100 ESSENTIAL FRENCH SONGS YOU MUST HEAR Part 3: The 1970s

Posted in Travel & Leisure by woman2womenblog

See also:

The Hippie wave, which had become particularly powerful after May ’68, affected not only fashion and cinema, but also music. Moreover, Anglo-Saxon music started to exert an increasing influence on France’s culture: rock, disco, and punk would gradually show up.

The music stage of the seventies saw the rising stars of the 60s become consecrated as “vedettes”, but also the advent of new talents with different musical styles: some of them inspired by English music, others who adopted a folk style, as wells as many new artists who modernized the traditional chanson Française. A new trend would found many followers in this period: the duet.

Although the 70s are considered by many the beginning of France’s decline as a culture trend-setter, numerous beautiful songs have emerged during that decade. I actually had a hard time to choose some among the many memorable songs… These are my top picks:

34) Léo Ferré – “Avec le temps” (1970)

Somewhat controversial Léo Ferré wrote, composed and sang this beautifully sad love song, inspired by his own love disenchantment. It became an instant classic and one of the most covered French songs worldwide.

35) Barbara – “L’ aigle noir” (1970)

Singer-songwriter Barbara was known for her meaningful poetry, the beautiful melodies and her voice’s deep emotion. This dark song (means “The black eagle”) is believed to refer to sexual abuse she experienced as a child.

36) Jean-François Michael – “Je pense à toi” (1971)

This so romantic song (in English “I think about you”) is an adaptation of Italian “E penso a te” by Lucio Battisti. It has been sung in many languages.

37) Michel Delpech – “Que Marianne était jolie” (1972)

The title of this song means “Marianne was so beautiful”. Marianne is actually an allegorical name for the French Republic, sang by one the greatest representatives of popular chanson Française, Michel Delpech. It has been recently sung by Renaud (January 2016) in memory of the victims of Charlie Hebdo attack.

38) Maxime Le Forestier – “San Francisco” (1972)

Known for his folksy style, Maxime Le Forestier became influential for a whole baba cool generation. After living in a hippie community, in a blue house in San Francisco, he was inspired to create one of his best known hits: “San Francisco”. The song starts with the line: “It’s a blue house leaning against the hill”. Due to the success of this song, in recent years, the owners of the famous house agreed to repaint it blue (after years of it being painted in green).

39) Michel Fugain – “Une belle histoire” (1972)

After its release in 1972,“Une belle histoire” (A beautiful story) became immediately a huge success, and managed to remain as an all time classic, being still frequently played in certain French radio stations.

40) Vicky Leandros – “Après toi” (1972)

This song (the title means “After you”) was the winning song of the Eurovision Song Contest 1972 performed by Greek singer Vicky Leandros, who was representing Luxembourg. If you follow the Eurovision contest, it’s really worth to see this video: the differences with the present time are quite remarkable…

41) Dalida & Alain Delon – “Paroles, paroles” (1973)

This song was originally performed by Italians Mina and Alberto Lupo, but this version, sung by the timeless diva Dalida together with actor – sex-symbol Alain Delon surpassed it in success, becoming a huge hit not only in France, but also in other countries.

42) Michel Sardou – “La Maladie d’amour” (1973)

Inherently romantic but also with strong social and political convictions, Michel Sardou is considered one of the most popular artists in the Francophone world. “The disease of love” is often cited as one of Sardou’s most successful songs and an essential piece of France’s music heritage. This and several other Sardou’s songs have been included in the beautiful comedy film La famille Bélier.

43) Nino Ferrer – “Le Sud” (1974)

Although famous for his funny songs such as “Le téléfon”, “Les cornichons”, Nino Ferrer changes over time to a more complex and serious style. The result: two of his greatest hits “La maison près de la fontaine” and this beautiful song. Le Sud (French for “The South”) refers to the country where Ferrer spent his childhood, New Caledonia.

44) Nana Mouskouri – “Que je sois un ange” (1974)

Nana Mouskouri is considered to be one of the best-selling music artists in the world: she has released -so far- over 200 albums in 10 different languages! Of her many beautiful songs, this is my favourite; it has been recently sampled by Nym.

45) Joe Dessin – “L’été indien” (1975)

Already famous during the 60s, this prolific artist would become established and well-known worldwide during the 70s. “L’Été indien” (French for “Indian summer”) is Dassin’s biggest hit, but he sang many other great songs: “Et si tu n’existais pas”, “À toi”, among others.

46) Jeane Mason – “Avant de nous dire adieu” (1976)

This was one of American (former Paymate) Jeane Mason’s first and biggest hits. The title means “Before we say goodbye”.

