I love watching films from all areas of the globe. I do not actually fancy films that are remade. I prefer them in their original context. Infrequently, tangible meanings of phrases are lost in translation because they only make sense in the first language of the film. I have got a fondness for French films because I appreciate the language and my collection of learning French DVDs is testament to that.

I have over 100 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 movie poster collection. Here’s a short writeup of 3 of my favourite French flicks.

8 Femmes
eight Femmes or eight girls, is a musical comedy-mystery based on a play by Robert Thomas. From the title, you would easily guess the film has to do with eight ladies. The flick makes me think of the board game Cluedo accept that we already know where the murder occurred and what weapon was used.

The plot of the flick centres around the relations of these eight girls and the master of the house who has been mysteriously murdered. What starts off as a murder mystery shortly delves into numerous subplots as more strategies are exposed as everyone attempts to uncover who the killer is.

The plots explore the diverse relationship dynamics, gluttony and sexuality. One of my favorite 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 is not the highlight of the movie as there’s 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 priest who hides Jewish scholars at a catholic boarding college in the second world war in France. As importantly, it is about the bond which exists between a selected Jewish boy and a fellow boarding schoolmate.

It also looks at perceptions, fear and bigotry in society at large. Parallels can be drawn from what happened in those times to what is happening today to several peoples.

The movie was based totally on the events of director Louis Malle’s own adolescence when he attended a catholic boarding school when he was eleven. The memory of which remained with him since then.

Amlie
Of all the French films I have studied over the years, Amlie is indisputably my favorite. The plot is simple yet entertaining. The lead, Amlie, is a shy waitress with a vivid imagination and an ability for bringing joy to the lives of others, which is where all the fun lies. Nevertheless through all her efforts in bringing happiness to others, her own happiness eludes her. The film looks at escapism and what is required to eventually beat it.

I might strongly recommend these 3 learning French DVDs if you are looking for entertainment or if you are looking to pick up the language. With these 3 French films, you might finish up doing both.

To sum up :

• Amélie is the ultimate feel good movie
• Au Revoir Les Enfants is a touching movie based on a true story
• Contrary to popular belief, French movies can be entertaining

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