, and face the consequences attached to it. The movie dramatically depicts the torment of a suicidal novelist, his gorgeous mistress, a dying patriarch, love, children and an insight into Parisian archetypes.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

10. One Night (38 témoins) Year: 2012 Directed by: Lucas Belvaux Written by: Yvan Attal, Patrick Quinet, Patrick Sobelman

What will you do if, after returning from a business trip, you discover a murder committed in your hometown, but no one is interested in solving the case? Will you keep out of the trouble, or you will be like Louise Morvand and give your all to ensure that the local police will investigate the case? 38 témoins means 38 witnesses in French, but is ironic in that, in the film, only one of the thirty eight people living in the area is willing to speak of the event, deciding to break his silence and provide some truths that the town doesn’t want to hear.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

11. Parlez-moi de vous (On Air) Year: 2012 Directed and written by: Pierre Pinaud

Molina is a famous agony aunt in France. Many people listen to her giving advice and solving emotional and sexual problems with her customary cheek and humour. Behind the image is a faceless diva and an introvert living like an old maid uptown. One day, however, she decides to search for her mother whom she never knew. In her search, she discovers more about her past and regains her heart. “Parlez moi de vous” is a light comedy drama which makes perfect watching after a day of work.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

12. Un conte de Noël (A Christmas Tale) Year: 2008 Directed by: Arnaud Desplechin Written by: Arnaud Desplechin, Emmanuel Bourdieu

Just before Christmas, the Vuillard family is forced to reunite to deal with negative news about their mother’s need for a transplant. Elizabeth, Ivan and Henri, are the children of Junon and Abel, but, six years ago, Elizabeth banished Henri from their lives. The reason for this is unknown to all except the two siblings, but which will be uncovered when they will be forced to reunite. In this French comedy-drama film, you will confront issues with family relationships, conflict, and resolution so common in the run-up to Christmas. French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

13. Notre Musique (Our Music) Year: 2004 Directed and written by: Jean-Luc Godard

Notre Musique is Jean-Luc Godard’s 3-part film that touches on issues of violence, morality and its representation in filmmaking. This film has a particular focus on colonialism and the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. Some have called it poetic, some journalistic, but the unique thing about this film is its philosophical analysis of the war and its representation from the lens. Notable for its adaptation of Dante’s tripartite style, it is divided into three segments: “Hell”, “Purgatory”, and “Heaven”. He examines how he can broaden understanding of social-political issues from the context of filmmaking. Godard stars as himself in this mixture of documentary, fiction and montage. This is ideal for those looking for a deep and provocative movie.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

14. Hors Satan (Outside Satan) Year: 2011 Directed and written by: Bruno Dumont

This next movie is as deep and dark as Notre Musique, but more abstract in terms of its focus and ideals. Dumont attempts to explore the issues of good and evil and their symbiosis-as well as the transformation of one from the other. The movie is about a drifter’s relationship with young woman who suffered abuse. Though it could be extremely slow in pace, it serves to highlight the striking use of the French countryside, and the underlying themes.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

15. L’Heure d’été (Summer Hours) Year: 2008 Directed and written by: Olivier Assayas

L’ Heure d’ete (Summer Hours) will make you think about the profound struggles between culture and modernity, tradition and change. The plot revolves around the elderly family matriarch’s decision to donate the family’s antique collection to a museum. For the three siblings in the movie, this donation is equivalent to the disappearance of their childhood memories- as they must abandon the house and all the art inside to they return to their thoroughly modern lives. The movie received great praise because of its detail-oriented approach and its portrayal of how objects of value lose their context when taken from their original setting, yet regain it, when placed in one in which they become part of a greater heritage.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

16. Va Savoir (Who Knows?) Year: 2001 Directed by: Jacques Rivette Written by: Pascal Bonitzer, Christine Laurent, Jacques Rivette

Camille is the lead actress of an Italian theatre company touring Europe. Ugo, the director of the play and the manager of the company, is her boyfriend. He brings the company to Paris in the hope of verifying the existence of an unpublished Goldoni manuscript. Unknown to both of them, their return to Paris will bring one back to a past lover, and the other to a new, seductive one, at the risk of their relationship. With the theatre used as both a backdrop and a metaphor for the film’s themes, this as a skilful dissection of the short, and long-term effects of romantic love.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

17. Ce jour-là (That Day) Year: 2003 Directed and written by: Raúl Ruiz

A dark comedy with a slightly unhinged feel, Ce jour-la or That Day is a story of wealth, greed and unconventional love. Livia (Elsa Zylberstein) and Pointpoirot (Bernard Giraudeau) are a perfect match, yet one made in hell. Livia, is deeply delusional, yet the sole inheritor of a vast family wealth. Pointporot is a psychopathic serial killer hired to kill her. Her father wants her money to the point that he wants her dead to gain access to her inheritance; however, his evil plan is turned upside down when the two met. A deliciously dark and twisted modern morality tale that’s not for the faint of heart!

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August) 18. Je ne suis pas là pour être aimé (Not Here to be Loved) Year: 2005 Directed and written by: Stéphane Brizé.

The middle-aged misanthrope Jean-Claude (Patrick Chesnais) lives a lonely and cheerless life. In revenge, he brings misery into the homes of his poor tenants who cannot pay their rents on time. While taking tango lessons after a doctor told him to get more exercise, he meets Franciose, a forty-something woman taking dance classes to prepare for her wedding day. The meeting changes both their lives forever...

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

19. Les Herbes Folles (Wild Grass) Year: 2009 Directed by:Alain Resnais Written by: Alex Reval, Laurent Herbiet

Who can imagine a wallet could open doors to romance? When Georges, an unhappy married and unemployed man in his 50s finds the purse of Marguerita, a dentist and weekend pilot on her 40s, he thought that it might lead to something near to romance. However, this is far from what is Marguerita’s view. So Georges hands the wallet to the police station to give it back to Marguerita. However, with Marguerita’wishing to show her gratitude, she contacts him, only be greeted with his own rude behaviour. After the incident he feels guilty for his gruff manners, so he tries to apologize in return-leading to an increasingly complicated series of events. The difficulties of human emotions and how they impact others are subtly examined in this perceptive film.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

20. L’Anglaise et le Duc (The Lady and the Duke) Year: 2001 Directed and written by: Éric Rohmer

Our next film is inspired by the memoirs of Grace Elliot, a Scottish aristocrat and royal who lived and fought during the French Revolution. L’Anglaise et le Duc (The Lady and the Duke) aroused strong condemnation from many French citizens due to its perceived monarchist sympathies. Eric Rohmer created the film at the age of 81 and he proves that age does not matter, nor does age necessarily make a person rusty and ineffective. The active negative response of so many certainly proved that! Moreover, Rohmer brings the 18th century Paris to the modern period through adapting the style of paintings during the era. The actors look like a part of a pop-up book, and the effect is strange and animated.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

21. Le Fils (The Son) Year: 2002 Directed and written by: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Olivier, a woodwork teacher at a vocational school becomes obsessed with Francis, the man who killed his son. Tormented with his son’s death and his separation with his wife, he starts to stalk Francis, even taking him as an apprentice to be closer to him. In the midst of all this, he starts to know more about Francis and his past. Francis, unaware of his connection with Olivier, looks up to him as a father figure. Because of this, Olivier is torn between his desire to revenge his son’s death and his paternal instinct to care for this broken youth. The film explores male communication, and parental instincts against emotional dilemmas. French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

22. La Chambre des Officiers (The Officers Ward) Year: 2001 Directed by: François Dupeyron Written by: François Dupeyron, Marc Dugain

World War I—a time of loss and death. A period when many men sacrificed their chance of a happy life with their loved ones for the sake of fighting for their country. Adrien is one of these soldiers- left injured after a mortar shell explodes in his face. Dupeyron adds ambiguity to La Chambre des Officiers by creatively conveying the extent of Adrien’s injury, and the war as a whole, through minimalism and lighting. La Chambre des Officiers presents the inherent paradox of a period when machines and science aided the war greatly, but still lacked the ability to revive the ripped and shredded bodies of the dead and injured soldiers.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

23. Eloge de l’amour (In Praise of Love) Year: 2001 Directed and written by: Jean-Luc Godard

Edgar (Bruno Putzulu) is looking for the right leading lady for his next film without much success when he encounters Elle (Cecile Camp). Elle fascinates him and he is somewhat certain that he already met her somewhere before, but cannot tell exactly when, where and how. Just as everything seems perfect to start the filming, Edgar receives the news that Elle dies. Lacking a conventional narrative of linear chronology, In Praise of Love is Godard’s contemplation of how we perceive the past, and the effects of culture and subjectivity on memory and history. Be warned, this film is not for American patriots–as you might find some aspects of the film offensive.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

24. Etre et avoir (To Be and To Have) Year: 2002 Directed and written by: Nicolas Philibert

How can a person utterly devote their lives towards a vocation that helps others? Etre et Avoir is a beautiful documentary portraying a one-room school in Auvergne where students (ranging from 4 to 11) are educated by one dedicated teacher, Georges Lopez. A timely and important look at the efforts and rewards of helping others to learn.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

25. Se souvenir des belles choses (Beautiful Memories) Year: 2001 Directed by: Zabou Breitman Written by: Zabou Breitman, Jean-Claude Deret

In an institution for people with memory disorders, two people looking for solutions find love along the way to their recovery. Clair Poussin, a young woman in her early 30s whose mother has recently died from Alzheimer’s disease has been struck by lightning which has precipitated the deterioration of her own memory. Believing she is showing the first signs of the disease, she enters the care of Prof. Christian Licht. In the house, Clair meets Philippe, a wine expert who is traumatized by a car accident that killed his wife and child. The two fell in love and decide to move in together, but their conditions make their lives harder. Will they be able to recover the fractured pieces of their memories and live happily together?

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

26. Stupeur et tremblements (Fear and Trembling) Year: 2003 Directed by: Alain Corneau Written by: Amélie Nothomb, Alain Corneau

Have you ever experienced humiliation in the workplace? If yes, you could relate to this next film in our list. Stupeur et tremblements is about the difficulties that Amelie experiences while working in Japan. She wants to work in Japan to be a “real Japanese”, but faces great humiliation from her supervisors. Unfamiliar with the workplace customs and her frequent errors making her superiors angry, she needs to learn the unstated hierarchies in Japanese society and acknowledge when to bend her firm stance. The title, Fear and Trembling, refers to the Japanese manner of behaving in front of the emperor. Can Amelie live with her dreams to become a real Japanese or will the intensity of the Japanese working environment prove too much?

