Whether you are a fan of all things ‘France’, are after a new ways to brush up on your language skills or want to explore French culture a little more deeply, you should definitely turn your attention towards the silver screen. Dubbed as the cradle of cinema, France has long been known for its auteurs and edgy portrayals. Not just providing an interesting insight into this history of film but also a great opportunity to learn the French language, French films are an excellent medium for students and Francophiles to absorb French in a way that is fun and engaging.
But where to get started? Amongst the archives are some real gems that every French-lover should watch, including both cinematic classics and modern favourites. To help you on your way, we’ve put together a list of the must-watch French films for every Francophile. Enjoy cinematic revelations and revisit old favourites and settle in for some movie magic à la France. Who’s bringing le pop-corn?
French Films Everyone Should Watch
Amélie (2001)
Perhaps the most famous of all French films outside of France, Amélie is a wonderful, gentle and humorous portrayal of the life of a shy and dreamy young waitress in Paris. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring the beautiful Audrey Tautou, Amélie is an absolute must-watch for anyone looking to dive into French cinema. Made even more famous by the nostalgic melodies of Yann Tiersen, it’s a real feel-good choice.
Intouchables (2011)
The American adaption of Les Intouchables was released in 2017, starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman. Popular as it may be though, it’s got nothing on the original. Originally released in 2011, Les Intouchables became the third most viewed movie of all time in France and captured hearts around the world. Heart-warming, inspiring, and based on true events, the film focuses on the relationship between wealthy quadraplegic, Philippe, and his unconventional care helper, Driss.
Au Revoir Les Enfants (1987)
Au revoir les enfants is based on the wartime memories of the French film director, screenwriter and producer Louis Malle. Taking place at a Roman Catholic boarding school during World War II, the film centres on the friendship between two boys, Julien Quentin and Jean Bonnet, and the ominous shadow of the Gestapo. Uneasy at first, the friendship between Julien and Jean grows over time until devastating events shatter their reality.
Les Choristes (2004)
Les Choristes is a French musical drama set in 1949. Clément Mathieu, a failed musician, accepts a supervisory teaching position in a re-education centre for troubled boys. Quickly, Mathieu comes to realise how poorly the boys are being treated in the school and attempts to win them over. Despite setbacks and reluctance from the boys, Mathieu goes on to form a choir, and in doing so, starts a chapter which begins to transform all of their lives.
La Haine (1995)
This French movie, produced by Mathieu Kassovitz, opens with news footage of urban riots in a banlieue near Paris, trigged after the attack and hospitalization of Abdel Ichacha. Depicting 24 hours in the lives of three young men, all from immigrant families, the film discusses social instability and violence – a theme that is still very much prominent in French culture today.
Les Misérables (2019)
Perhaps a poignant successor of La Haine, Les Misérables is a film set in the commune of Montfermeil in the aftermath of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Based on real-life events of police violence which took place in the city on 14th October 2008, the film follows several characters within the commune. Semi-surreal, thrilling and unsettling all at the same time, this is definitely one for the watchlist.
Jules and Jim (1962)
In 1962, François Truffaut released a French New Wave romantic drama adaptation of Henri-Pierre Roché’s novel ‘Jules et Jim’. An autobiographical story, the tale is about a Frenchman, Jim, and a German, Jules, whose friendship survives the First World War and their love for the same woman, Catherine. An elegant classic, the filmmaking is inventive and the story captivating – “a tender, cruel film as surprising as life”.
Tomboy (2011)
The must-see Tomboy is a 2011 French drama film written and directed by Céline Sciamma. A powerful depiction, the film follows the journey of a 10-year-old, gender non-conforming child, Mikaël, whose family moves to a new neighbourhood. Meeting new friends and experimenting with gender presentation, Mikaël’s future becomes uncertain as suspicions arise and the new school term looms.
La Vie en Rose (2007)
This beautiful biopic of the legendary French singer Édith Piaf will move you to tears. Released in 2007, this musical film was directed by Olivier Dahan and won Marion Cotillard (Piaf) an Academy Award for Best Actress. Raised by her grandmother, Piaf was discovered singing on a street corner as a teenager, yet despite her enormous subsequent success, her life remained riddled with tragedy.
Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959)
Part of the French New Wave movement, Alain Resnais’ multi-award-winning film is one for Francophiles looking to learn more about the history of French cinema. Juxtaposing quick flashback vignettes with present moments, the film centres on the affair between a French actress filming an anti-war film in Hiroshima and a married Japanese architect, and their different perspectives on the war.
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