47) Gérard Lenorman – “Michèle” (1976)

Very popular in France and Francophonie during the 1970s and early 1980s, this is one of Lenorman’s best known and beautiful songs, together with “Voici les clés“.

48) Plastic Bertrand – “Ca plane pour moi”(1977)

Punk-rock Belgian singer Plastic Bertrand recorded this song, which became one of the hits of the 70s. Although covered several times, the original is still the most successful. “Ça plane pour moi” is a French idiomatic expression which translates as “everything’s going well for me”; you may have lately heard it in a commercial of a well-known whisky brand.

49) Marie Myriam – “L’oiseau et l’enfant” (1977)

“The Bird and the Child” was the winning song in the Eurovision Song Contest 1977 performed by Marie Myriam; this was the last time a French song won the contest. In 2015, Kids United (a six-children French musical group created to support UNICEF) released a very successful cover of this song.

50) Michel Polnareff – “Lettre à France” (1977)

Provocateur and eccentric, with his signature black glasses and fancy trousers, Polnareff is still to date critically acclaimed during his occasional tours. He wrote nostalgic “Lettre à France” (Letter to France) when he was exiled in the USA due to fiscal and financial problems.

51) Michel Berger et Luc Plamondon – “Le blues du businessman” (1978)

This is one of the songs of rock opera Starmania, which would become a huge success in French-speaking countries; an English version was later created. The song tells about a businessman who, although professionally successful, realizes that he would have preferred to become an artist.

52) Julien Clerc – “Ma préférence” (1978)

Talented singer, songwriter and pianist, Clerc is still a highly respected French artist, with active humanitarian work. From his vast repertoire this is his most beautiful songs, in which he asks his partner to be forgiven for his infidelities and come back to him.

53) Claude Nougaro – “Tu verras” (1978)

The title means “You will see”; it is an adaptation of Brazilian Chico Buarque’s O Que Será? Due to its immediate success, Claude Nougaro wins in 1978 the French Record Academy Award.

54) Francis Cabrel – “Je l’aime a mourir” (1979)

“Je l’aime à mourir” (English: I love her to death) was a hit single for Francis Cabrel not only in France, but also in Canada, Europe and other countries (he also recorded it in Spanish). It has been covered many times and in many languages, one of the latest is that by Shakira.

Don’t miss:

YouTube playlist here

11Oct2016

100 ESSENTIAL FRENCH SONGS YOU MUST HEAR Part 2: The 1960s

Posted in Travel & Leisure by woman2womenblog

See also

With France’s postwar reconstruction finally over, a renewed sense of optimism and energy started to exude from young people in the 60s. Fashion, cinema and music reflected this state of mind: Nouvelle vague cinema and pret-à-porter are emblematic of this period, although after the 1968 events, young people would be largely influenced by the hippy culture (known as baba cool in French). French music is marked by the emergence of yé-yé, (from the English “yeah yeah”), which became a global phenomenon and gave the world some of the best all-time songs.

These are some of the most memorable songs of the sixties:

16) Gilbert Bécaud – “Et maintenant” (1961)

Also known as “Monsieur 100,000 Volts” for his energetic performances, Bécaud remained a popular artist for nearly fifty years. “Et maintenant” is about a love deception: in the song, despair and commotion go in crescendo (so does the music) ending with a last tragic verse: “I really have nothing left”. It was a huge success; a 1961 release by Bécaud himself in English known as “What Now My Love” became an instant hit in the UK and USA.

17) Françoise Hardy – “Tous les garçons et les filles” (1962)

This song (means “All the Boys and Girls”) is about the feelings of a young woman who hasn’t found love, and her envy of the couples that surround her. It quickly became a success; Hardy also recorded it in English, Italian and German. It has been covered many times and featured in several films.

18) Georges Brassens – “Les copains d’abord” (1964)

This prolific singer/ songwriter/ poet, who wrote and sang more than 100 poems and recorded 14 albums, is known for his anarchist ideas and his black-humored texts. Les copains d’abord, an anthem to friendship, has become one of his most famous songs. It was initially written for the film Les Copains.

19) Enrico Macias – “L’amour c’est pour rien” (1964)

Algeria-born Macias was forced to leave his country during Algerian War of Independence, going into exile in France. He has not been permitted to return to Algeria ever since, hence his nostalgic, oriental-influenced songs: “Adieu mon pays” (Goodbye my country), “L’oriental” (The Oriental), among others. “L’amour c’est pour rien” (Love is for free) is a more romantic, light song.

20) Alain Barrière – “Ma vie” (1964)

After getting known from his participating in 1963’s Eurovision Song Contest, Barrière released his first album, Ma vie (My life), from which the title-track became a huge hit.

