Category: French
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SHORT FILM: THE FROG (1908)
The Frog (1908), directed by Segundo de Chomón, is a silent, surreal short film that blends early special effects with whimsical storytelling. The film begins with a magician performing a series of tricks in front of an audience. As the magician conjures a variety of objects, one of his creations is a small frog that…
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CET OBSCUR OBJET DU DESIR aka THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE
That Obscure Object of Desire (Cet obscur objet du désir) is a 1977 surreal, darkly comedic drama directed by the legendary Spanish filmmaker Luis Buñuel in his final film. The movie is an adaptation of Pierre Louÿs’ 1898 novel La Femme et le Pantin (The Woman and the Puppet), delving into themes of obsession, desire,…
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MADE IN U.S.A.
“Made in U.S.A.” is a 1966 French crime-political film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The film is a loose adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s novel The Jugger and combines elements of film noir, political intrigue, and Godard’s signature experimental style. It stars Anna Karina as a woman investigating the death of her lover in a labyrinthine…
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MANON DES SOURCES
Manon des Sources (1986), directed by Claude Berri, is the powerful sequel to Jean de Florette and continues the story of greed, betrayal, and redemption set in rural Provence. Based on Marcel Pagnol’s novel, the film delves into the consequences of the tragic events from the first installment, with themes of revenge, justice, and the…
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JEAN DE FLORETTE
“Jean de Florette,” a 1986 film directed by Claude Berri, is a profoundly emotional and tragic drama set in the picturesque countryside of Provence, France, during the 1920s. Based on Marcel Pagnol’s novel, the film explores themes of human greed, ambition, and the harsh realities of rural life. It stars Gérard Depardieu as the titular…
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AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS
“Au Revoir les Enfants” is a 1987 French drama film written, produced, and directed by Louis Malle. It is a deeply personal and poignant exploration of childhood, friendship, and the devastating impact of war. Based on Malle’s own experiences during World War II, it has been widely acclaimed for its sensitive portrayal of innocence lost…
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LE MEPRIS aka CONTEMPT
“Contempt” (Le Mépris) is a complex and visually stunning film directed by Jean-Luc Godard in 1963. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and the nature of filmmaking. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy, the film delves into the disintegration of a marriage amid the pressures of the film industry. The story begins with Paul…
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LES PARAPLUIES DE CHERBOURG aka THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG
“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” is a 1964 visually stunning musical drama directed by Jacques Demy. The film, notable for its entirely sung dialogue and vibrant color palette, tells a poignant love story set in the coastal town of Cherbourg, France. The story begins in 1957, focusing on 17-year-old Geneviève Emery (Catherine Deneuve), who works in…
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PEAU D’ANE aka DONKEYSKIN
“Donkeyskin” (“Peau d’Âne”) is a 1970 French musical fantasy film directed by Jacques Demy. The film is based on the classic fairy tale “Donkeyskin” by Charles Perrault and features a blend of enchanting visuals, whimsical music, and a touch of surrealism. It stars Catherine Deneuve, Jean Marais, and Jacques Perrin. In a far-off kingdom, a…
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SHORT FILM: AN OCCURENCE AT OWL CREEK BRIDGE
“An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” is a short film directed by Robert Enrico. It is based on the short story by Ambrose Bierce. Originally released in France in 1962 as “La Rivière du hibou,” it was later broadcast in the United States in 1964 as an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” The film stars…
The Other Cinema 