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It's Bastille day and that can only mean one thing, our top French films for you to dive in to! Here they are in alphabetical order...
I've yet to hear of someone who doesn't love this film. The vibrancy. The story. The creativity. Not to mention Paris. This is the type of film that people come back to over and over again. And of course, French queen Audrey Tautou leads the charge.
A heavy hitter for sure. A story of compassion and love and what someone is willing to do to hold that bond. Amazing performances from Emmanuelle Riva and Jean-Louis Trintignant.
(Rust and Bone)
Truly one of my favourite films ever. Marion Cotillard is simply outstanding and herself and Matthias Schoenaerts have such an amazing chemistry. Some unforgettable scenes.
Bending the rules with this one as it was not filmed in France but is a french language film. A simple story with a huge impact. Brilliantly made film by the Dardenne brothers. Marion Cotillard, as always, mesmerising.
Completely mad and I absolutely loved it. A hard one to even explain. You'll just have to go and watch it for yourself. And that "intermission"... immense! Created by the brain of Leos Carax.
Like the films I have listed so far, the performances of the two lead actors in this film are just fantastic. François Cluzet and Omar Sy are perfectly cast in this brilliantly written film. Some genuine laugh out loud moments.
Iconic french director brought us an iconic french film. François Truffaut was a masterful and brave story teller breaking many of the rules that we set down before him. This is french new wave at its best.
Hard edged drama set on the outskirts of Paris. Sublime performances by the lead cast. It's shows a side to Paris that rarely makes the silver screen. Gone are the boulevards and boulangeries. This is a raw, unapologetic film.
(The Diving Bell and the Butterfly)
Based on the Jean-Dominque Bauby's memoir of the same name, the film tells the story of a man who suffers a stroke and is left in a condition known as locked in syndrome. Mathieu Amalric is incredible in the lead role.
(The 400 Blows)
Another masterpiece of new wave cinema by Truffaut. Often considered as the best french film ever and is somewhat of an autobiographical film by the filmmaker.
Thanks for reading.
Brian Benjamin Dwyer
Creative director @ Madra Mór Productions