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

27. Le Mystère de la chambre jaune (The Mystery of the Yellow Chamber) Year: 2003 Directed and written by: Bruno Podalydès

Do you like solving mysteries? This is about a crime that takes place at the Chateau du Glandier. One night, somebody attempts to murder Matilda, the daughter of the famous Professor Stangerson. There is no weapon, no suspects, and the room is locked and barred from the inside. This classy update of the classic ‘locked room’ mystery will keep you guessing to the very end. French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

28. L’Emploi du temps Year: 2001 Directed by: Laurent Cantet Written by: Robin Campillo, Laurent Cantet

How could you tell the truth to your loved ones if you are the person they rely on? Will you confess to them that you got fired from work? That will be very hard for you to do, right? Recently fired from his job, Vincent cannot accept the fact that he is now unemployed, and is unable to confess the truth to his family. As a ‘solution’, he fabricates a new job for himself so his family and friends will not know that he is out of work. As Vincent enters buildings and hallways of busy workers, he starts to yearn for a job and a place in this world.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

29. The Widow of Saint- Pierre (La Veuve de Saint-Pierre) Year: 2000 Directed by: Patrice Leconte Written by: Patrice Leconte and Claude Farraldo

In 1850, in a small isolated island of Saint Pierre, a man murders another and receives a death sentence by guillotine. Since the island is small, the guillotine must be transported there. While waiting, Neels, the prisoner, is put under the surveillance of the island’s army Captain. The Captain’s wife, in turn, lets him do small tasks around the house. Neel also becomes famous in the community after doing simple chores like planting, repairing cottages, etc… which further increases his popularity to the people. When the guillotine arrives, the Captain feels pity for the prisoner and calls off the execution. As a punishment, both of them have been sentenced to death. A tragic and moving film that explores notions of punishment and duty.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

30. Une Histoire Immortelle (The Immortal Story) Year: 1968 Directed by: Orson Welles Written by: Karen Blixen (story), Louise de Vilmorin, Orson Welles

There is a story about a rich man who spent five guineas to pay a sailor to father a child with his beautiful young wife… In the Portuguese colony of Macao in the 19th century, a very rich merchant become obsessed with making this story true. He asks his assistant / bookkeeper to look for a sailor and beautiful woman to play the characters of the story. The assistant finds people to do the job, but after the job takes place, the assistant finds the merchant dead. A powerful story of hubris and identity from one of the true masters of cinema.

French Movies (August)

French Movies (August)

31. La Grande Illusion (Grand Illusion) Year: 1937 Directed by: Jean Renoir Written by: Jean Renoir, Charles Spaak

Our last film in the list is about two French soldiers captured and imprisoned in a German camp during the First World War. They plot an escape plan with other prisoners, but fail and are brought to another location. Aristocratic Captain de Boeldieu and his mechanic, Lieutenant Marechal are taken by Captain von Rauffenstein who treats them with hospitality. Rauffenstein, who weak with battle wounds tries to befriend de Boeldieu, but the latter has other plans on his mind, and is willing to put himself in danger to allow others to escape. The story concerns class relationships among imprisoned French officers during the First World War and their various attempts of escape. It is regarded as a masterpiece by film historians because of its humanistic perspective.

French Movies (August)

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French Movies (September)

September 1. La Religieuse (The Nun) Directed by: Guillaume Nicloux Written by: Guillaume Nicloux and Jérôme Beaujour, Denise Diderot. Year: 2013

Who is supposed to pay for the sins of our parents? This is the main moral dilemma that the young Suzanne Simonin faces when she is forced to enter a convent after her parents reveal that she is a daughter from an extramarital affair. An adaptation of Diderot’s novel, The Nun tells the story of a young daughter who is trying to resist the imposed religious values and dogmas, as well as the dehumanizing punishment of her rebellious attempt to free herself from being a complete nun. The film is quite controversial for its portrayal of the life inside a convent and the sacrifices of the voiceless daughters imprisoned in their predestined fates.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

2. Le silence de Lorna (Lorna’s Silence) Directed and written by: Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne Year: 2008

Sokol and Lorna dream of living in Belgium and open a snack bar, but they need money and resident status before they can realize their dreams. In order for this to happen, Lorna has to agree to a sham marriage with Claudy, a junkie, under the guidance of a taxi driver and aspiring gang boss, Fabio. Eventually the two get married and Lorna receives her Belgian citizenship. After their marriage, Fabio introduces them to Andrei, a Russian mafioso who will pay a hearty sum of money to them if Lorna will marry him. As a drawback, the group must kill Claudy, but Lorna is against it. Will Lorna be able to remain silent as Fabio plots the death of Claudy? This masterpiece of the Dardenne’s brothers is a somewhat feminist tale of survival in a silent but brutal world of murder, gangs, and money. The movie slowly reveals the emotional and psychological turmoil of a woman who is trapped in the middle of this type of world.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

3. Désengagement (Disengagement) Directed by: Amos Gitai Written by: Amos Gitai, Marie-Jose Sanselme Year: 2007

As we know, the Gaza strip is still in great turmoil, and a few years ago, Amos Gitai used this very same issue as the main theme of his fictional film, Disengagement. Disengagement is a political drama circling around the life of an Israeli woman who lives in France. She returns to the Gaza strip to find her long lost daughter. At her father’s funeral, she learns about the location of her daughter and decides to make a trip to the settlement area. There, she meets Uli, her adopted brother and an Israeli police officer who might be able to help her rescue her daughter. Disengagement focuses on family relationships, on the frenzy and confusions of the religious settlers inside the settlement areas in Gaza, and the cold-blooded policemen who treat this people inhumanely. French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

4. Rue des Plaisirs (Love Street) Directed by: Patrice Leconte Written by: Serge Frydman Year: 2002

Marion is a girl with a big dream. She wants to become a famous singer but she has to work in a brothel. Petite Louis is a son of a prostitute who grew up inside a brothel with a family of prostitutes, and eventually becoming the handy man of the house. He falls in love with the new girl, Marion, but like in Cyrano de Bergerac, his talents and skills are not enough to solve his lack of macho charisma that Marion is looking for. He tries to be her knight in shining armor, but as expected she finds a perfect mate in the image of Dimitri Josco, a smuggler, black-marketer and a thief who is constantly on the run from the government and a crime syndicate. When the government shuts down the brothel, Marion, Petit Louis and Dimitri find themselves in a twisted life of chance, fame and romance.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

5. La delicatesse (Delicacy) Directed by: David Foenkinos, Stéphane Foenkinos Written by: David Foenkinos Year: 2011

You think you already have all the happiness in this world, then one day, your everything is gone. It is like the end of the world for you, and your only resort is your work and nothing else. You start to bury yourself in work and put aside even your own health. This is the life of Nathalie after she finds herself widowed after meeting her soul mate. One day, she meets Markus, an average looking office guy but a nice person. At first, Markus as well as the people around them cannot believe the extra attention that Nathalie is giving to him, but Nathalie is sincere about it. Can Nathalie and Markus win over their own self-doubts and the judgmental perspectives of the people around them? Foenkins’ Delicacy is another romantic dish for a heartwarming night after a long day of work.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

6. Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life Directed and written by: Joann Sfar Year: 2010

“Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life” is a biopic interpretation of the life of the 60’s pop star Serge Gainsbourg by the excellent comic artist Joann Sfar. The film follows the life of the singer from his childhood years in the Nazi occupied France, through his early years as a painter and jazz musician, to his life as a popular singer-songwriter, and as a notorious bon vivant, and a lover of some of the world’s gorgeous women like Juliette Greco, Brigitte Bardot, and Jane Birkin. The film is an ironic representation of its title: “ Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life”, and the narcissistic and womanizing life of our star, Gainsbourg.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

7. Lady Chatterley Directed by: Pascale Ferran Written by: Pascale Ferran and Roger Bohbot Year: 2006

Based on the scandalous novel of D.H. Lawrence, the second book of Lady Chatterley’s Lover, Ferran’s film is an erotic tale of a married woman who finds herself in an affair with another man. Constance Chatterley is married to Sir Clifford Chatterley who has been paralyzed from waist down due to an injury he obtained from fighting during World War I. Even if Constance loves her husband, she is still young in her mid twenties, and her youth leads her into the temptations of adultery when she sees Parkin half-dressed while preparing their supper. Parkin is the estate’s groundskeeper. Constance and Parkin, attracted to each other, become lovers, and Constance finally desires the simple life with Parkin, but they have to acknowledge that their actions are wrong and their love is a sin in the eyes of everybody.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

8. The Rabbi’s Cat Directed by: Joann Sfar; Antoine Delesvaux Written by: Joann Sfar; Sandrina Jardel Year: 2011

Another movie by Joann Sfar, The Rabbi’s Cat is a film about God, Tradition, Faith, Journey, Religion and Philosophy. It is a film both for kids and adults, as Director Sfar created the meaningful film in full animation about a talking cat. The talking cat is owned by The Rabbi and his daughter, Zlabya. The cat is very funny to watch while it sardonically discusses different point of views about faith and life with his owner and future colleagues as it embarks in a search for the truth.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

9. Moi, Cesar Directed by: Richard Berry Written by: Richard Berry; Eric Assous Year: 2003

A story of a young boy living an ordinary life in Paris who seeks to add more colors and adventures in his life, Moi, Ceasar talks about childhood fantasies and stories of friendship. It is a great movie for families, because of its touch of childhood. Ceasar is the main character of the story, who craves more excitement than what he already experiences. In order to find more fun, he with his two other friends, Morgan and Sarah, sail into an adventure to find Morgan’s father. Each one of them tells his/ her parents that s/he will stay at the other’s house, and they sneak out to begin their search. French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

10. Arthur et la vengeance de Maltazard Directed by: Luc Besson Written by: Luc Besson; Emmanuel Prévost Year: 2009

Another movie for the kids! Arthur et la Vengeance de Maltazard is an animation about sparkling fairies, omens, and monsters, which are great for weekend’s family movie time. On one hand, if you are a geek or a techie person, the film will disappoint you because of its lack of sophistication with its graphics. On the other, if you are just looking for child-friendly Entertainment, Arthur is a good choice. Arthur receives a distress call from Princess Selenia through a grain of rice delivered by a spider. Princess Selenia, is the princess of the Minimoys which is infested by Maltazard. Arthur enters their world in a miniaturized size to rescue the village, but by the time he reaches the other world, Maltazard is striking in his real world. French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

11.Copacabana Directed and written by: Marc Fitoussi Year: 2010

What is the essence of motherhood? How could a mother be considered a dutiful mother? Does she have to let go of her own happiness and look reserved and respected in the eyes of the society just to be honored? Copacabana shows a bold, unconventional and cheerful Babou represented by the legendary Isabelle Huppert. She is a mother and a free-spirited woman. She thinks her liberated personality is cool in the eyes of the people, until she reaches a realization. Her daughter is ashamed of her and refuses to invite her to her wedding. This hurts Babou greatly and she wants to retrieve the love and respect of her daughter, so she works hard to prove her real worth. French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

12. Quand j’étais Chanteur (Singer) Directed and written by: Xavier Giannoli Year: 2006

Alain Moreau is a small time ballad singer in one of the few remaining dance-bands in Clermont-Ferrand. Meanwhile, his advancing years and the changing of the music trends of the time makes the number of his audience slowly decrease, and they fear that his days under the spotlight are already numbered. One day, he meets Marion, an attractive but much younger businesswoman. He falls in love with her, but she seems distant and troubled. Will Alain’s ballad gradually open Marion’s heart? Quand j’etais Chanteur is an unusual love story, and goes beyond the typical sweet and cheesy young romance.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

13. Le Papillon (The Butterfly) Directed and written by: Philippe Muyl Year: 2008

The Butterfly is the story of an eight-year-old Elsa and her growing fondness for butterflies after she and her mom move to an apartment next to an old entomologist. Julien is an old man who is not fond of children, but a very passionate butterfly collector. Since Elsa is often left alone in the house, she starts to visit Julien every day. The two develop a friendship over time, but when Julien sets out to look for a rare type of butterfly, he finds Elsa hiding inside his car. Left with no other option, he allows Elsa to tag along, but her mom, unaware of their location, worries that she has been kidnapped, so she reports her absence to the police station. Will Julien and Elsa’s growing friendship end here?

