Tag: Classic French Cinema
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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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37˚2 LE MATIN aka BETTY BLUE
“Betty Blue” (original title: “37°2 le matin”) is a 1986 French romantic drama directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix. The film is based on Philippe Djian’s novel of the same name and is known for its intense, passionate portrayal of love, mental illness, and artistic aspiration. It stars Béatrice Dalle as Betty and Jean-Hugues Anglade as Zorg.…
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AND GOD CREATED WOMAN
“And God Created Woman” (1956) is a groundbreaking French drama film directed by Roger Vadim. It stars Brigitte Bardot, Curd Jürgens, and Jean-Louis Trintignant. The film is notable for its bold portrayal of sexuality and its role in catapulting Bardot to international stardom. The story takes place in the picturesque coastal town of Saint-Tropez and…
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THE 400 BLOWS
“The 400 Blows,” directed by François Truffaut, is a seminal film of the French New Wave. The movie stars Jean-Pierre Léaud in a groundbreaking performance as Antoine Doinel, with Claire Maurier and Albert Rémy in pivotal roles. The film is a poignant coming-of-age story set in post-war Paris. It revolves around the life of Antoine…
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THE MOTHER AND THE WHORE
“The Mother and the Whore” (“La Maman et la Putain”) is a 1973 French drama directed by Jean Eustache. Regarded as a seminal work of French cinema, the film provides an intimate and unflinching exploration of the complexities of love, relationships, and existential angst in post-1968 Paris. The story primarily revolves around Alexandre (played by…
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LES AMANTS
“Les Amants” (The Lovers), directed by Louis Malle and released in 1958, is a French drama that explores themes of passion, desire, and societal conventions. Set in a picturesque French countryside, the story revolves around Jeanne Tournier (played by Jeanne Moreau), a young and unhappily married woman who is vacationing with her husband Henri (played…
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BAND OF OUTSIDERS
“Band of Outsiders,” ia a 1964 film directed by the iconic French New Wave filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, is a visually stunning and captivating crime drama that blurs the lines between love, friendship, and criminal pursuits. Set in the streets of Paris, the film follows the unlikely alliance between three young characters who embark on a…
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ELEVATOR TO THE GALLOWS / LIFT TO THE SCAFFOLD
“Elevator to the Gallows” is a 1958 French crime drama directed by Louis Malle. Set in 1950s Paris, the movie weaves a complex tale of love, murder, and deception. The film skillfully combines film noir and psychological suspense elements, delivering a thrilling and atmospheric cinematic experience. The story follows two parallel narratives that eventually intertwine.…
The Other Cinema 