Les Films
One of my favorite things to do is watch French movies!
Whether you speak French, or are just fascinated with the French culture, French movies will expose you to the culture and improve your listening skills and build vocabulary.
Here are some of my favorite movies:
Les Saveurs du Palais (Haute Cuisine)
2012 PG-13
Drama/Biography
This movie is about the French presidential chef who brings French home-cooking to the strict world of politics. She brightens the room with her warm cuisine which reminds the President of his childhood.
The delicious food prepared and real-life story is heart-warming and inspiring!
Bienvenue Che les Ch'tis
2008
Comedy
One of my all-time favorite French movies!
Dany Boon and Kad Merad (an iconic comedic duo) play characters from two different parts of France - the north and south. The dramatic difference between the two regions is a culture shock to the new manager of the post office, but he grows to love his new home.
Don't worry if it is difficult to understand the northerners, they speak in what is called "ch'tis" and it is very difficult for even French natives to understand!
Midnight in Paris
2011 PG-13
Fantasy/Romance
A classic Woody Allen movie!
Even though it is an English film, it exposes the viewer to the Parisienne culture through art, architecture, literature, and social scene during the 1920s.
Les Parapluies de Cherbourg
1964 PG
Drama/ Musical
Musical?!
Many people cannot sit through musicals, but this one is worth it! The intoxicating love story will have you sitting on the edge of your seat wanting to know what comes next.
Don't be intimidated by the title "musical" - the melodic tunes will have you humming for days, feeling happy, or crying for Guy* not to leave.
*watch the movie to find out why...
The French Minister
2013
Comedy
This award winning film is very unique!
We follow the story of the French minister's speech writer and his experiences with this very eccentric man.
The viewer also gets to see some of the inner workings of the French government and the many tough decisions that must be made.
Supercondriaque
2014
Comedy
Another Kad Merad and Danny Boon film!
This hilarious movie is about a man who is a germaphobe and his relationship with his doctor. After a dreadful New Years' Eve party, he falls in love with his doctor's sister who mistakes him for a refuge.
This all seems very strange, but this movie makes you laugh in every scene!
Le Petit Nicolas
2009
Comedy
Based off of a well-known French children's book, "Le Petit Nicolas", the movie is about a group of young boys and their adventures.
The film is funny and heart-warming, and allows American students to gain an understanding the French education system and understand the French vocabulary of 8 year old children...!
I hope you have the chance to watch each of these movies and enjoy them as much as I do!