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

14. La Tourneuse de pages (The Page Turner) Directed and written by: Denis Dercourt Year: 2006

The Page Turner is our musical entry for this month. Melanie Prouvost aspires to be a pianist, so she tries her luck to enter a Musical Conservatory to hone her skills. Prior to officially entering the conservatory, she has to audition first in front of a famous pianist Ariane Fouchecourt, but Ariane signs an autograph during her recital, thus distracting Melanie and her performance. After some years, Melanie and Ariane meet again, but in a completely reverse scenario. Ariane is now worried about her skills and talent to perform well. She is now different from the old confident Ariane, and Melanie will now be her aid as her personal Page Turner.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

15. À tout de suite (2004) Directed by: Benoit Jacquot Written by: Benoit Jacquot and Elisabeth Fanger Year: 2004

For day 14, a crime film is on the go. A Tout de Suite by Benoit Jacqout is about a young bourgeois woman who falls in love with a bank robber, follows them and joins them in their every run and heist. Lili is a free-spirited Bohemian art student before she joins the roller coaster life of big-time robbers running across Spain, Morocco and Greece. As Lili explores the life of running and hiding, she will bewitch everybody with her incredible journey of selfdiscovery. A Tout de Suite is an erotically charged thriller formed in a gorgeous black-and-white photography makes the film look like a documentary, thus more realistic.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

16. À ce soir (Nelly) Directed by: Laure Duthilleul Written by: Laure Duthilleul, Jean-Pol Fargeau, Pierre-Erwan Guillaume Year: 2004

Nelly is a movie for people looking for a light drama film to spend the rest of the night. It is about the four days of grieving of Dolly after the death of her husband. Her husband is the town’s doctor and she is a nurse. With her children and relatives who travel just to console them in one of the darkest days of their lives, Dolly tries her best to be strong in front of her family. French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

17. La Belle et la Bête / Beauty and the Beast Directed and written by: Jean Cocteau Year: 1946

Jean Cocteau adapted one of the famous children’s stories, “Beauty and the Beast”. Similar to the story in the book, the movie revolves around the unexpected love of Beauty (Belle) and Beast. La Belle et la Bête stars Josette Day as Beauty and Jean Marais as Beast. When Beauty’s father picks a flower in Beast’s garden, he is told that he must die. Beauty will not allow this to happen, and so the brave daughter returns to Beast’s castle in her father’s place. The Beast falls in love and asks her to marry him. She refuses his love since she promises her love to a handsome prince, who is also played by Jean Maris. Eventually, Beauty falls for the strange Beast, but who should she marry? The Prince or the Beast? The film shows a story of love, passion, commitment, and trust.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

18. Rois et Reine ( Kings and Queen) Directed by: Arnaud Desplechin Written by: Roger Bohbot and Arnaud Desplechin Year: 2004

Rois et Reine is a promising film about the poetry of life; the rich melodrama, and sometimes comedic situations that intertwine our lives with each other. Rois et Reine evolves around the lives of former couple Nora Cotterelle and Ismael Vuillard. Nora is supposed to marry for the third time, but her son has an uneasy relationship with her fiance so she seeks the help of her second husband, Ismael. Moreover, Nora is also troubled with her father’s sickness. With her unusual proposition, she hopes that Ismael will take the bait and help her solve her problems. Rois et Reine is a wonderful story of the complexities of life and our attempts to solve them which only bury as deeper in this complexity.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

19. Les Poupées Russes Directed and written by: Cedric Klapisch Year: 2005

You might have read about L’Auberge Espagnole in one of the previous months. It is the first chapter of Klapisch’s Spanish Apartment trilogy. For the second chapter, Les Poupées Russes continues to tell the story of Xavier in his thirties. He is no longer a student, but is not yet a stable and fulfilled adult. With no stable income and unable to fulfill his dream of becoming a novelist yet, he also lives a happy-go-lucky life filled with one night stands and flings. He cannot keep the right women and lets them slip through his hands all the time. Will he ever set his life in the right direction?

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

20. Chinese Puzzle (Casse-tête chinois) Directed and written by: Cédric Klapisch Year: 2013

After watching the second chapter of the Spanish Apartment trilogy, you may now continue to the third chapter: Chinese Puzzle or Casse-tete chinois. Chinese Puzzle is about the now 40 year-old and separated Xavier. Xavier now has two kids with whom he cannot live without. However, his wife is bound to move to New York with his two children. So, Xavier who cannot bear to live far away from his children sets off to New York. This time, his goal is not just to move closer to his children, but to salvage his family.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

21. Cloclo (My Way) 2012 Directed by: Florent Emilio Siri Written by: Julien Rappeneau Year: 2012

Cloclo is a biopic of the French popstar and songwriter Claude Francois. He might not be as famous as Frank Sinatra, but the song My Way was co-written by Francois. The film traces the life of Francois from his childhood days in Egypt, his rise to stardom, and his untimely death in the late 1970s. The title of the film Cloclo is based on Francois’s nickname, while the international name of the film is adapted from the title of the song popularized by Frank Sinatra: “My Way”.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

22. De vrais mensonges (Beautiful Lies) Directed by: Pierre Salvadori Written by: Benoit Graffin and Pierre Salvadori Year: 2010

Beautiful Lies revolves around the story of Emilie, the daughter, who acts as cupid for her secret admirer and her mother. Since Emilie’s mother, Maddy is depressed because of her last bad marriage, Emilie thought of an idea about how to make her happy again. Emilie receives a letter from a secret admirer, but she is not interested in love, so a great idea pops into her mind. She will send a copy of her letters to her mom. Consequently, she is not aware that her secret admirer is her handyman who has way way more knowledge than her. Mandy on one hand is determined to find the real author of the letters and eventually find love. But how could a lie, even if it is a white lie, create love and happiness?

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

23. Boarding Gate Directed and written by: Olivie Assyas Year: 2007

Boarding gate will give you an adrenaline rush with its thrill-packed plots and characters. It shows how power plays out in the lives of its characters and how treacherous the underworld is. Sandra is artistically played by Asia Argento as a former prostitute who wants to open a nightclub business. She is entangled with Miles who is a pimp and a businessman. Separated but brought back together, Sandra and Miles indulge in a steamy relationship that makes the audience go wild with feelings of passion.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

24. Le fils de l’épicier (The Grocer’s Son) Directed by: Éric Guirado. Written by: Florence Vignon, Eric Guirado Year: 2007

Are you now in the stage of your life when you are starting to reflect on the things you have done so far? You are thinking of your accomplishments and your status in life, and then you realize that you haven’t done anything valuable yet, or accomplished as much as you were hoping to five or ten years ago. Antoine Sforza, is a thirty-year-old man who left his village ten years ago to fulfill a new life in the big city.Ten years later, he has to return to his village, when his father is hospitalized by a stroke, to attend to the mobile grocer that his father owns.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

25. La Question humaine (Heartbeat Detector) Directed by: Nicolas Klotz Written by: François Emmanuel, Elisabeth Perceval Year: 2007

La Question Humaine is not a film for people who are just looking for a mere entertainment. It might, in fact, bore some people because some of its messages are difficult to grasp. However, La Question Humaine is one provocative film that will make you reflect about yourself, your parents, your past, the corporate world around us, and its connection to our cruel history. The film stars Mathieu Amalric as Simon Kessler, the company psychologist in human resources. He is given a task to investigate Matthias Just, the CEO of the company. Along the way, Kessler discovers that Just’s father headed a Nazi extermination group during World War II. La Question Humaine tries to compare the current management of every corporate world and the Holocaust. From the company’s internal silent war to the Holocaust, the film compares and contrast the corporate notion of downsizing and the Nazi’s authority.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

26. Jacquou le Croquant Directed and written by: Laurent Boutonnat Year: 2007

Jacquou le Croquant is an award-winning movie about a revolt against the Count of Nansac. The revolt is headed by Jacquou, a young peasant whose father is accused of killing servants of the cruel and arrogant nobleman. The film is based on the novel by Eugene Le Roy set in Dordogne during the Bourbon Restoration making it partly historical and fictional: good for family bonding. Classy and vintage in terms of cinematography. Your mind will surely single out this movie immediately. French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

27. L’Avocat de la terreur (Terror’s Advocate) Directed and written by: Barbet Schroeder Year: 2007

Jacques Verges was one of the famous figures during the Algerian war because of his confusing moral principles. He was a lawyer who wouldn’t choose a party list to stick with; he defended all people, from colonialist to anti-colonialist groups. As an anti-colonialist, he defended the cause of his future wife, Djamila Bouhired who planted bombs in cafes. He disappeared for almost eight years and when he emerged again, he started to defend famous terrorist and Nazi group. Jacques is an intriguing personality like his mixing of law with politics and power plays. The film exposes his hidden connections and the reasons that pushed him to become a fearsome “devil’s advocate”.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

28. Les Boîtes (Boxes) Directed and written by by: Jane Birkin Year: 2007

The main purpose of boxes is to store things, yet sometimes, they upgrade to a more meaningful value for us. For us, they seem like nothing but a box, but for some people they secure memories and dreams. For instance, Anna, a woman in her fifties who has been in three marriages and with three sons from each marriage, keep boxes for the sake of keeping memories from her past relationships. Consequently, by keeping these boxes, Anna is also keeping herself imprisoned by the memories of the past.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

29. Le Fils de l’Autre Directed and written by: Lorraine Lévy Year: 2012

Lorraine Levy takes her humanitarian efforts to a new level. She uses film to relate to us a moral dilemma which makes us reflect on our own perceptions about people in different religions or worse, in an enemy’s camp. Her 2012 movie, Le Fils de l’Autre revolves around two families whose sons were accidentally switched when the hospital they were born in was bombed. The story highlights the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by featuring Israeli and Palestinian families looking for ways to raise the two sons together. The problem here is if Xenophobia continues to exist while they try to connect with their real identities.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (September)

30. Le petit poucet/ Tom Thumb Directed by written by: Olivier Dahan Year: 2001

Tom Thumb is a revival of a classic French fairy tale “Le Petit Poucet” by Charles Perrault. This film follows the life of a boy who has been treated badly by his parents and bullied by his brothers. After the civil war, they are left in an enchanted forest where they have to survive from dangerous predators lurking around the dark corners.