21) Charles Aznavour – “La Bohème” (1965)

With his unique voice, Aznavour is one of France’s longest standing stars, usually compared to Frank Sinatra; he has recorded over 1200 songs in 8 languages. “La Bohème” is Aznavour’s signature song, it’s about a painter who recalls his young years in bohemian Montmartre.

22) Christophe – “Aline” (1965)

This romantic ballad describes, in a poetic way, the feelings of a man whose love, Aline, is gone. It was an instant hit in several countries and is Christophe’s most famous song, followed by -so romantic- Oh mon amour.

23) Sylvie Vartan – “La plus belle pour aller danser” (1965)

Sylvie Vartan is considered one of the most productive and famous yé-yé artists. This song (means “The most beautiful for dancing”) is one of her most successful hits, not only in France, but also in other countries such as Japan.

24) Adamo – “La nuit” (1965)

Belgian artist Salvatore Adamo (also known as Adamo) was one of the 60’s most famous artists; in fact, he is the best selling Belgian musician of all times and is regarded as one of the most commercially successful musicians in the world.“La Nuit” (The night) is one of his definitive songs together with “Tombe la neige” and “Inch’Allah“.

25) Hervé Villard –“Capri c’est fini” (1965)

This song (means “Capri it’s over”) talks about the break-up of a relationship that had started in Italian island of Capri, a very popular summer destination during the 60s. The song became a huge French and international hit in the summer of 1965 along with Christophe’s hit song Aline.

26) Mireille Mathieu – “La dernière valse” (1967)

Mireille Mathieu was one of the most recognizable French singers in the 60s -and she still is! She has recorded over 1200 songs in 11 languages, with more than 150 million albums sold worldwide. This song is the French version of The Last Waltz, and became a hit not only in France, but also in the UK, where Mathieu was invited to sing at the Royal Performance for the Queen Élisabeth II.

27) Jacques Dutronc – “Les cactus” (1967)

Dutronc is one of the most popular performers in the French-speaking world, although little known in English-speaking countries. He’s among the artists who started as opposition to the lightness of “yéyés”, representative of a genre that would be lately known as garage rock.

Don’t get fooled by the seemingly meaningless lyrics of this song (“The whole world is a cactus, it’s impossible to sit down”), Dutronc sharply criticizes conventionalism, bourgeoisie and “the selfishness and individualism arising from capitalism”.

28) Claude François – “Comme d’habitude” (1968)

After its release in 1968, this song became increasingly famous, being played constantly in radio and TV. While in Paris, Paul Anka happens to hear this song, he buys it and writes English lyrics. And just like that, an all-time classic was born: Frank Sinatra’s “My Way“.

29) Joe Dassin – “Les Champs Élysées” (1969)

This is one of Dassin’s first hits, who would become extremely popular during the 70s. Curiously, this so Parisian piece is an adaptation from an English song. It has been lately covered by Zaz.

30) Georges Moustaki – “Le Métèque” (1969)

Egyptian-French (of Italo-Greek origin) Moustaki became known for the poetic, simple and romantic songs he composed and often sang. During his forty-year long career he gave France some of its best-loved music by writing about 300 songs for some of the most popular singers. This autobiographic song was a massive success: Métèque is a pejorative word that was commonly used to call immigrants of Mediterranean origin.

31) Zanini – “Tu veux ou tu veux pas” (1969)

With his signature little mustache, bucket hat and glasses, Zanini would become well-known after his huge hit “Tu veux ou tu veux pas” (You want to or you don’t), which is actually an adaptation of Brazilian Wilson Simonal’s “Nem vem que não tem”.

32) Johnny Hallyday – “Que je t’aime” (1969)

This is “French Elvis” Johnny Hallyday’s most iconic song, which remains to date one of France’s favorite songs. It was such a success that frenzied fans would often go crazy, shout and faint; Hallyday was forced many times to be “rescued” by a police car to escape the enthusiasm of his fans.

33) Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin – “Je t’aime moi non plus” (1969)

In English the song title means “I love you – me not anymore” and is about two lovers’ impossibility of physical love. It became an instant hit in many countries, but due to its explicit sexual content it was banned in many others.

Gainsbourg came up with this song when Brigitte Bardot asked him to write “the most beautiful love song he could imagine”. And he did it: to me, this is one of the most erotic songs ever recorded.

