International Film Picks: France.
1. La Haine (1995)
Nothing is more timeless than Kassovitz’ La Haine. Arguably one of the most watched and loved French movies, La Haine follows three young men as they navigate the aftermath of a riot in the Parisian suburbs, following the violent arrest of a young French Arab boy. This film still speaks to various issues affecting France today, such as police brutality, racism, alienation, and violence; if you’ve seen it and are interested in a more recent retelling of a similar story—Athéna (2022) follows the broadest strokes of La Haine, approaching it from a different angle.
2. The Dreamers (2003)
You’ve probably seen extracts or screenshots of a scene where three young Parisians run through the Louvre holding hands, sliding on the polished floors in ecstasy. You might have also seen the comment, “You know this is a movie about incest, right?”. The Dreamers, set in 1968 Paris during the infamous “Mai ‘68” student protests, follows an American student who befriends a French brother and sister. The trio form an intense (to say the least) bond, exploring their shared attraction to cinema, sexuality, and rebellion, as the film, meanwhile, explores themes of youth and freedom.
3. Belle et Sébastien (2013)
Based on the children’s book series by Cécile Aubry, Belle and Sébastien tells the story of a young orphan and his dog, set in the French Alps during World War II. Sébastien lives in Saint-Martin, a mountain village close to the Swiss border, and feels extremely isolated and lonely, leading him to befriend a wild mountain dog he names Belle—that the villagers suspect is responsible for killing their sheep. If you like sad dog movies (the ones that don’t completely destroy you at the end), and a beautiful soundtrack, you’ll love Belle et Sébastien.
4. Les Choristes (2004)
While those who’ve studied French at school might’ve already watched Les Choristes, those who haven’t, might enjoy a French version of Dead Poets Society, emphatic on music instead of poetry. The film is set in a boarding school for troubled boys, where a new music teacher uses a choir to inspire and uplift the students.
5. The Visitors (1993)
After depression induced by Les Choristes, Les Visiteurs might cure the sadness. This time-travel comedy centres around a mediaeval knight, Godefroy de Montmirail (played by Jean Reno), and his servant Jacquouille, who are accidentally transported from the 12th century to modern-day France. Have you ever wanted to see a 12th century French peasant blow up a television because he thinks it’s a satanic box? Look no further.
6. La Grande Vadrouille (1966)
La Grande Vadrouille is one of France’s most iconic comedies (according to no one but me), well-loved for its slapstick humour and star performance by Louis de Funès. Set during World War II, it follows two French civilians, an abrasive orchestra leader and a shy painter, who help British airmen escape Nazi-occupied France. If you like this one, I recommend any of de Funès’ movies, as he is considered by many to be one of the greatest French actors.
“La Haine” by Robbert van der Steeg is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.