French Movies (September)

French Movies (October)

October 1. Le feu follet (The Fire Within) Directed and Written by: Louis Malle Year: 1963

Alain Leroy (Maurice Ronet) is on the verge of taking his own life. He is a writer who drowned himself with alcohol and women during his good old days. Anyhow, he is now staying in a rehabilitation center in Versailles where he starts to suffer from depression. He intends to commit suicide but first decides to visit his friends in Paris to seek last minute answers for his seemingly lost life. “Le Feu Follet” is based on the novel of the same name by Pierre Drieu La Rochelle, and was inspired by the life of Jacques Rigaut. French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

2. Monsieur Klein (Mr. Klein) Directed by: Joseph Losey Written by: Franco Solinas, Fernando Morandi Year: 1977

Filmed with an intention of reconstructing the lives of the Jews and how some entrepreneurs took advantage of the situation during the Vichy regime, “Monsieur Klein” is a mysterious and subtle portrayal of a life of a free man turned into the hunted. Set in Paris, on January 1942, when France experiences defeat and occupation by the Nazis, Robert Klein – an art dealer – takes advantage of the desperation of the French Jewish community for money to raise cash and leave the country. One day, he wakes up learning that there is another Robert Klein living in Paris, but this time, it is a Jew. He reports the incident to the authorities but the authorities are suspicious, so they ask him to offer proof of his French heritage. Will Klein manage to pass all the suspicion about his race? As his pursuit goes on, he starts to learn more and gain empathy to the victims of the infamous Vel d’Hiv Roundup. French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

3. Pickpocket Directed and Written by: Robert Bresson Year: 1959

A young cocky Michel has a very unusual hobby of pickpocketing. It all started with a first successful attempt in the race track stealing some cash. He is arrested immediately but released thereafter due to lack of strong evidence. The incident makes him reflect about the morality of his habit, but soon falls in the hands of a small group of professional pickpockets who teach him the art of their trade. From being a mere hobby, pickpocketing becomes a form of lifestyle for Michel. Eventually, he could not stop himself even though his family and friends try to help him to do so. In this film, Bresson integrated the surreal hobby of pickpocketing and the desire of man to find a means of expressing himself. He even hired a true pickpocket as his ‘technical adviser’ for the said film.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

4. Le Plaisir (House of Pleasure) Directed by: Max Ophüls Written by: Jacques Natanson and Max Ophüls Year: 1952

“Le Plaisir” is an anthology of three different stories centered to pleasure, adapted from Guy de Maupassant collection. The first story, “Le Masque” is about a man who wears a mask to continuously attract young women in balls. He used to be a handsome and charming man, but starts to lose his looks as he ages. “Le Masque” speaks about how men are blinded by the idea of pleasure being attainable through youthfulness. After this story is the story of “Le Maison Tellier” which is about pleasure and purity. The story revolves on how and why a brothel keeper brings her girls to attend the first communion of her niece. The third and last story is “Le Modèle” which is about a painter who falls in love with his model. Things are idyllic at first, but after some time, they start to fight and when he leaves her alone, she threatens him with her own death. The last story materializes the irony of pleasure and death.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

5. L’esquive (Games of Love and Chance) Directed by: Abdellatif Kechiche Written by: Abdellatif Kechiche, Ghalia Lacroi Year: 2003

This is a story of teenage love developed further by a school project about staging one of Marivaux’s plays, “Games of Love and Chances”. It uses literature as an escapist outlet to the repressed emotions and innocence in love of teenagers who struggle to fit in. Abdelkrim or Krimo, who is not really an actor and does not have any acting role for the school project, falls in love with Lydia, who is part of the said production. In order to impress her, he accepts the role of Arlequin and joins the rehearsal, yet his introversion is blocking his every chance to participate in the play successfully and to win the heart of Lydia. “Games of Love and Chance” is not just any typical high-school romantic comedy, but it involves an experimental demonstration on how an 18th century classic French comedy still has relevance to our today’s romantic adventure.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

6. L’enfance nue (Naked Childhood) Directed by: Maurice Pialat Written by: Arlette Langmann and Maurice Pialat Year: 1969

“L’enfance nue” revolves around the life of a 10-year-old boy who is given up for adoption by his mother, and has been shuttled from one foster home into another every time the recent family finds his behavior too much to handle. Francois (played by Michel Terrazon) feels lost and unwanted when her mother leaves him for adoption. As he is growing up, the abandonment persistently disturbs him and it affects his behavior greatly. His erratic behavior brings him into numerous troubles, yet he only wants to gain affection and boost his self image to overcome his mother’s rejection. With its sentimental scenarios and sober form, “L’enfance nue” remains one of Pialat’s finest works.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

7. Comment je me suis disputé… (ma vie sexuelle) (My Sex Life… Or How I Got Into An Argument Directed by: Arnaud Desplechin Written by: Arnaud Desplechin, Emmanuel Bourdieu Year: 1996

What are the problems that intellectual types of students encounter during their mid to late 20s? Most of us think that intellectual students are greatly blessed as they excel in the academe and have great opportunities ahead, but in this film, “Comment je me suis dispute… (ma vie sexuelle)” demonstrates how it really feels inside a mind of an indecisive but intellectual philosophy student who still searches for his purpose in this life. Paul Dedalus is in a crisis to make several big decisions for his future. He wonders whether he will complete his doctorate degree, or if he really wants to become a full-time professor, or if he really loves his girlfriend. He knows he wants to be successful, but the success he desires is still far from the reality he’s in. The film is highly praised for its subtle penetration inside the students’ loneliness with the mind games they constantly engage with, their ideas about sex and love, their pride, white lies, and their quite neurotic lifestyles which might seem incomprehensible at first, but will gradually envelop you on how chaotic it is inside a smart mind.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

8. La Collectionneuse (The Collector) Directed by: Éric Rohmer Written by: Patrick Bauchau, Haydée Politoff, Daniel Pommereulle, Éric Rohmer Year: 1967

“La Collectionneuse” is the third movie in the “Six Contes Moraux” (six moral tales) of Director Eric Rohmer. Daniel and Adrien are invited to spend a vacation at a house in Saint-Tropez. When they arrive, they discover that they are not alone in the house; in fact, there is a vivacious bohemian woman staying with them. This woman turns out to be pleasuring herself with several lovers. Both Adrien and Daniel despise her because of this revelation; however, Adrien gradually becomes more and more infatuated with the personality of the woman which turns out to be a bigger problem. Eric Rohmer displays his active and uninhibited moral skepticism regarding the moral grounds confining most of the people. The film will help us introspect on our own accounts of morality.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

9. L’Age d’or (The Golden Age) Directed by: Luis Buñuel Written by: Luis Buñuel, Salvador Dalí Year: 1930

An example of a psychoanalytic Freudian movie from the 1930’s and a surrealist tale of a man and a woman who are passionately in love with one another. However, their relationship is constantly rebuked by their families, the Church and the bourgeois society. The plot of the film depicts various instances of repressed sexual urges, suppressed animalistic desire for violence (of many the sexual mores of bourgeois society at the time), and the value of the dogmatic Catholic Church in the eyes of the people. At the beginning of the story is a scorpion, which according to some critics has a tail composed of five prismatic articulations where it injects venom to its prey. These five sections of the scorpion’s tale is claimed to be represented by the five vignettes of the film.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

10. La permission de minuit (The Moon Child) Directed and written by: Delphine Gleize Year: 2011

How will you break the news to a patient about your impending leave after the long years you have been together? You have created an unusual friendship, and you know that his case is special and severe that you cannot just turnover his case to another doctor. This is the dilemma of David, a fifty-year-old doctor specializing in dermatology who has a special patient which he has been treating for almost eleven years. His patient is Romain, a thirteen year old “moon child” boy. He is afflicted with a rare genetic disorder known as a “photosensitive skin”. Romain can’t be exposed to UV radiation; thus he cannot stay under the sun. Due to his condition, the lighting in his room or wherever he will go must also be checked firsthand. The basic doctor/patient relationship turns complicated due to the degree of trust, love, and care that each starts to give to one another since Romain is still a child. How can David tell this pity boy about his leaving when Romain is also struggling with his sickness and adolescence? As the day of separation draws nearer, the challenges they experience each day becomes harder.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

11. Généalogies d’un crime (Genealogies of a Crime) Directed by: Raúl Ruiz Written by: Raúl Ruiz, Pascal Bonitzer Year: 1997

Can a person’s interest or desire for criminal activities be determined as early as the age of infancy? Jeanne is a cruel psychiatrist who is convinced that her nephew, Rene, has criminal tendencies, and is destined to a life of vices afterwards. Her death thereon puts Rene on trial for murdering her. However, on the other side of the story, Solange is a defense attorney known for her reputation of losing cases that has low chance of winning. Solange meets Rene when Rene’s only hope is to find a good lawyer to defend him. Nevertheless, though Rene still needs a more suitable lawyer, he prefers to add Solange in the game, while forming an alliance with a surreal group of French and Belgian psychologists headed by Georges. “Genealogies of a Crime” takes an eccentric look at the nature of crime in relation to the human mind, science, and the modern society.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

12. Ressources humaines (Human Resources) Directed by: Laurent Cantet Written by: Laurent Cantet, Gilles Marchand Year: 1999

A multi-awarded film by Laurent Cantet, “Human Resources”, as its title implies, is about the personal difficulties and conflicts between management or corporate leaders and their labour forces. The movie tells the story of Franck who returns to his hometown after receiving his degree in business. He applies as a trainee in the Human Resources department of the factory where his father has been working for 30 years. Franck discovers that the management wants to manipulate his field study about the proposed 35-hour workweek to justify their decision on downsizing, which will put several employees unemployed – including his father. The film illustrates the typical gap between labor and management, and the ethics behind business politics. It also tackles a tale of filial piety and paternal love of Franck and his father.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

13. Il est plus facile pour un chameau… (It’s Easier for a Camel) Directed and written by: Valeria Bruni Tedeschi Year: 2003

How we envy the life of the rich people with their privilege of worry-free, financially stable lives. They don’t have to work as much as we do, yet they can go anywhere they want, whenever they want, and do whatever they want to do. What a perfect life right? Frederica has nothing to ask more for her life. She is extremely rich, with a loving fiancé, and a loving father. However, due to the privilege of being a daughter of a rich family, she becomes detached from the reality of the common life. As a consequence, she seeks meaning in her life and is faced with problems which money could not save her from.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

14. Présumé Coupable Presumed Guilty Directed by: Vincent Garenq, Alain Marécaux, Serge Frydman, Hubert Delarue Written by: Vincent Garenq Year: 2011

Where is justice? You will hear victims of false accusations and miscarriage of justice asking this with confusion while mourning about their unfortunate end at the expense of the corrupt justice system. However, the only thing we could give to them as outsiders is to send our utmost sympathies. The film “Presumed Guilty” tells the story of a man, his wife, and their three children tear apart by an accusation of child molestation. One day, Alain Marécaux and his wife are taken into police custody after being wrongly accused as pedophiles. They are given under a young judge who sees the case as a stepping stone for his own career, thus deliberately ignoring the fact that there is no substantial evidence to support the allegations. This film emphatically depicts under the life of Alain some of the significant parts of the scandalous case of the seventeen people who were wrongly accused of paedophilia, and incest; power-played by the French justice system in 2001.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

15. La Ligne droite (The Straight Line) Directed by: Régis Wargnier Written by: Régis Wargnier, Edwin Kruger Year: 2011

Yannick is a young French runner who lost his sight in a car accident six months ago. On the other hand, Leila is a former athlete and an ex-convict. After her release from prison, Leila is asked to train with Yannick as his running guide. Being more than a coach, their simple training partnership develops into a deeper romantic love for each other. It already sounds a happilyever-after if Yannick’s all-powerful mother does not step into the scene to keep them apart.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

16. 17 Rue Bleue Directed by: Chad Chenouga Written by: Chad Chenouga, Philippe Donzelot, Dominique Golfier Year: 2001

Director Chad Chenouga displays his great affection and admiration to his mother by crafting a movie dedicated to the aspirations, struggles, defeat, and endless hope of his mother to get out of poverty. Adda hopes to escape the haunting secrets of her native land by coming to France to rebuild her life. She enters France as an illegal alien and finds work and eventually family with a wealthy Parisian named Merlin. All her sufferings could have ended if Merlin did not die leaving behind no will at all. As a great believer of superstitions, she leaves her hope to her only son, whom she believes will give her the life she wants in the future. She throws her life, becoming destitute and taking drugs. She drives away her friends and family members until the only thing left to her is her only son.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

17. Vilaine – Ugly Melanie Directed and written by: Allan Mauduit, Jean-Patrick Benes Year: 2008

We are always taught that kindness will produce kindness right? Unfortunately, for Melanie, she thinks that her too much kindness has been the cause of all the humiliations and abuse in her life. All the people in her life take advantage of her being too nice. Her mother, boss, friends, neighbor, and even her neighbor’s dog… they all think she can and will always be the ‘nice Melanie’. One day, following another humiliation, Melanie decides to change. She decides that she wants revenge to all the people who made her life hell.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

18. Gigola (2010) Directed and written by: Laure Charpentier Year: 2010

A film dedicated to gays particularly to lesbians, “Gigola” is about Georgina (Lou Doillon), a teenage girl who falls in love with her school mistress. She is from a Catholic family (which might give you as early as now a vision on how hard it could be for her family to accept her sexual orientation). Anyway, Georgina becomes extremely devastated when her lover died, and starts to embark a life of hasty yet exiting adventures to the depths of the Parisian lesbian underworld life. From spending time with an older but very attractive and wealthy Odete, Georgina starts to be a Gigola. By being a Gigola – counterpart of gigolo – she offers companionship and sexual favours in return of money, gifts, and other luxuries in life.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

19. Claire’s Knee (Le Genou de Claire) Directed by: Éric Rohmer Written by: Éric Rohmer Year: 1971

Another tale from Eric Rohmer’s “Six Moral Tales”, “Le Genou de Claire” is the fifth in the series. “Claire’s Knee” is a story of sexual obsession and fetishism. One holiday, Jerome, a French diplomat, is spending his last bachelor’s days on a resort in Lake Annecy for a vacation. He meets Claire, the teen-aged daughter of his friend. Although, he is already engaged to be married, he sees himself falling in love with Claire’s knee. He is not really interested in Claire, but cannot stop thinking of caressing her knee. Realizing that his obsession can ruin his reputation, he tries with all his might to repress this fetish. Eventually, he sees an opportunity to fulfill this desire without looking like a pervert, but how long will he be able to stand this repressed unacceptable fetishism?

