5 Iconic French Films That Outshine Hollywood in Every Way
French cinema has this unique quality that is impossible to replicate, which is why you'll never get enough of it once you've tasted it.
French culture is rich and beautiful, and there's probably not a single person in the world who doesn't want to visit Paris someday. There's something about their attitude towards everything, their laid-back personality, and their overall outlook on life that makes you want to be like them.
However, while it's impossible to become French overnight, it's probably not necessary, as there are plenty of movies that will transport you to that alternate reality where you'll feel like you're in a Charles Aznavour song or a Yann Tiersen melody.
And here we have 5 amazing movies that used to be those escape routes to France for millions of people all over the world.
1. La Haine (1995)
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On Rotten Tomatoes, La Haine has 96% from critics, 95% from viewers
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On IMDb, La Haine is rated 8.1/10
Before we move on to baguettes and berets, we must pay tribute to this raw portrayal of life in the Paris suburbs as seen through the eyes of three friends from a poor immigrant neighborhood. Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, La Haine (which translates as Hate) became a milestone in French cinema in the mid-1990s.
Shot in black and white, the gritty drama follows the lives of Vinz, Abdel and Hubert over the course of 24 hours after a riot erupts in their neighborhood following a police shooting. The film became extremely popular in France and abroad for its unflinching portrayal of social issues and resonated with audiences worldwide for its brutal realism.
“Perfect movie. It's such an angry movie, and I love it for that. I remember rewatching it after a few years and the ending literally left me with my mouth open. I wouldn't change a single frame,” Redditor NoItsBosnian said.
2. Amélie (2001)
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On Rotten Tomatoes, Amélie has 90% from critics, 95% from viewers
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On IMDb, Amélie is rated 8.3/10
In stark contrast to the dark themes of La Haine, Amélie, directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, captivated audiences with its much lighter and even magical take on Parisian life. This colorful and eccentric film tells the story of Amélie Poulain, a shy, introverted woman who takes it upon herself to improve the lives of those around her while finding her own romantic path.
Amélie quickly became a global phenomenon and became the highest-grossing French-language film in the U.S. at the time. The movie was praised for its charming characters, amazing soundtracks (Yann Tiersen, thank you so much) and for the enchanting performance of Audrey Tautou in the lead role.
“That movie was a huge deal when it came out. I was in film school at the time, and EVERYONE had the movie poster for it, and talked about it endlessly. If you didn't know better you'd think it was the first foreign film to exist. It's a great movie, and a good time,” Redditor JeffCentaur said.
3. The Intouchables (2011)
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On Rotten Tomatoes, The Intouchables has 76% from critics, 93% from viewers
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On IMDb, The Intouchables is rated 8.5/10
Another movie that everyone was talking about after its release is Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano's The Intouchables. Based on a true story, it tells the heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between Philippe, a wealthy man left quadriplegic after an accident, and Driss, a poor, street-smart man hired as his caretaker.
The Intouchables became an international box office hit, making more than $400 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing French films of all time. The film's uplifting story, coupled with brilliant performances by François Cluzet and Omar Sy, easily won over audiences around the world.
4. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)
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On Rotten Tomatoes, Blue Is the Warmest Color has 88% from critics, 84% from viewers
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On IMDb, Blue Is the Warmest Color is rated 7.7/10
Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, Blue Is the Warmest Color is an emotional exploration of young love. The film follows Adèle, a teenage girl, as she embarks on a passionate and transformative relationship with Emma, an older woman with blue hair, exploring themes of desire, identity and self-discovery.
Released in 2013, Blue Is the Warmest Color became a sensation, winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was praised for its raw and honest portrayal of a same-sex relationship.
5. Cyrano de Bergerac (1990)
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On Rotten Tomatoes, Cyrano de Bergerac has 100% from critics, 90% from viewers
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On IMDb, Cyrano de Bergerac is rated 7.5/10
Last but not least is this French classic with a perfect score. Directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau, the film is an adaptation of Edmond Rostand's beloved 1897 play of the same name.
The movie stars Gérard Depardieu as Cyrano, a witty nobleman with a big nose who is secretly in love with the beautiful Roxane. Believing himself unworthy of her love because of his hideous nose, Cyrano helps the handsome Christian woo her by sending her love letters written only under Christian's name.
