I’m sure these days that online movie streaming platforms are getting quite a workout as many of us are spending more time at home. Whenever I come across a movie about food or French culture I have to watch it, bien sur!
If you are reading this blog post right now then you are probably as interested as I am in these types of films so I have composed a list of many of my favorites in hopes that it will make these stressful days a little more bearable.
Chocolat - I like to imagine myself as the heroine in this film: strong, independent, creative and irreverent, but also generous and compassionate. It’s a lovely story about how different worlds can find common ground when we look past the walls of prejudices, and indulge in some delicious chocolate.
Released 2000
Starring: Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Carrie-Anne Moss
Tampopo - I am not sure how to describe this one, possibly Japanese spaghetti Western would do the trick. The time will fly watching this film and you’ll find yourself laughing heartily at some of the scenes.
Released 1985
Starring: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ken Watanabe, Rikiya Yasuoka
Babette’s Feast - If you have the heart of an artist, you will definitely, relate to this film. This film truly embodies the art of the table, the love of creation, and how a meal can bring us together.
Released 1987
Starring: Stéphane Audran, Birgitte Federspiel, Bodil Kjer
Kings of Pastry - The documentary is about a French pastry competition. But not any competition. It is the for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition. The most prestigious title in France for the finest craftsmanship. I had no idea that watching a documentary about making pastries could be so dramatic.
Released: 2009
Sideways - A comedic look at the misadventures of a couple of buddies on a California road trip, awash in wine and women. The character Miles’ ode to the pinot noir alone made the film worth the watch. Side note: Sales of pinot noir in the United States rose after the release of this film.
Released 2004
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen
Vatel - A historical drama set in 1661 in Chantilly, France. I was personally more fascinated by the presentation of the meal preparations and the ranks of the classes, rather than the characters themselves, and I would watch it again just for that.
Released 2000
Starring: Gérard Depardieu, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, Timothy Spall, Julian Glover and Julian Sands
Uncorked - A warm and affectionate story about going your own way in life with a look into the trials of becoming a sommelier.
Released 2020
Starring: Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash, Matt McGorry, Sasha Compere, Gil Ozeri, Kelly Jenrette, Bernard David Jones, Melisia Lomax and Meera Rohit Kumbhani
Diva - This is a French language, thriller. The super stylized filmography and several plot twists will have coming back to watch it again and again.
Released: 1981
Starring: Wilhelmenia Fernandez, Frédéric Andréi
Moulin Rouge! - An anachronistic, quirky musical romance set in Paris during the belle époque, sort of. All I can say is, just go with it, and you will be dazzled.
Released: 2001
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor
An American in Paris - A look at the quintessential, romantic Paris post World War 2. There are plenty of exhilarating dance scenes, intense music, and dream-like sets.
Released: 1951
Starring: Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron
Midnight in Paris - To me this is one of Woody Allen’s best films. A sweet, lighthearted romp through not just modern-day Paris, but also the Paris of the early twentieth century, and the belle époque.
Released: 2011
Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard
Before Sunset - Heavy on dialogue that is witty and poignant. You couldn’t find two actors that play off of one another better. This second part of the three-part trilogy is set in Paris.
Released: 2004
Starring: Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke
2 Days in Paris - A comedic and somewhat cringe-worthy look at the problems of intercultural relationships.
Released: 2007
Starring: Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg
And here are some more that are enjoyable, in no particular order:
Ratatouille - Animation comedy. Released 2007
Diner de Cons - French comedy. Released 1998
Julie and Julia - American comedy-drama. Released 2009
Bottle Shock - American comedy-drama. Released 2008
Paris Je T’aime - Anthology. Released 2006
Big Night - American comedy-drama. Released 1996
The Lunch Box - Indian romance. Released 2012
Woman On Top - American romantic comedy. Released 2000
French Kiss - American romantic comedy. Released 1995
Sabrina - American romantic comedy. Original released 1954. Remake released 1995
Hugo - American adventure drama. Released 2011
Do you have any films that you would recommend? Please tell us in the comments section.
For a look at another side of French culture book your Flavors of Paris tour today!
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