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

20. Beau Travail Directed and written by: Claire Denis Year: 1999

“Beau Travail” is a military drama revolving around jealousy, hideous plot, and karma. Master Sergeant Galoup is a prominent soldier and leader of his troop in the desert of Africa till a new recruit exceeds his popularity among his men and commander. As an officer at a French Foreign Legion outpost in the Gulf of Dijbouti, Galoup enjoys close relationship with his Commanding Officer. When Sentain enters the scene, Sentain receives more attention due to his good humor and selfless nature which makes him well-liked in the troop. Due to extreme jealousy, Galoup decides to eliminate Sentain from the scene, and devises a plan to discredit the latter in the eyes of the other men.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

21. Le Bruit des Glaçons (The Clink of Ice) Directed and written by: Bertrand Blier Year: 2010

How will you feel when you will be confronted by your own cancer? This hilarious black comedy film by Bertrand Blier is comprised of sadness, black humor, comedy, realizations about life plus an ever-annoying cancer. The plot circles around Charles, an alcoholic writer whose marriage and career has long been fallen apart, and is now being confronted with his falling health as well. He is shocked when his brain cancer shows up in his door and never leaves. It also talks too much, which worsens the case.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

22. Mammuth Directed and written by: Benoît Delépine, Gustave de Kervern Year: 2010

Mammuth talks about the rigidity of the retirement system in France. Serge Pilardoess has just turned 60 and is about to retire from his job in the slaughterhouse. The problem is, his retirement benefits are cut-off because of the negligence of some of his former employers to do the requisite paperwork. It is now up to Serge, on how he will collect all the documents needed from his work while riding his old Munch ‘Mammut’. French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

23. Van Gogh Directed and written by: Maurice Pialat Year: 1991

For three hours, you will see Pialat’s examination of the last 67 days in the life of Van Gogh, noted as the father of impressionism and modern art. The film is noted for its simplistic approach to Van Gogh’s life. In short, it is illustrated as naturally as it could be. The film omits many of the most famous incidents in Van Gogh’s life and focused on his various relationships and declining mental state. The film starts in in the late spring of 1890 in Auvers-sur-Oise. Van Gogh moves here under the care of Dr. Gachet who lives in a small inn. For 67 days, he lives a common life of a painter with difficult relationships with his brother Theo, wife Johanna, their daughter, Gachet’s daughter Marguerite, pimps and prostitutes, and other little acquaintances until the day of his death.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

24. Sans Rancune- No Hard Feelings Directed by: Yves Hanchar Written by: Yves Hanchar Year: 2010

Set up in the 1950s, Laurent Matagne, still experiences the pain from the memory of his father’s disappearance during a 1940 air raid. Now, at the age of seventeen, he studies in a boarding school in Belgium. In the midst of the semester, a new professor starts teaching in their school. The students are enchanted with his charm and passion, which also inspires Laurent to pursue his dream of becoming a novelist. Somewhat in the middle of the course, Laurent becomes emotionally involved with the professor which strikes him with peculiar familiarity that causes him to suspect that they might have familial connection. He wants to uncover the truth behind this mysterious man, and discover whether he is his father or not.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

25. Un Baiser s’il vous plaît (Shall We Kiss) Directed and written by: Emmanuel Mouret Year: 2009

What can a single kiss do to change another’s life? This is the center of the story “Shall We Kiss”. It all begins with two strangers who end up attracted to each other, but are both involved in relationships. At the end of the night, Emilie refuses to kiss Gabriel after a dinner together, believing that one, single kiss can change their lives. Emilie warns him that a kiss could have unexpected consequences, which is logically correct, and that they must not indulge into it casually. The story slowly unfolds a past about a kiss which shows how a kiss turns a life upside down.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

26. Avenue Montaigne (Orchestra Seats) Directed by: Danièle Thompson Written by: Christopher Thompson & Danièle Thompson Year: 2006

A young ambitious woman arrives in Paris where she finds a job as a waitress in the last oldfashioned café in Avenue Montaigne. This café caters to the elites of the Paris Theater while they are preparing for the biggest night of the year – with a play, a concert, and an art auction at the same night. Here, she meets a pianist, a famous actress and a great art collector who show her the imperfection of the luxurious life that they have. As she indulges herself with these people, she will see more of the real world of flux and unhappiness that the world of the elites of the Paris Theater tries to hide.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

27. L’Armée Des Ombres (Army of Shadows) Directed and written by: Jean-Pierre Melville Year: 1969

In this account of the underground resistance fighters during the time of Nazi’s occupation in France, it depicts a “shadow army” who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the huge benefit they will receive after. The movie is adapted from Joseph Kessel’s book of the same name which was released in 1943. It speaks of Kessel’s own experiences as a member of the French Resistance with additional fictionalized versions of other Resistance fighters he met. It shows how they move between safe houses, kill informers, work under Allied militaries, and evade times of arrests and execution. There are also moments of fear, solitude, and cruelty or sometimes inhuman choices they have to make in order to survive. “L’Armée Des Ombres” differentiates itself from other French Resistance Movies by picturing an un-Romantic face of the period without the romance and thorough emphasis on heroism – though you will still see that the main character is the hero of the story.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

28. Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky Directed by: Jan Kounen Written by: Carlo de Boutiny, Jan Kounen Year: 2009

“Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky” is about the rumoured affair between Coco and Igor which was first fictionalized in Chris Greenhalgh novel ‘Coco and Igor’ in 2002. In Paris, circa 1913, Coco Chanel attends in the premier of Igor Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring’. She becomes mesmerized with the revolutionary and modern work of Igor, matching her own radicalism and ideals to democratized women’s fashion. Seven years later, they meet again, but now Igor is penniless and living in exile after the Russian Revolution. The attraction between them is electric. She offers her villa in Garches to Stravinsky for him to continue his work and provide a roof to his family. This is then the start of a passionate, intense love affair between these two creative giants. French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

29. Les beaux gosses The French Kissers (2009) Directed by: Riad Sattouf Written by: Riad Sattouf, Marc Syrigas Year: 2009

Puberty life! How hard it is to fit in a life between not young anymore and not yet old enough? Le Beaux Gosses is a tale about an adolescent boy and his efforts to fit in among the social circles around him. As Hervé struggles with social awkwardness and is nothing but an average school boy, he suffers from rejection after rejection from girls. One day, he receives a favorable response from Aurore without knowing that she will just break his heart in the end. With Aurore in his side, he started to feel how it is to fit in, but finds himself in a more complicated series of being an adolescent. This movie is fun and radical in a sense of its attempt to show even the most private things that an experimental adolescent guy would do, but it is not really recommendable for family time, most of all with kids around.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

30. Les Demoiselles de Rochefort Directed and written by: Jacques Demy Year: 1967

Delphine and Solange are twin sisters living in Rochefort. Delphine is a dance teacher, while Solange is a pianist and a composer. The two ladies have a big dream in the world of music. Like everybody, they are also looking for each of their one great true love. “Les Demoiselles de Rochefort” is a 1967 French musical directed and written by Jacques Demy.

French Movies (October)

French Movies (October)

31. Sur mes lèvres – Read My Lips (2001) Directed by: Jacques Audiard Written by: Jacques Audiard and Tonin Benacquista Year: 2001

A typical romance of bad boy meets good girl, ‘Read My Lips’ revolves around the intertwined lives of Carla and Paul. Carla is a young secretary in a property development company. She is loyal and hardworking, but she has one shortage, she has hearing deficiency. She uses hearing aids to help her with her everyday life. Carla is lonely and underappreciated by the people around her, so when Paul, an ex-convict, applies for a job to be her intern, she hires him thereon. She wants to help him with his internal problems, but he thinks that the only person who could help him is himself alone.

French Movies (October)

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French Movies (November)

November 1. Frontiere (Frontiers) Directed and written by: Xavier Gens Year: 2007

When a far-right candidate has been elected as the new French president, it sparks riots and protests, chaos in the cities. A group of young people see this as an opportunity to stage a robbery and make some money to improve their lot. However, their plan did not work out as expected, so they end up splitting up and going on the run. They plan to meet in a motel, but it turns out that the inn is run by a murderous Neo-Nazi family with a fetish for torture and death. In order to survive, they must become as brutal as their captors. Although “Frontiere” received mix reviews from movie critics and moviegoers, it is still considered one of the most prominent contemporary French horror films due to its social commentary and critique of fascism.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

2. Livide (Livid) Directed and written by: Alexandre Bustillo and Jul Fien Maury Year: 2011

“Livide” is a French gothic fantasy movie about Lucy, an in-house nurse assigned to look after Mrs. Jessel, an old woman in a coma who resides in a huge, deserted mansion. A rumour about the great wealth of the old woman has corrupted Lucy, enticing her, her boyfriend, and his friend to search for the hidden treasure that’s supposedly contained within one of the lonely mansion’s many locked rooms. However, the mansion isn’t as deserted as the greedy intruders believed, and strange forces await within to repel the group…

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

3. Trouble Everyday Directed by: Claire Denis Written by: Claire Denis and Jean-Pol Fargeau Year: 2001

Trouble Every Day garnered mixed reactions from critics because of its extreme combination of sex, blood, and death. Some called it a boring, cold, and a pointless film, while others praised its existentialist and unique take on the horror genre and gender roles. An in-depth analysis of men’s dark side and how some of us let these baser instincts become dominant, the movie revolves around the parallel lives of two couples; each with a partner who suffers from a rare disease that causes them to become cannibalistic when aroused. The movie grows into a crescendo of sex, bloodshed, and death. Shane, one of the sufferers decides to look for a cure. Will he finally find release, or will the evil desires consume his soul?