100 ESSENTIAL FRENCH SONGS YOU MUST HEAR Part 1: The 1930s, 40s & 50s

Posted in Travel & Leisure by woman2womenblog

See also:

We all love music. Music can touch our deep feelings, it can make us cry or smile, it empowers us… A melody can also transport us: by just listening to it, we can be right away elsewhere, or find ourselves in another time! Moreover, music helps us deepen into a country’s culture (so does cinema, or gastronomy). So, today I propose you to time travel to France!

Whether you need to practise your French, you want to (try to) understand French people’s personnalité, or you just love French music -like I do-, check out these 100 beautiful songs that are really representative of France’s rich culture and history. The list is divided by the year the songs were released:

Amusez-vous bien! (Enjoy it!)

1) Lucienne Boyer “Parlez-moi d’amour” (1930)

This beautiful song (means “Tell Me About Love”) gained wide recognition after featuring in the film Casablanca; you may have also heard it in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. It was also recorded by other French singers, maybe the best known is the cover by Dalida.

2) Josephine Baker – “J’ai deux amours” (1931)

Although American-born, Josephine Baker became best known in France. This was her fétiche song, which contained the famous lines: “I have two loves, my country and Paris”.

3) Fréhel – “Si tu n’étais pas là” (1934)

Parisian singer Fréhel, one of the most famous singers of the 30s -also known for her tormented personal life- sings this beautiful song, which was featured in the soundtrack of the film Amélie.

4) Maurice Chevalier – “Paris sera toujours Paris” (1939)

French actor, cabaret singer and entertainer, Maurice Chevalier was also a Hollywood star. This oh-so-Parisian song (means “Paris will always be Paris”) was recently recorded by Zaz.

5) Tino Rossi – “J’attendrai” (1939)

“I will wait” became the big French song during World War II (is actually a French version of the Italian song “Tornerai“). It has been covered many times -the most popular was Dalida’s– and has featured in several films.

6) Léo Marjane – “Seule ce soir” (1941)

Marjane’s song (she’s now 104 years-old!) would become one of the best-loved songs of its time, as it captured the feelings of the many people who were experiencing wartime separation (the title means “Alone Tonight”).

7) Charles Trenet – “La mer” (1946)

Right after its release, “La mer” became a massive hit, and has remained a chanson classic ever since. It has been recorded in many languages (“Beyond the sea” in English) and featured in numerous films.

8) Édith Piaf – “La vie en rose” (1947)

This was Édith Piaf signature song. It has been covered by several artists over the years, including a 1950 version by Louis Armstrong; a cover version in 1977 by Grace Jones was also an international hit.

9) Yves Montand – “Les feuilles mortes” (1949)

“Autumn Leaves”, with lyrics by the great French poet Jacques Prévert, was initially made famous by Yves Montand, but it has been covered many times over the years, being the most famous those by Nat King Cole, Miles Davis and Eric Clapton.

10) Jean Bretonnière – “Sous le ciel de Paris” (1951)

The song “Under the sky of Paris” was composed for the namesake film. Since its release, it has been covered incessantly. Notable versions are those of Edith Piaf, Yves Montand, Michel Legrand, and lately Zaz.

11) Juliette Gréco – “Je suis comme je suis” (1951)

French actress and popular chanson singer, devotee of the bohemian fashion of post-war France’s intellectuals, Gréco sings “I am what I am”, a poem by Jacques Prévert, which talks about women, seduction and the need to accept ourselves as we are.

12) Yves Montand – “À Paris” (1953)

Singer and actor, Montand has starred in numerous American films. His recognizably songs, especially those about Paris, became instant all-time classics (C’est si bon is another great song). Zaz has lately covered the song in her album about Paris.

13) Gloria Lasso – “Étrangère au Paradis” (1955)

This is the French version of “Stranger in Paradise”, a popular song from the musical Kismet.

14) Jacques Brel – “Ne me quitte pas” (1959)

The title means “Don’t leave me”. It is a beautiful, melancholic song by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel. It has been covered by many French and foreign artists (I love the one by Yuri Buenaventura!); it has also been translated into and performed in 26 languages! A well-known adaptation in English is “If You Go Away“.

15) Édith Piaf – “Non, je ne regrette rien” (1959)

If I would have to choose the best French song of all times, without any doubt it would be this timeless masterpiece. “No, I regret nothing” is a such a powerful and moving song, with so unique style; no wonder none of the many recordings attempted has become recognizable. If you love cinema, you certainly heard it in Inception; I truly recommend you to see the remarkable biographical film “La môme” (a.k.a. La vie en Rose) with amazing Marion Cotillard in the role of Piaf.

