I like watching films from all over the planet. I do not really fancy films that are remade. I prefer them in their original context. Infrequently, actual meanings of phrases are lost in translation because they only sound right in the first language of the film. I’ve a liking for French films because I’m keen on the language and my collection of learning French DVDs is testament to that.
I have over a hundred learning French DVDs and even some on video tape in my collection of French films. I’ve spent the last two decades adding to my foreign flick and motion picture poster collection. Here’s a short writeup of three of my favourite French flicks.
8 Femmes
eight Femmes or eight ladies, is a musical comedy-mystery based primarily on a play by Robert Thomas. From the title, you would simply guess that the movie has to do with eight women. The flick makes me think of the board game Cluedo accept that we already know where the murder took place and what weapon was used.
The plot of the film centers around the relationships of these eight ladies and the master of the house who has been mysteriously murdered. What starts off as a murder poser soon digs into various subplots as more techniques are exposed as everyone tries to uncover who the murderer is.
The plots explore the diverse relationship dynamics, greediness and sexuality. One of my favourite parts of the film is the fight between a couple of the female characters which finished in a make-out session on the floor. But that’s not the highlight of the flick as there is yet an even better twist in the plot.
Au Revoir Les Enfants
Au Revoir Les Enfants is a touching story about an anti-Nazi catholic clergyman who hides Jewish scholars at a catholic boarding school during the 2nd world war in France. As significantly, it is about the bond which exists between a selected Jewish boy and a fellow boarding schoolmate.
It also examines perceptions, fear and bigotry in society at large. Parallels can be drawn from what happened in those times to what has happened today to many peoples.
The flick was based on the events of director Louis Malle’s own childhood when he attended a catholic boarding school when he was 11. The memory of which stayed with him ever since then.
Amlie
Of all the French films I have observed over the years, Amlie is undoubtedly my fave. The plot is straightforward yet entertaining. The lead figure, Amlie, is a bashful waitress with a vivid imagination and an ability for bringing joy to the lives of others, which is where all the thrills lies. Nevertheless through all her efforts in bringing happiness to others, her own contentment eludes her. The film examines escapism and what is required to finally overcome it.
I might seriously recommend these three French DVDs if you are hunting for entertainment or if you are looking to pick up the language. With these three French films, you could finish up doing both.
To sum up :
- 8 Femmes is a great movie that explores relationship dynamics
- Amélie is the ultimate feel good movie
- Contrary to popular belief, French movies can be entertaining
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