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

4. Ascenseur pour l’échafaud (Elevator to the Gallows) Directed by: Louis Malle Written by: Noel Calef, Louis Malle, and Roger Nimier Year: 1958

A noir style film, Ascenseur pour l’echafaud shows how love can sometimes lead us down dangerous paths. Florence and Julien are illicit lovers. However, Florence is married to a wealthy industrialist and the only way for them to be together is by taking her husband out of the equation forever. The two plan the murder precisely, making it look like suicide. Elaborate alibis, precautions, every aspect is carefully planned to the very last detail. How will the turn of events affect the relationship of the two? I think we can guess that things aren’t going to turn out as well as planned!

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

5. Dans Ma Peau (In My Skin) Directed and written by: Marina de Van Year: 2004

Dans Ma Peau is a unique theme on its own compared to some of my previous suggestions. Its true horror does not lie in violence but on the consuming fascination of a woman with her body. The plot starts when Esther injures her leg at a party. Esther’s life seems perfect. She has a loving boyfriend, is expecting a big promotion and a prestigious new client. However, all of these cease to become important when she discovers that she cannot feel any pain. Her body has a weird pain tolerance and she is ready to discover more about it even if it means self-mutilation.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

6. Haute Tension (High Tension / Switchblade Romance ) Directed by: Alexander Aja Written by: Aexander Aja, Grégory Levasseur Year: 2003

Two college friends, Marie and Alexa, go on a vacation at Alexa’s parent’s countryside home. While on vacation, they are disturbed by a serial killer. And so begins a horrific game of cat and mouse with the girls having to use every weapon at their disposal to survive the carnage. Bold and original, it is frequently cited as one of the best indie slasher movies of recent years. The movie has two versions: the final versions released in the U.S. to secure an R rating, and the uncut version which includes the strong graphic violence of the original version of Haute Tension.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

7. Ils (Them) Directed and written by: David Moreau and Xavier Palud Year: 2006

Supposedly based on true events, and feeling uncomfortably real throughout, this nervewracking slasher movie portrays a young middle-class couple’s decent into terror as mysterious hoodies invade their elegant home. Running at a short 70 minutes, the shocks come thick and fast, with the underlying suggestion that we have created a generation incapable of empathy being, perhaps, the most horrific aspect of all.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

8. À l’intérieur (Inside) Directed by: Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo Written by: Alexandre Bustillo Year: 2007

On Christmas Eve, a bereaved, heavily pregnant Sarah prepares for her delivery the following morning. As the night falls, a mysterious woman appears in her door asking to use her phone to call for help. The visitor turns out to be an insane stalker desperate for the baby. Sarah manages to call the police, but can anyone help her against the monster inside her home? This is horror at its most brutal. Not always credible, but with some interesting ideas for those with (very) strong stomachs.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

9. Captifs (Caged) Directed by: Yann Gozlan Written by: Yan Gozlan and Guillaume Lemans Year: 2010

Funded by the former French minister and first head of the UN Mission in Kosovo Bernard Kouchner, Captifs is about a group of medical aid workers in Kosovo kidnapped by a non-Slavic gang of organ traffickers. The French medical team is composed of Carole, Samir, and Dr. Matthias who are returning from Kosovo to Paris by truck. When they reach a roadblock, they are greeted by a soldier warning them of mines up ahead. In a rush to reach their destination, the group uses an alternative path, and soon become lost. They are abducted and put in dirty cells where they are continuously fed. They do not know the real intention of their abductors until one of them is taken out. The film is set in the former Yugoslavia, and is partially based on true events.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

10. The Monk (2011) Directed by: Dominik Moll Written by: Matthew Lewis, Dominik Moll, and Anne-Louise Trividic Year: 2011

An adaptation of the eponymous gothic novel of Matthew Lewis, The Monk is a chronicle of the life of Capucin Ambrosio. A French-Spanish thriller released on 2011 in both countries, the plot revolves around the life of a well-respected monk in Spain and his moral and spiritual downfall at the hands of the devil. Capucin Ambrosio is an exceptional preacher raised in the monastery after being abandoned by his mother at the gates. One day, two strange men arrive. Valerio, a masked figure, expresses his desire to join the monastery, but the other monks refuse to accept him. Despite this, Ambrosio convinces them to accept him. However, Valerio is later revealed as a woman and starts to tempt Ambrosio towards corruption and spiritual death.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

11. Mutants Directed by: David Morlet Written by: Louis-Paul Desanges and David Morlet Year: 2009

After an unknown virus reduces the world to flesh eating zombies, a young couple travel to seek refuge in a remote military base. Sonica is pregnant while Marco has been bitten by a mutant. Ultimately, they find an abandoned building to hide. However, Marco is slowly transforming into a mutant and is clearly becoming a threat not just to Sonia but to her unborn child as well. At what point will Marco cease to be human? When does keeping someone alive for personal reasons become immoral? With as much drama as a horror movie, it asks some uncomfortable questions about our modern desire to cure all suffering.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

12. Mais ne nous délivrez pas du mal (Don’t Deliver Us from Evil) Directed and written by: Joël Séria Year: 1971

One of the oldest movies in my list is “Don’t Deliver Us From Evil”. The plot involves two young convent girls, Lore and Anne, who, after entering a convent,vow to worship Satan. The girls love to play sadistic pranks like spying on the nuns, getting a classmate into trouble, reading pornographic novels, and even seducing a mentally challenged man then killing his beloved birds one by one to please their unholy master. Soon their allegiance to Satan causes them to be involved with arson and murder. The behaviour of the girls deteriorates as they deepen their pact with the Devil. The movie “Don’t Deliver Us from Evil” was banned by the French authorities at its time of release because of the perceived blasphemy and anti-clerical tone of the film as well as its overall subversive nature. The movie was subsequently touted to the world as “The French Film Banned in France”, predictably attracting more people to watch the film. This is not a film for highly religious persons.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

13. Coup de Torchon (Clean Slate) Directed by: Bertrand Tavernier Written by: Bertrand Tavernier and Jean Aurenche Year: 1981

An award winning movie, Coup de Torchon is based on Jim Thompsons’s 1964 novel Pop. 1280. Coup de Torchon is a cynical thriller adapted to colonial West Africa rather than the American South setting in the book. Lucien is a pathetic police chief in the rural Senegal who cannot stand up for himself, and married to a cheating wife. One day, the useless Lucien decides to embark on an apparently nonchalant, killing spree, murdering everyone who mistreated him. As the pile of bodies continues to grow, Lucien starts to have affairs with two women, and starts to craft a twisted logic for his wrongdoings. Funny and horrific by turn, this movie is an unsettling reminder about the subjective nature of morality.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

14. Sheitan Directed by: Kim Chapiron Written by: Christian and Kim Chapiron Year: 2006

A group of four young friends want to have some good time, so they decide to go out to a disco, get drunk, and look for excitement. Here, they run into the beautiful Eve who lures them to her house in the countryside, and once there, introduces them to her housekeeper, Joseph, whose wife is pregnant and staying upstairs. As the night deepens, they also gradually discover the real reason of their hosts’ warmth and generosity. Sheitan is a surreal blend of comedy, horror, and thriller.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

15. La Horde (The Horde) Directed by: Benjamin Rocher and Yannick Dahan Written by: Arnaud Bordas, Yannick Dahan, Stephane Moissakis, and Benjamin Rocher Year: 2009

Another distinctive French zombie movie emulating 28 days Later in the sense that the zombies are fast and agile. Yet this one is given a uniquely Gallic twist by its social commentary. The result is a fast-paced and engrossing ride. As the apocalypse looms, warring groups of criminals, cops, and vigilantes are forced to join forces to survive, yet with limited resources and traditional prejudices coming to the fore, are the humans more of a threat to each other than the zombies are?

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

16. Baise Moi (Rape Me / Fuck Me) Directed and written by: Virginie Despentes and Coralie Trinh Thi Year: 2000

Baise-moi is a highly controversial film which is not only banned once, but in almost four or more countries due to its explicit and sexually violent content which was deemed harmful by the authorities. The movie revolves around two young women who feel that they are marginalised by society. As revenge, they go on a destructive rampage of breaking norms and killing men. The two women, Manu and Nadine, want revenge against men who have cruelly mistreated them and other women. When they meet each other, they begin a whirlwind of sex, murder and humiliation. Baise Moi attacks the bourgeoisie attitudes and gender inequality of society.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

17. Vertige (High Lane) Directed by: Abel Ferry Written by: Johanne Bernard and Louis-Paul Desanges Year: 2009

Fred, Karine (Fred’s girlfriend), Chloe, William and Luke decide to venture high up in the mountains in Croatia onto a trail that has been closed for repairs. The climb proves to be more perilous than they expect, but once they start the trail they will not be able to turn back. As they progress through their dangerous adventure, their fear turns to terror when they realise they are not alone, and the adventure begins to turn into a nightmare…

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

18. La Meute (The Pack) Directed and written by: Franck Richard Year: 2010

On a lonely country road, a young female traveler, Charlotte is driving with her rusty old car. Along the road, Max hitchhikes for a ride and they both stop for a while to eat in an old restaurant with a horrific secret… With cult written all over it, this downright strange mix of road-movie thriller and horror film, is similar to the Tarantino movie ‘From dusk till dawn’ in the gleeful and unapologetic way in which it abruptly switches genres. Not all film fans will ‘get it’ but for aficionados of cult moves, there’s plenty to enjoy in this feast of weirdness.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

19. Les 7 jours du talion (7 Days) Directed by: Daniel Grou Written by: Patrick Senécal Year: 2010

Surgeon and family man Bruno Hamel’s life is changed when his beloved daughter Jasmine is raped and murdered. Consumed by hated and anger, the doctor vows to kidnap the man and torture him to death, but is this justifiable revenge or a selfish act of pointless cruelty? A disturbing look at how the desire for retribution taints all concerned, 7 Days is an uncomfortable, yet unmissable film.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

20. Malefique Directed and written by: Éric Valette Year: 2002

The movie is set in a cell occupied by four prisoners: Carrere, Marcus. Paquerette, and Lassalle. Each has committed vastly different crimes and has very different personalities. Unable to take the confines of their cells, they begin to believe that magic is the solution to their entrapment. But is this merely a sign of their insanity? An unsettling Gothic nightmare that defies easy categorization, the film’s peculiar mix of humour and shocks will stay with you for days.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

21. Peurs du noir (Fears of the Dark) Directed by: Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Pierre di Sciullo, Lorenzo Mattotti, Richard McGuire Written by: Kerry Kramsky, Michel Pirus, Romain Slocombe, Blutch, Charles Burn, Pierre di Sciullo Year: 2007

Are you afraid of the dark? How about fears concerning demonic possession, alienation, death, the unknown? These are only some of human fears that Peurs du noir explores. The film is an anthology of six horror stories in black-and-white animation by six talented graphic artists which explores, from different perspectives, the deep and ambiguous fears that we have of darkness.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

22. Ne te retourne pas (Don’t Look Back) Directed by: Marina de Van Written by: Marina de Van and Jacques Akchoti Year: 2009

Career woman, mother, wife—what woman doesn’t sometimes get tired of the endless roles they have to play? Photographer Jeanne experiences this dilemma and it is taking its toll on her life. Her house changes appearance, her husband becomes unrecognisable, even her looks transform: everything around her warps and changes as though she has become outside time and space. Her erratic behaviour soon starts to confuse and worry her family, making her more distant to them. Is she losing her mind, is this some early form of dementia or there is some supernatural element involved in Jeanne’s torment?