10 ΓΑΛΛΙΚΕΣ ΚΩΜΩΔΙΕΣ ΠΟΥ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΔΕΙΣ

Posted in ΤΑΞΙΔΙΑ & ΨΥΧΑΓΩΓΙΑ by woman2womenblog

Λατρεύω τον γαλλικό κινηματογράφο! και ειδικά τις κωμωδίες. Οι γαλλικές κωμωδίες έχουν ένα ιδιαίτερο χιούμορ, το οποίο συνήθως επικεντρώνεται στις κοινωνικές ή φυλετικές διαφορές. Πολλές φορές είναι ασεβείς, συνταρακτικές και «πολιτικά μη ορθές»… Αυτά τα χαρακτηριστικά, κατά τη γνώμη μου, αντικατοπτρίζουν τον πολιτισμό και το χαρακτήρα του γαλλικού λαού, εξ ου και η διαφορά με τις αμερικανικές κωμωδίες …

Αυτές είναι 10 από τις πιο αγαπημένες μου γαλλικές κωμωδίες, που θα σε κάνουν να γελάς, να χαμογελάς, να σκέφτεσαι και μερικές φορές να συγκινείσαι …

1. INTOUCHABLES (ΆΘΙΚΤΟΙ), 2011

Η πλοκή: Ο Philippe είναι ένας τετραπληγικός αριστοκράτης που ζει στο Παρίσι, και παίρνει συνεντεύξεις υποψηφίων για να τον φροντίσουν. Όταν προσλαμβάνει τον Driss, αφρικανικής καταγωγής, η βαρετή του ζωή θα αλλάξει για πάντα…

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Πρόκειται για μια αληθινή ιστορία, βασισμένη στο βιβλίο Δεύτερη άνεμος που γράφτηκε από τον Philippe Pozzo di Borgo (το πραγματικό του όνομα). Είναι μια θαυμάσια ταινία, συγκινητική και αστεία ταυτόχρονα. Είναι μια ιστορία αγάπης, φιλίας και ανοχής … Οι ερμηνείες του Sy και του Cluzet είναι πραγματικά αξέχαστες…

IMDB link

2. LE FABULEUX DESTIN D’ AMELIE POULAIN (AMELIE), 2001

Η πλοκή: Η Amelie, μια ονειροπόλα σερβιτόρα που ζει στο Παρίσι, αποφασίζει να βοηθήσει ανώνυμα ανθρώπους να είναι ευτυχισμένοι. Με αυτόν τον τρόπο, ανακαλύπτει και η ίδια την ευτυχία και την αγάπη.

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Η Amelie είναι μια πρωτότυπη, ρομαντική και συγκινητική ταινία που δείχνει ότι υπάρχει αγάπη και μαγεία παντού, ακόμη και στα πιο απλά πράγματα… Εκτός από την πανέμορφη φωτογραφία και την εξαιρετική ερμηνεία της Audrey Tautou, η υπέροχη μουσική του Yann Tiersen συμβάλλει να κάνει αυτή την ταινία ένα πραγματικό κόσμημα …

IMDB link

3. BIENVENUE CHEZ LES CH’TIS (ΕΙΝΑΙ ΤΡΕΛΟΙ ΑΥΤΟΙ ΟΙ ΒΟΡΕΙΟΙ), 2008

Η πλοκή: Ο Philippe, ένας ταχυδρομικός υπάλληλος που ζει στο γαλλικό νότο, παίρνει μια δυσμενής μετάθεση στη βόρεια Γαλλία, στο Nord-Pas-de-Calais, το οποίο ο Philippe πιστεύει πως είναι ένα κρύο, τρομακτικό μέρος, με ανθρώπους που πίνουν όλη την ημέρα και μιλούν μια ακατανόητη διάλεκτο που ονομάζεται “Ch’ti”… Σύντομα όμως συνειδητοποιεί ότι τα πράγματα δεν είναι και τόσο άσχημα…

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Bievenue chez les Ch’tis είναι η ταινία με τις μεγαλύτερες είσπραξεις όλων των εποχών στη Γαλλία. Είναι μια κωμωδία για την αγάπη και τη φιλία, δίνοντας το μήνυμα να αποφεύγουμε τα στερεότυπα και τις προκαταλήψεις… Μπορεί να χάνονται μερικά αστεία στην μετάφραση, οπότε αν είναι δυνατόν, να τη δεις στα γαλλικά…

IMDB link

4. QU’ EST-CE QU’ON A FAIT AU BON DIEU? (ΘΕΕ ΜΟΥ, ΤΙ ΣΟΥ ΚΑΝΑΜΕ;), 2014

Η πλοκή: Ο Claude και η Marie, ένα συντηρητικό, καθολικό ζευγάρι έχουν τέσσερις κόρες, από τις οποίες οι τρεις μεγαλύτερες είναι παντρεμένες με έναν Άραβα, έναν Εβραίο και έναν Κινέζο. Δυσκολεύονται να δεχτούν τα νέα μέλη της οικογένειας, και η μόνη ελπίδα είναι η νεώτερη τους κόρη…

