Watching movies is a great way to improve your language skills, especially when it comes to French. With a rich cinematic tradition and a diverse array of films to choose from, French cinema offers an excellent opportunity to practice your listening comprehension and learn more about French culture.
Here are ten French films from 2019 that can help you do just that.
- Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Portrait de la jeune fille en feu) – This period drama directed by Céline Sciamma tells the story of an artist who is hired to paint the portrait of a young woman who is about to be married. As they spend time together, their relationship deepens, and they fall in love. The film is known for its beautiful cinematography and powerful performances, and has won numerous awards.
- Les Misérables Directed by Ladj Ly, this powerful drama follows a group of police officers as they navigate the tense social and political climate of the Parisian suburbs. The film deals with themes of police brutality, social inequality, and the struggle for justice, and has been widely praised for its realistic portrayal of contemporary France.
- La Belle Époque – This romantic comedy directed by Nicolas Bedos tells the story of a man who is given the opportunity to relive a moment from his past, thanks to a high-tech time travel service. The film features a star-studded cast and has been praised for its witty dialogue and clever premise.
- The Swallows of Kabul (Les Hirondelles de Kaboul) – Based on the best-selling novel by Yasmina Khadra, this animated film tells the story of two couples in Kabul whose lives are forever changed by the Taliban’s oppressive regime. The film has been praised for its beautiful animation and sensitive portrayal of a difficult subject.
- By the Grace of God (Grâce à Dieu) Directed by François Ozon, this drama tells the story of a group of men who come forward to accuse a priest of sexually abusing them when they were children. The film deals with difficult subject matter in a sensitive and thought-provoking way, and has won numerous awards.
- The Cordillera of Dreams (La Cordillère des songes) – This documentary by Patricio Guzmán explores the history and culture of the Chilean Andes, and the impact that the Cordillera has had on the country’s people and politics. The film has been praised for its stunning visuals and thoughtful exploration of a complex subject.
- Someone, Somewhere (Deux moi) Directed by Cédric Klapisch, this romantic drama follows two Parisians as they navigate the challenges of modern life and try to find love and connection in a bustling city. The film has been praised for its charming performances and relatable story.
- Only the Animals (Seules les bêtes) Directed by Dominik Moll, this mystery thriller tells the story of a woman who disappears in the remote French countryside, and the strange and unexpected events that follow. The film has been praised for its atmospheric setting and intriguing storyline.
- A Brother’s Love (Un amour fraternel) – This drama, directed by Monia Chokri, tells the story of two brothers who are reunited after many years apart, and the complicated relationship that develops between them. The film has been praised for its nuanced performances and heartfelt exploration of family dynamics.
- Les Invisibles Directed by Louis-Julien Petit, this comedy-drama tells the story of a group of homeless women who band together to form a choir. The film has been praised for its heartwarming story and powerful performances, and is based on the real-life experiences of the women who inspired it.