5 Classic French Movies to Watch Today and Always
A glass of good French wine in one hand and a remote control in the other.
Since the world witnessed the New Wave of French cinema during the sixties, nothing has been the same. Because, let's face it, the films of Jean-Luc Godard and the effortless looks of Anna Karina still make us dream. That is the magic of French cinema, it remains forever etched in your memory.
L'OFFICIEL has curated a list of the five most iconic movies to marathon à la française.
Belle du Jour (1967)
There are desires so deep that, if repressed, they take root deep down. That is the premise on which this French film is based, directed by the Spanish Luis Buñuel. Séverine has masochistic fantasies as a result of her sexual dissatisfaction. Frustration leads her to work in a brothel (secretly from her husband Pierre), hence, her alter ego: Belle de Jour. But everything gets complicated when Marcel, a regular customer and a mobster, falls at his feet. The tape reminds us that curiosity comes with a price. The film stars the incomparable Catherine Deneuve, Jean Sorel, and Michel Piccoli.
Amélie (2001)
To think of French cinema is to think of Amélie. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet made an iconically timeless work. Waitress Amélie Pulain discovers a box with toys, photographs, and other curiosities that a boy hid 40 years ago, so she decides to find the whereabouts of its owner to return it to him. This is how our protagonist, played by Audrey Tautou, finds her purpose in life: to make everyone happy. Jamel Debbouze and Mathieu Kassovitz also appear in the film.
Eden (2014)
For those who feel nostalgic when remembering the '90s—its vibrant colors and effortless vibes— there's nothing better than immersing yourself in the imagination of Mia Hansen-Løve (screenwriter and director of this film) and enjoying an electrifying proposal. Starring Félix de Givry, accompanied by Greta Gerwig and Pauline Etienne, Eden focuses on the French electronic music scene of the '90s, totally parallel to grunge.
The film, which portrays the generation known as French Touch, is for some a love story; for others, a cult work that evokes the boom in designer drugs and nocturnal excesses.
Jeune & Jolie (2013)
The title, which translates to Young and Beautiful, captures the attributes of Isabelle (Marine Vacth), our protagonist who, at only 17 years old, discovers carnal pleasures. Despite having everything one could wish for, she becomes obsessed with sex to the point that she decides to make it her vocation and play all her cards, putting her own integrity and freedom at risk.
The film was directed by Francois Ozon and features performances by Frédéric Pierrot and Géraldine Pailhas.
Les Innocents (2016)
One of the many dark chapters of World War II is the true story of a group of Polish nuns who became pregnant after being raped by the Red Army troops at the end of the war. Mathilde, a young Red Cross doctor, will try to help the nuns amid a dark scene.
The controversial film directed by Anne Fontaine has among its cast the performances of Agata Buzek and Agata Kulesza.