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Αυτή η αμφιλεγόμενη ταινία ήταν μια μεγάλη εισπρακτική επιτυχία στη Γαλλία, αλλά δεν κυκλοφόρησε στις ΗΠΑ, ούτε στο Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο, επειδή θεωρήθηκε «πολύ ρατσιστική και πολιτικά μη ορθή». Είναι αλήθεια πως μερικές στιγμές γίνεται πολύ κλισέ… Αλλά είναι ξεκαρδιστική, με εξαιρετικές ερμηνείες (Ο Christian Clavier είναι καταπληκτικός), σατιρίζει τους πάντες, χωρίς να αφήσει καμία φυλή ή θρησκεία απ’έξω… Πήγαινε οπωσδήποτε να τη δεις, με την προϋπόθεση ότι δεν αισθάνεσαι άβολα με θρησκευτικά ή φυλετικά αστεία …

IMDB link

5. LA FAMILLE BELIER (Η ΟΙΚΟΓΕΝΕΙΑ BELIER), 2014

Η πλοκή: Η Paula Bélier είναι η κόρη της Gigi και του Ροδόλφο και έχει έναν αδελφό που ονομάζεται Quentin. Οι γονείς και ο αδελφός της είναι κωφοί, και βασίζονται στην Paula ως την επαφή τους με τον υπόλοιπο κόσμο. Όταν ο δάσκαλος μουσικής της ανακαλύπτει πως η Paula έχει ένα χάρισμα για το τραγούδι -που προφανώς η οικογένειά της δεν μπορεί να κατανοήσει- η ίδια αντιμετωπίζει το δίλημμα αν πρέπει να μείνει με την οικογένειά της ή να ακολουθήσει τα όνειρά της…

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Αυτή η ευχάριστη, συγκινητική ταινία θα σε κάνει να γελάς, αλλά πιθανόν και να δακρύζεις… Έχει εξαιρετικές ερμηνείες (όλοι οι ηθοποιοί έμαθαν νοηματική γλώσσα για την ταινία) και πολύ έξυπνους διαλόγους, και θέτει με πολύ λεπτότητα το θέμα του αποχωρισμού από την οικογένειά μας, που εμένα -ομολογώ- με άγγιξε σε προσωπικό επίπεδο… Η Louane Emera (Paula) έγινε γνωστή στη Γαλλία με τη συμμετοχή της στο reality The Voice, και με αυτήν την ταινία κέρδισε ένα Σεζάρ για την πιο Υποσχόμενη Ηθοποιός.

IMDB link

6. LE PRENOM (ΓΙΑ ΟΛΑ ΦΤΑΙΕΙ Τ’ ΟΝΟΜΑ ΣΟΥ!), 2012

Η πλοκή: O Vincent, ο οποίος θα γίνει σύντομα πατέρας, είναι καλεσμένος για δείπνο στο σπίτι της αδελφής του και του κουνιάδο του, και θα βρεθεί εκεί και με έναν παιδικό φίλο. Όταν o Vincent αποκαλύπτει το όνομα που επέλεξε για τον αγέννητο γιο του, η απάντησή του προκαλεί μια συζήτηση η οποία κάποια στιγμή γίνεται εκτός ελέγχου.

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Αυτή η ταινία είναι στην πραγματικότητα διασκευή από ένα θεατρικό έργο. Έχει πολύ καλές ερμηνείες και πολύ ευφυείς διαλόγους. Υπάρχουν πολλές ομοιότητες με την εξαιρετική ταινία Carnage του Roman Polansky.

IMDB link

7. L’ARNACOEUR (ΕΠΑΓΓΕΛΜΑΤΙΑΣ ΚΑΡΔΙΟΚΑΤΑΚΤΗΤΗΣ), 2010

Η πλοκή: Ο Alex, μαζί με την αδελφή του, έχει μια επιχείρηση που ειδικεύεται στο να χωρίζει ζευγάρια, και τον προσλαμβάνει ο πατέρας της Juliette για να την αποτρέψει από το να παντρευτεί έναν Άγγλο εκατομμυριούχο. Αλλά ο Alex έχει μόνο μία εβδομάδα για να αποπλανήσει τη Juliette …

