List by Maria
My Favorite French Films
A grab bag of my personal favorite French films, some more light-hearted and some more serious. The common theme: I'd watch any of these a second time. (Click on the List Detail view for mini-reviews of each movie.)
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My Father's Glory 1990
One of the most warm, winsome portrays of childhood and family ever, in any movie. The scenes of the hills of Provence are lovely, too.
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My Mother's Castle 1990
Sequel to La Gloire de Mon Pere. Further amusing vignettes of this charming family, interspersed with a more heavy theme. The first movie is like sunrise, and this one, is glorious as sunset.
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Welcome to the Sticks 2008
Hilarious. Not sure if you need to understand French for this to be funny. It's a classic fish-out-of-the-water story; clash between country bumpkins and the city folks.
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Blame it on Fidel! 2006
Petulant child actress + 1960's Paris + socialism versus bourgeois + sweet, authentic scenes of family and childhood.
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Au Revoir Les Enfants 1987
A movie that changed my life. Made me see the world can be a very dark place despite love, despite camaraderie, despite all that is good. A deep film, so beautifully directed and filmed.
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Tell No One 2008
One of my favorite French films ever. Tense, a little weird (but not too weird) and an underlying current of love/faithfulness.
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Persepolis 2007
One of the best animated films of all-time, along with a strikingly original story and a wonderful young girl as the protagonist.
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Paris, I Love You 2006
Several short clips about Paris, Parisians. Maybe not a classic but well-worth watching.
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The Women on the 6th Floor 2011
Lively story of a stockbroker whose routines get shaken up by interaction with the foreign domestic servants. It's mostly fun and sweet, and does serve up a little class/economic commentary in the relationships between the wealthy and their household workers.
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I've Loved You So Long 2008
A little slower-paced and contemplative than some of these other French films, but a worthy, poignant celebration of second chances and the love of family. How does one restart life? What kind of love does it take to bring someone back from hell?
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The Beat That My Heart Skipped 2005
An odd, modern, jittery movie that feels tense and disjointed like the life of the main character, who wants to leave a dubious lifestyle behind and begin again as a pianist.
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Monsieur Lazhar 2011
Surprisingly sweet and serious film about an Algerian immigrant who steps in as a substitute at a French-Canadian elementary school.
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My Best Friend 2006
One of the sweetest, most genuine French films I've seen recently. A funeral with few mourners sets an egotistical businessman on the hunt for a best friend.
Have you seen any of Jacques Tati's films?
Though significantly older than any of the films in this list, several of his films are some of the best comedies ever.
I started "Mr. Hulot's Holiday," but couldn't finish it. I'm a writer, so I think I need more narrative. I was hoping to love it because so many French friends/speakers recommended Tati. Maybe it's time to give it another chance. Is there a better one to begin with?
Mr. Hulot's Holiday is my favorite, but I'd recommend you give Playtime a try before you give up on Tati. It's similar in there being little dialogue, but Tati is remembered better for it. I believe he spent 3 years filming it and it was many years in the making. The budget was so high that it broke him, and I don't think he ever recovered from bankruptcy.
Either one, I'd recommend watching several times to fully appreciate as well.
I went back and read a few reviews (Ebert for example). I guess it's pretty common not to like him the first time, then to grow fonder with 2nd, 3rd viewing. Thanks!