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

23. Les revenants (The Returned / They Came Back) Directed by: Robin Campillo Written by: Robin Campillo and Brigitte Tijou Year: 2004

What will you do when the dead returns to life? This is the social quandary of a small French town when thousands of dead people inexplicably come back to life. However, in contrast to the common conception of zombies, these people comes back healthy and sound and simply want to re-integrate themselves with the normal people. They seem fine at first, but they start to demonstrate increasingly unsettling behaviour. The living also need to cope with the social and emotional effects of the dead coming back to life. All in all, “Las revenants” bucks the common trend of zombie movies, and instead considers the age-old question of what does being alive mean?

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

24. Baby Blood (1990) Directed by: Alain Robak Written by: Alain Robak and Serge Cukier Year: 1990

A snake-like parasite enters the body of Yanka, a circus performer who is pregnant from her abusive husband. The parasite transforms her foetus into a monstrous organism that feeds on blood, and is possessed of an evil intelligence that constantly communicates with her. Yanka goes from town to town to look for new victims to supply blood for the unborn creature. “Baby blood” depicts how a mother reacts to the insatiable needs of her baby, the strong bond between the mother and child, and how there are moments when each mother loathes her unborn child.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

25. Sombre Directed and written by: Philippe Grandrieux Year: 1998

Two big events are happening at the same time. One makes children and children at heart to scream with joy, and one makes women scream in pain and fear. Jean Preys, a serial murderer preys on prostitutes; dragging them into the woods of France to torture and kill. Little does he know that he will meet a woman who will fall in love with him. A sparse and enigmatic film, it is too Avant Garde to be called a ‘horror’ in it’s typical sense, yet will nonetheless haunt you for days…

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

26. Vidocq Directed by: Pitof Written by: Eugene Francois Vidocq, Pitof, Jean-Christophe Grange Year: 2001

What is the truth behind Vidocq’s sudden disappearance? This is the central plot of the French movie, Vidocq. Set in 19th century Paris, a famous detective named Vidocq suddenly disappears while pursuing his arch-enemy, the Alchemist who is killing virgins to retain his youth. Meanwhile, there is a young biographer who is convinced that Vidocq’s case is filled with inconsistencies which could prove that the detective might still be alive, and follows the footsteps of the detective to uncover his mysterious disappearance. However, a malign entity seems to be following the biographer as sudden and violent deaths start to occur around him. Will he find Vidocq and answer the mystery of the sudden deaths around him? This high-budget special effects extravaganza can teach Hollywood a thing or two about excitement!

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

27. Les rivières pourpres (The Crimson Rivers) Directed by: Mathieu Kassovitz Written by: Jean-Christophe Grangé, Mathieu Kassovitz Year: 2000

If you combine two of France’s best loved actors, Hollywood style thrills and spills, and an engrossing plot that’s reminiscent of the classic ‘Boys in Brazil’ then you have this exciting thriller with horror overtones. At a top genetic science institute in the remote mountainside, someone is killing off the scientists. Two mismatched cops find themselves working together to solve the mystery, but are they ready for the horrific truths they will uncover?

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

28. La nuit des traquées (The Night of the Hunted) Directed by: Jean Rollin Written by: Jean Rollin Year: 1980

On a cold gloomy night, a man notices a young woman wandering off the street. The woman can’t tell him where she has come from but keeps saying that someone is running after her. Without thinking of his own safety, the man decides to protect her from the people after her. He takes her to a local asylum, but realises that it may, in itself, contain greater horrors than the unnamed terror she was escaping. Director Jean Rollin is famous for his vampire and gothic themed movies, but he deviates from this in his film “La nuit des traquees”. Deliberately slow-paced and unsettling, it looks at modern issues such as fascism and environmental damage from a unique perspective.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

29. Amer Directed and written by: Hélène Cattet, Bruno Forzani Year: 2009

Even with a very low budget, Amer still nailed critical praise for both its cinematic techniques and content. Ana lives in the French Riviera. Hunted by her memories of her abused childhood and struggling with her burgeoning sexuality, Ana walk into her own fantasies trying to traverse her path to womanhood. Amer revolves around the sexual development of Ana and her attempts to distinguish reality from fantasies, though as she progresses, it becomes harder to do. Where will her chaotic journey ultimately lead her to?

French Movies (November)

French Movies (November)

30. Les nuits rouges du bourreau de jade (Red Nights) Directed and written by: Julien Carbon and Laurent Courtiaud Year: 2010

A French-Hongkong collaboration gives birth to another Eastern-Western Giallo. The film concerns an old Chinese legend about an elixir which can cause extreme pleasure or pain to those who drink it. A French woman flees to Hong Kong after killing her lover and stealing an old artifact he owns. While on the run, she meets a Taiwanese mobster and a sadistic killer who want to get hold of the precious poison inside the artifact. Les nuits rouges du bourreau de jade (Red Nights) is a combination of mystery, thriller erotica, and horror film.

French Movies (November)

French Movies (December)

December 1. Azur et Asmar Directed by: Michel Ocelot Written by: Michel Ocelot Year: 2006

Two childhood friends are destined to be reunited on a dangerous quest to find the beautiful Djinn fairy. Azur is a blond and blue-eyed son of a nobleman, while Asmar is a dark skinned peasant boy. Despite their differences, they become as brothers, united in all that they do. As children, colour and status are nothing, their friendship overcoming the barriers society has created. Their bond is broken when Azur’s father forbids their friendship, yet they are destined to meet again. A luxuriously painted animated tale, with strong middle-Eastern influence, it’s guaranteed to warm the hardest of hearts. French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

2. Le renard et l’enfant (The Fox and the Child) Directed by: Luc Jacquet Written by: Luc Jacquet and Eric Rognard Year: 2007

Le renard et l’enfant is the entrancing story of a young girl and a fox who become friends one summer. A fascinating look at the limitations of friendship between humans and animals, it is part documentary, part fantasy, and entirely engrossing. Boasting some stunning cinematography and wholly endearing, its lack of dialogue reflects the underlying truth that not all communication needs to be spoken.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

3. Le Ballon rouge (The Red Balloon) Directed and written by: Albert Lamorisse Year: 1956

Even if Le Ballon Rouge is categorized as a short film, this classic contains more ideas than many films several times its length. Le Ballon Rouge follows the life of a young Parisian boy who finds an oddly sentient balloon which follows him around. The film positively exudes the sense of childlike wonder before adult conformity takes over and the world becomes a somehow grayer place. Making fantastic use of its Parisian locations throughout, this is a magical film which can be enjoyed by both the young, and the young at heart.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

4. Le Roi et l’oiseau (The King and Mister Bird) Directed by: Paul Grimault Written by: Paul Grimault and Jacques Prévert Year: 1980

A collaboration between the master animator, Paul Grimault, and the famous poet and screenwriter Jacques Prevert, Le Roi et l’oiseau (The King and Master Bird) took an incredible 30 years to be finally completed due to conflict between the two men. A magical tale of the gap between the haves and have nots, this important and memorable film is way more than a simple fairy tale!

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

5. L’ours (The Bear) Directed by: Jean-Jacques Annaud Written by: Gérard Brach Year: 1988

Bears! They are always portrayed as dangerous, wild, and strong animals who roam the mountains and forests. However, Director Annaud shows a completely different side to them in his movie L’ours. Set in the late 19th Century British Columbia, L’ours explores the life of an orphaned bear cub as he tries to survive the lonely mountains filled with dangerous mountains and deadly hunters. This touching story e is notable for its lack of dialogue and minimal score, which create a more natural and realistic backdrop.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

6. Le Petit Nicholas (Little Nicholas) Directed by: Laurent Tirard Written by: Laurent Tirard, Grégoire Vigneron, Alain Chabat Year: 2009

A cute and fun movie to watch with your children this December, Le Petit Nicholas will bring you back to the time when we often felt at the mercy of an adult world whose rules we couldn’t understand. Nicolas is an eight-year-old boy living a happy life with his loving parents until he discovers his mother is now pregnant. Misunderstanding the adult conversation around him, he assumes he is to be replaced. But how will he cope alone in a world governed by adults?

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

7. Joyeux Noel (2005) Directed and written by: Christian Carion Year: 2005

As the end of the year arrives, it is also the time when we contemplate on the events that have transpired: the good times and the bad times in our lives. But what was New Year like for those caught up in the most destructive war that mankind has ever known? Joyeux Noel is not an ordinary Christmas movie as it dwells in the madness of war and the greed and intolerance that causes it. Joyeux Noel depicts World War I through the eyes of three soldiers: a Frenchman, a Scot, and a German, and examines how the unique Christmas day truce that occurred in the trenches caused them to question their motivations for fighting. French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

8. Le père Noël à les yeux bleus/ Santa Claus Has Blue Eyes (1967) Directed and written by: Jean Eustache Year: 1966

How far would you go to keep up with the “in” crowd? Daniel pushes his determination to the limit when he agrees to work for a photographer and dress up as Santa Claus so he could save up for a stylish coat. Starring Jean-Pierre Leaud as both Daniel and the narrator, Le père Noël à les yeux bleus follows the journey of a young man who believes that the only way to be accepted in a respectable social stature is to by concealing his true identity through how he dresses. However, once inside the Santa Claus costume, he sees how people’s treatment of one another changes depending on how they are dressed. Le père Noël à les yeux bleus is a witty and fascinating reflection on our obsession with fashion and materialism.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

9. La bûche (Season’s Beatings) Directed by: Daniele Thompson Written by: Christopher Thompson and Danièle Thompson Year: 1999

Christmas and stress, they often go together like holly and ivy, right? Three dysfunctional adult daughters, Yvette, Sonia and Louba, are reunited with their widowed mother to enjoy the festive season together. With so many problems to overcome between them, can this unhappy family pull themselves together in order to celebrate ‘the most wonderful time of the year’?

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

10. Tom à la ferme (Tom at the Farm) Directed by: Xavier Dolan Written by: Xavier Dolan, Nathanaël Karmitz, and Charles Gillibert Year: 2013

If all this Christmas viewing is starting to feel like you’re being force-fed leftover turkey, then, just for a change, I’d like to introduce this psychological thriller. Xavier Dolan’s film Tom à la fermecircles around Tom’s travel to his lover’s funeral. He is a young middle-class gay man who makes the decision to attend his boyfriend’s wake. There, he is shocked to learn that no one knows about his lover’s sexuality. He decides to disguise their relationship to protect the family from discovering the truth, but how far is he prepared to go to keep the secret? Considered one of the best films of Xavier Donald, Tom à la ferme shows the alienation many gay men and women still experience in traditional societies.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

11. L’enfant au grelot (Charlie’s Christmas) Directed by: Jacques-Rémy Girerd Written by: Jacques-Rémy Girerd , Benoît Chieux, and Damien Louche-Pélissier Year: 1998

A Cartoon d’Or winner, along aside more prominent animations like The Triplets of Belleville, Oh Willy, and The Illusionist, L’enfant au grelot is a two-dimensional cartoon your kids will love. One winter day, while going home, a postman sees a basket descending from heaven. As he opens the basket, he sees a cute little baby. Clutched in the baby’s tiny hand lays a rattle which will unlock the puzzle of this mysterious child’s existence…

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

12. L’arbre de Noël (The Christmas Tree) Directed and written by: Terence Young Year: 1969

Let us now try a heart-breaking but very touching story from the sixties called L’arbre de Noël. Pascal is a lovely child until an aircraft crashed into the sea nearby; it’s toxic cargo irradiating the area. Discovering his son has been contaminated and has only six months to live, his father is determined to make this last six months the best of his life. L’arbre de Noël is a masterpiece of a French-Italian collaboration where it is also released in Italy under L’albero di Natale. Get your box of tissues ready for the most tear-inducing film of the sixties.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