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… είναι μία αστεία, έξυπνη και ρομαντική ταινία. Ο Roman Duris και η Vanessa Paradis έχουν πολύ καλή χημεία, και η τοποθεσία στο Montecarlo την κάνει ακόμα πιο ευχάριστη …

IMDB link

Οι παρακάτω 3 ταινίες, αν και παλαιότερες, είναι κλασικές, διαχρονικές κωμωδίες και πραγματικά αξίζει να τις δεις:

8. LES VISITEURS (ΟΙ ΕΠΙΣΚΕΠΤΕΣ), 1993

Η πλοκή: Ένας μεσαιωνικός ιππότης και ο υπηρέτης του αποφασίσουν να ταξιδέψουν στο παρελθόν για να διορθώσουν ένα μοιραίο συμβάν, αλλά η ηλικιωμένη μάγισσα τους μεταφέρει κατά λάθος στη σύγχρονη εποχή. Ενώ προσπαθούν να βρουν έναν τρόπο να επιστρέψουν στο Μεσαίωνα, θα πρέπει να αντιμετωπίσουν τις πολιτιστικές και τεχνολογικές διαφορές μεταξύ μεσαιωνικής και σύγχρονης εποχής …

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Η πλοκή είναι πολύ πρωτότυπη, φαντάσου τι μπορεί να συμβεί όταν άνθρωποι του μεσαίωνα βλέπουν “άμαξες χωρίς αλόγους» (αυτοκίνητα) και πολλές άλλες σύγχρονες εφευρέσεις … Les visiteurs είχε τεράστια εισπρακτική επιτυχία στη Γαλλία. Ο Reno και ο Clavier πήραν τους ρόλους ξανά στην συνέχεια Les couloirs du temps: Les visiteurs II και Les visiteurs 3: La révolution. Ένα Αμερικάνικο remake, Οι Περαστικοί, έγινε το 2001.

IMDB link

9. LA GRANDE VADROUILLE (ΑΣΥΛΛΗΠΤΗ ΑΠΟΔΡΑΣΗ), 1966

Η πλοκή: Κατά τη διάρκεια του Β ‘Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου, δύο Γάλλοι μαζί με μερικούς Άγγλους στρατιώτες ξεκινάνε από το Παρίσι για να διασχίσουν τη διαχωριστική γραμμή μεταξύ της κατεχόμενης Βόρειας Γαλλίας και του Νότου, προκειμένου να αποδράσουν στην Αγγλία. Για να τα καταφέρουν, θα πρέπει να αποφεύγουν τα γερμανικά στρατεύματα – και τις συνέπειες των δικών τους γκαφών.

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… La Grande Vadrouille ήταν η πιο επιτυχημένη ταινία στη Γαλλία για περισσότερα από 30 χρόνια, και μόνο πρόσφατα την ξεπέρασαν η Bienvenue Chez les Ch’tis και η Intouchables. Οι διάλογοι είναι ξεκαρδιστικοί, τολμά να τους κοροϊδεύει όλους: τους Άγγλους, τους Γάλλους, και κυρίως τους Γερμανούς … Ο Louis de Funes, χωρίς αμφιβολία, είναι ένας από τους μεγαλύτερους κωμικούς όλων των εποχών …

IMDB link

10. LES VACANCES DE MONSIEUR HULOT (ΟΙ ΔΙΑΚΟΠΕΣ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΥ. HULOT), 1953

Η πλοκή: Ο κύριος Hulot πηγαίνει διακοπές σε ένα παραθαλάσσιο θέρετρο στη Βρετάνη. Παρ’ ότι οι προθέσεις του είναι καλές, τα ατυχήματα και οι παρεξηγήσεις τον ακολουθούν όπου κι αν πάει, και επηρεάζουν την ηρεμία και την ησυχία των υπολοίπων επισκεπτών του ξενοδοχείου …

Πήγαινε να τη δεις, γιατί… Ο Κος. Hulot του Ζακ Tatin έχει γίνει ένα all-time classic. Θυμίζει πολύ τον Charles Chaplin, αλλά και τον Mr. Bean (ο Rowan Atkinson έχει παραδεχθεί ότι ο κ Hulot ήταν έμπνευση για να δημιουργήσει τον Mr. Bean)… Αυτή η ταινία, με πολύ λίγους διαλόγους, κατορθώνει να σατιρίσει την μεσαία τάξη της Γαλλίας και “το κωμικό χαρακτήρα των ανθρώπων όταν αλληλεπιδρούν ως ομάδα».

