One of the best parts of language learning is being actively told by your teachers to sit down in front of a good film (in the target language, of course…) as a way to improve. When it comes to France, there’s such a rich history of cinema that you are spoiled for choice. Ever since les frères Lumière launched the cinematograph in 1895, the French cinema scene has been a key global player in the development of cinematic techniques, and a focal point for cinephiles from all over the world. What follows is a curated list of French films which span the ages, and will provide you with a wonderful excuse to take a moment out of the rush of Week Five, or, if you’re a productivity addict, you can claim you’re taking a moment to improve your French…

“The French cinema scene has been a key global player in the development of cinematic techniques”

Les 400 coups (1959)

This 1950s coming-of-age story directed by François Truffaut, a key figure of the Nouvelle Vague, epitomises the experimentation and rejection of traditional conventions this movement aspired towards. Filmed in black-and-white and using a myriad of simple yet startling camera angles, we follow the Parisian life of young Antoine Doinel, who dreams of visiting the sea. Often found playing truant with his best friend René, you can’t help but feel sorry for Antoine, trapped with his often uncaring and arguably neglectful mother and step-father. The film is semi-autobiographical, based on Truffaut’s childhood, to escape from which he sought refuge in the cinema. A homage to the power of art and play to avoid the difficulties of growing up, and a critique of the contemporary treatment of youth, this film is a must-watch to gain a taste of the trailblazing ‘new wave’.

La haine (1995)

Mathieu Kassovitz’s social thriller is also set around Paris, this time focusing on the lives of three friends living in a poor suburb. Slightly more action-packed than Les 400 coups, this film draws stark attention to the issues of racism in the police force, and the resulting animosity between the police and marginalised communities in France. Through the arguments between protagonists Vinz and Hubert, Kassovitz explores the youth’s differing outlooks, echoing fears about the future of society through its uncompromising portrayal of 1990s socioeconomic divisions. Both moving and alarming, La haine, which derives its title from Hubert’s exclamation, “la haine attire la haine!” (hatred breeds hatred), achieved much critical acclaim, with Kassovitz being awarded the Best Director prize at the 1995 Cannes festival. Somber yet thought-provoking, this film will give you a real insight into the harsh realities of banlieusard life in 1990s Paris.

Les choristes (2004)

Set in the aftermath of the Second World War, Christophe Barratier’s adaptation of the 1945 Cage aux rossignols never fails to make me cry. With a beautiful soundtrack of songs including ‘Vois sur ton chemin’ and ‘Caresse sur l’océan’ (my favourites from the film), the film is an ode to the uniting, transformative powers of music. Worth watching just for its beautiful soundtrack, the plot does not disappoint. Les choristes follows the lives of boys in a boarding school and how the protagonist, Pierre Morhange, grows from a delinquent, reluctant pupil, to winning a scholarship at a music conservatoire. The film is not without its moments of extreme sadness, danger, and trepidation, but if you are looking for a more heart-warming, albeit emotional watch, this is the one for you.

“If you are looking for a more heart-warming, albeit emotional watch, Les choristes is the one for you”

La Famille Bélier (2014)

Another film with an excellent soundtrack and music at its heart, the comedic La Famille Bélier follows sixteen-year-old Paula as she navigates the world as the sole hearing person among her Deaf parents and brother. A beautiful coming-of-age story marked by moments of comedy and romance, Éric Lartigau’s film showcases the conflict of Paula’s first steps into adulthood, which require her to leave her family behind in order to pursue her passion for singing. The film received conflicting feedback regarding its treatment and casting of its Deaf characters; some criticised the fact that two well-known, hearing actors were chosen to portray Paula’s parents who are users of French Sign Language, while others celebrated the inclusion of French Sign Language in the film. One such memorable moment is when Paula, played by the popular French singer Louane Emera, signs the lyrics to ‘Je vole’ – a song about moving on and flying away from home – as she sings during her audition. Despite its drawbacks, La Famille Bélier offers a light-hearted comedy-drama with a diverse soundtrack to go alongside it.

Un sac de billes (2017)

Heading back in time, Un sac de billes is based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Joseph Joffo. A beautiful tale of the power of brotherly love, Christian Duguay’s adaptation truly brings Joffo’s powerful story to life. Joseph and his brother Maurice, are sent to the Zone libre to escape the Nazi occupation of Paris in the Second World War. The Jewish brothers must think quickly, learning who to trust, and working to outsmart those intent on capturing them so that they can be reunited with their family. Filled with moments of terror and suspense, the film’s pervading theme is the power of their fraternité in overcoming this seemingly insurmountable journey, all while having some fun along the way. An inspiring watch, the book is well worth a read too.

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