13. Le Père Noël est une ordure (Santa Claus is a Bastard) Directed and written by: Jean-Marie Poiré Year: 1982

Who says that Christmas Eve is always the time for pleasure and fun? Two neurotic volunteers at a suicide hotline, Pierre and Therese, will find their night shift on Christmas Eve thrown into chaos by some very special (and strange) visitors. With its smutty and surreal humour, this broad comedy is just the thing for adults to unwind with after a productive day.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

14. L’apprenti du Père Noël (Santa’s Apprentice) Directed by: Luc Vinciguerra Written by: Alexandre Révérend Year: 2010

Santa has to retire and he is looking for an apprentice. What child on earth would not want such a role? In L’ apprenti du Père Noël, directed by Luc Vinciguerra, the legendary presentgiver needs to find the best replacement for him, having to select the right kid from the countless millions of children on earth. So what are the requirements? He has to be an orphan with a pure heart. That’s it! Nicholas is just that, but can he rise to the challenge? A cute hand-drawn animation that provides simple fun for all ages.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

15. Nez Rouge (Red Nose) Directed by: Érik Canuel Written by: Sylvie Desrosiers, Sylvie Pilon Year: 2003

For our fifteenth movie this month, let us take a French movie from another French speaking region, Quebec! Did you know that this city offers a service to those who have had too much ‘Christmas cheer’ to drive themselves? They call this service as Operation Nez Rouge. To celebrate the idea of Operation Nez Rouge, Erik Canuel created Nez Rouge. A literary critic doing community service driving drunks home during the holiday season finds himself paired with a writer whose work he trashed years ago. Can she overcome her hatred of him in order to work together? French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

16. J’ai Rencontré Le Père Noël (Here Comes Santa Claus) Directed by: Christian Gion Written by: Christian Gion, Didier Kaminka Year: 1984

A must-see movie for kids, J’ai Rencontré Le Père Noël is about a young boy who loses his parents whilst they are working in Africa. Together with a friend, they head off to find Santa to gain his assistance. While on their travels, they encounter a beautiful fairy and the devilish Ogre whom they have to escape from. Will they find their white bearded saviour in time for Christmas Eve?

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

17. La petite marchande d’allumettes (The Little Match Girl) Directed and written by: Jean Renoir Year: 1928

Now let us take a nostalgic trip to the golden era of 1920s cinema while watching La petite marchande d’allumettes. The movie translates as the Little Match Girl and is adopted from a Hans Andersen tale. As the title suggests, La petite marchande d’allumettes revolves around the life of a poor girl who tries to sell matches one winter New Year’s Eve. Shivering and unable to sell her matches, the little girl attempts to get warm by striking her matches one by one, each bringing her visions of a happier life. A poignant and touching film by one of the great geniuses of early cinema. French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

18. L’Assassinat du père Noël (Who Killed Santa Claus?) Directed by: Christian-Jaque Written by: Charles Spaak Year: 1941

Notorious as the first film allowed by the Nazis in occupied France. L’Assassinat du père Noëlgathered some very critical reviews due to its connection to the puppet Vichy government. In recent years it has been interpreted as a critique of fascism. Hwever, its intentions were masked by symbolism as a means of tricking the German censors. On the night of Christmas Eve, in the small village of Savoy, a snow globe maker prepares to play Pere Noel (Santa Claus), as he does every year. As he does this, his daughter is sewing dresses for her doll while dreaming of a Prince Charming to come. As he is portraying Pere Noel, he is mysteriously killed. Who has killed Pere Noel and will the daughter’s Prince Charming still come? L’Assassinat du père Noël is well worth a look, for both film fans and historians alike.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

19. La Guerre des boutons (War of the Buttons) Directed by: Christophe Barratier Written by: Christophe Barratier , Louis Pergaud ,Stéphane Keller , Philippe Lopes-Curval Year: 2011

Another movie set during World War II, La Guerre des boutons is similarly offbeat and thoughtprovoking. The movie is set in the countryside of France during the Nazi’s occupation in World War II. Two rival gangs of boys from the villages of Longeverne and Velran are in a constant state of war against each other. A war which involves cutting off buttons as mementoes of victory. However, what they didn’t stop to consider is that this war has been going on for much longer than they realise. A touching, deceptively simple film about the beginnings of the hatred that leads to conflict.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

20. Kirikou et les bêtes sauvages / Kirikou and the Wild Beasts (2005) Directed by: Michel Ocelot and Bénédicte Galup Written by: Philippe Andrieux, Bénédicte Galup, Marie Locatelli and Michel Ocelot Year: 2005

Can you still remember our August movie film Kirikou et la Sorciere? Our next movie is a prequel to Kirikou et la Sorciere. It is narrated by Kirikou’s grandfather, who claims that the story about Kirikou and his battle with the Witch is too short; therefore, he proceeds to provide several stories about the formative years of the eponymous hero. With its distinct visuals and boundless imagination, this is ideal for younger viewers.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

21.Kérity, la maison des contes / Eleanor’s Secret Directed by: Dominique Monfery Written by: Anik Leray, Alexandre Reverend Year: 2009

A young boy named Nathaniel learns how to read after his grandma gives him the key to her secret library. This is a library like no other; it is a sanctuary, where all the literary characters we love have gone to rest. But to survive, they must never leave this place. When he discovers the wonderful library is in danger, Nathaniel must do everything in his power to prevent the books from being sold off.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

22. My Father’s Glory Directed and written by: Yves Robert and Marcel Pagnol Year : 1990

Family conflicts are familiar to most of us. Certain issues arise because of misunderstanding. Certain problems cannot be resolved because of the pride and stubbornness of one, or all, the people involved. This classic film by Yves Robert shows the lengths people will go to maintain the family unit. Semi-autographical in nature, and set among the serene hills of the director’s native Provence, this intricate film about the complexities of family life is something that we can all relate to in some form.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

23. Le Voyage en ballon (Stowaway in the Sky) Directed and written by: Albert Lamorisse Year: 1960

Albert Lamorisse was a French filmmaker, film producer, and writer. He is internationally recognised for his work, in particular, the short and medium-length films involving the fantasy world of children. As one of his masterpieces, “Le Voyage en ballon” or Stowaway in the Sky, tells the story of little Pascal, who is fascinated by his grandfather’s (a frustrated scientist/engineer) balloon. Join the two on a fascinating voyage through remarkable lands, with a stunning orchestral score that will leave you breathless.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

24. Deux Frères (Two Bothers) Directed and written by: Jean-Jacques Annaud Year: 2004

Who says that enemies can’t be reconciled? This is certainly not the case in the touching Deux Frères. Two tiger cubs are separated when their parents are shot dead. One is sent to a circus, where it is mistreated; the other suffers a similar fate at a zoo. Through an unfortunate twist of fate, they eventually find themselves in a cage, expected to fight to the death for the amusement of humans. A shocking but ultimately humane look at the way in which humans treat animals with some fantastic wildlife photography and plenty of questions raised.

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

25. Mia et le Migou (Mia and the Migoo) Directed and written by: Jacques-Rémy Girerd Year: 2008

In this family-friendly cartoon, a young South American girl has a premonition that her father is in danger and heads off to help, seeing the destruction of her land as she travels. Mia et Le Migou is an ecological fable with something to say. Like the previous film, it’s well worth a look for those who want both fun and an important message. French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

26. Les Chansons d’amour (Love Songs) Directed and written by: Christophe Honoré Year: 2007

In this musical, love is shown as a combination of confusion and realisation. Julie is in a happy relationship with Ismael; however, one day she finds out something shocking about him. Because of this, she starts to doubt Ismael, her relationship with him, and her love for him. Will they be able to surpass this challenge in their relationship? Can they overcome this obstacle in the name of love?

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

27. On connaît la chanson (Same Old Song) Directed by: Alain Resnais Written by: Agnès Jaoui and Jean-Pierre Bacri Year: 1997

Being in love is probably one of the most exciting feelings we could ever have. Do you agree? Well, believe it or not, fate has something to do with how two people become as one in a relationship. This is the main premise of On Connait la Chanson by Alain Resnais. A musical about romance, like the previous film, yet one where the actors don’t sing, so much as lip-sync their lines from background music. The story revolves around Camille, Nicolas and Oldie. Camille has just finished her doctoral thesis, and is working as a tour guide in Paris. She has fallen in love with a real estate agent named Marco. Nicolas is a businessman who is married with kids, but decides to take a break and return to Paris. See how their stories entwine in this innovative, and typically French film! French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

28. French Cancan Directed by: Jean Renoir Written by: Jean Renoir and André-Paul Antoine Year: 1954

Another French musical, this one starring Jean Gabin and Maria Felix, French Cancan is a quirky Jean Renoir film celebrating the 19th century Parisian dance movement. Set in 1890s, French Cancan starts with Henri Danglard. The owner of a cafe features Lola, the belly dancer mistress of Danglard. However, with business down, he has to find a new sensation to pull the punters in- an attraction in the shape of dancer Nini and a shocking new dance! French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

29. Crustacés et coquillages (Cockles and Muscles) Directed by: Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau Written by: Olivier Ducastel and Jacques Martineau Year: 2005

One summer vacation Marc, Beatrix, and their two children visit their beachfront family home to relax. However, their doubts about their son’s sexuality start to manifest themselves. On top of this, their daughter starts to hang out with a local biker, and the exes of both parents have shown up. Will they be able to remedy their seemingly endless family problems? Crustacés et coquillages is a fun movie to watch for those who are looking for a light comedy-drama while preparing for the upcoming New Year!

French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

30. Jack et la mécanique du cœur -Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart Directed by: Mathias Malzieu , Stéphane Berla Written by: Mathias Malzieu , Trevor Laurence Year: 2013

A young man has had his heart replaced with a cuckoo-clock on the day of his birth. Due to the nature of his condition, he must be very careful to avoid strong emotions and must never, under any circumstances, fall in love. Though it is an animated film released recently, children who wishes to watch this film must be guided by parentsdue to some sensitive scenes in this film. French Movies (December Edition)

French Movies (December)

31. Pas sur la bouche (Not on the Lips) Directed by: Alain Resnais Year: 2013

Loving someone is sometimes confusing, but committing to someone is even more complicated. Set in the ‘anything goes’ era of the 1920’s, this film follows the complex relationships of a group of characters whose good intentions are waylaid by their desires. A fun musical/sex farce which anyone who has traversed the winding path of love will surely be able to relate to.

French Movies (December Edition)

Conclusion Did you enjoy the movies? I sure hope you do. If you have some questions or suggestions about this free e-book, feel free to email [email protected] and I would do my best to reply. Learning French is certainly not a walk in the park. There are way too many obstacles along the way such as lagging motivation, boredom, and many other factors. Hopefully, with the tips and advices over at www.talkinfrench.com, plus this list of French movies, you would be able to overcome your pain points in learning. If you haven’t decided to learn French yet and you’re only reading this e-book purely for your fascination with French cinema, well… It’s not too late. If you learn French, you’ll be able to enjoy these movies even without subtitles. Wouldn’t that be awesome? You will also be able to get wider access to French entertainment and be able to thoroughly immerse yourself in the French culture. So once again, thank you for downloading your copy of 365 Days of French Movies. Feel free to share this with friends who are also interested in French movies. If you want more resources for French travel, culture, and language, head over to https://store.talkinfrench.com/. There’s plenty of good e-books there for you. Thank you so much. Merci beaucoup.

Frédéric