IMDB link

28Jun2015

10 FRENCH COMEDY FILMS YOU MUST SEE

Posted in Travel & Leisure by woman2womenblog

I love French cinema, especially comedy films. French comedies have a particular humor, usually making emphasis on social or racial differences. Many times they are irreverent, unsettling and “politically incorrect”… These characteristics in my opinion reflect Frenchs’ culture and character, hence the difference with american comedies… These are 10 of my favourite French comedies, that will make you laugh, smile, think and occasionally cry…

1. INTOUCHABLES (THE INTOUCHABLES), 2011

The plot: Philippe is a quadriplegic millionaire who lives In Paris, and is interviewing candidates for the position of his carer. When he hires Driss, an African man, his boring life changes forever…

Go see it, because…The movie is actually a true story, based on the book A second wind written by Philippe Pozzo di Borgo (his real name). It’s a wonderful film, touching and funny at the same time. It’s about love, friendship and tolerance… Sy and Cluzet’s performances are just memorable…

IMDB link

2. LE FABULEUX DESTIN D’ AMELIE POULAIN (AMELIE), 2001

The plot: Amelie, a daydreamer waitress living in Paris, decides to anonymously help people being happy. By doing so, she discovers love and happiness herself.

Go see it, because… Amelie is original, romantic, heart-warming, showing that there is love and magic everywhere, even in simple things of life… Besides the excellent photography and the superb acting of Audrey Tautou, the magnificent music by Yann Tiersen adds up to make this movie a true gem…

IMDB link

3. BIENVENUE CHEZ LES CH’TIS (WELCOME TO THE STICKS), 2008

The plot: Philippe, a post office administrator living in the French south, is banished to the Far North of France, that he believes is a dreadful and cold place, with heavy-drinking people who speak an incomprehensible dialect called Ch’ti…Soon though he realises that things are actually not that bad…

Go see it, because…Bievenue chez les Ch’tis is France’s highest grossing film of all times. It’s a comedy about love and friendship, giving the message to avoid making assumptions or having preconceptions about people… It may lose some of the jokes when translated, so if possible, see it in French…

IMDB link

4. QU’ EST-CE QU’ON A FAIT AU BON DIEU? (SERIAL (BAD) WEDDINGS), 2014

The plot: A catholic, bourgeois French couple has four daughters, the three older being married to a Muslim Arab, a Shepardi Jew, and a Chinese. Having a hard time to accept the new members of the family, their hopes are set on their younger daughter…

Go see it, because… This controversial film was a great box-office success in France, but it was not released in the USA and UK because it was considered “too racist and politically incorrect”. True, it is at times too cliché and eventually unsettling… But it’s hilarious, with great acting (Christian Clavier is superb), making fun of everybody, no race or religion is left outside… Go see it, provided that you don’t feel uneasy with religious or racial jokes…

IMDB link

5. LA FAMILLE BELIER (THE BELIER FAMILY), 2014

The plot: Paula Bélier is the daughter of Gigi and Rodolphe and has a brother called Quentin. Her parents and brother are deaf, and rely on Paula as their contact to the rest of the world. When her music teacher discovers that she has a gift for singing -which obviously her family cannot understand- she faces the dilemma whether to stay with her family or follow her dreams…

Go see it, because… This feel-good, touching film will make you laugh, but also shed some tears… Besides the great acting (all the actors learnt sign language for the movie) and clever dialogues, the movie deals with the issue of leaving our family, which certainly touched me on a personal level…Louane Emera (Paula) became known in France after her participation in a reality show, The Voice, and with this film she won a Cesar for Most Promising Actress.

IMDB link

6. LE PRENOM (WHAT’S IN A NAME?), 2012

The plot: Vincent is about to become a father, and he is invited for dinner by his sister and his brother-in-law; there he also finds a childhood friend. When he reveals the name they chose for their unborn son, his response provokes a discussion that eventually gets out of hands.

Go see it, because…This film is actually an adaptation from a theatrical play; it has great performances and very intelligent dialogues. There are many similarities with Carnage by Roman Polansky, a film I also enjoyed very much.

IMDB link

7. L’ARNACOEUR (HEARTBRAKER), 2010

The plot: Alex and his sister run a business designed to break up relationships. He is hired by Juliette’s father to prevent her from marrying an English millionaire. But Alex has only one week to seduce Juliette…

Go see it, because… This is a funny, smart, witty and romantic film. Roman Duris and Vanessa Paradis have great chemistry, and the Montecarlo settings make it even more enjoyable…

IMDB link

The following 3 movies are much older, but classical, must-see, timeless French comedies:

8. LES VISITEURS (THE VISITORS), 1993

The plot: A medieval knight and his servant, who were supposed to travel to the past to correct a fatal error, are accidentally transported to modern times by an old sorcerer. While trying to find a way to return home, they must cope with the cultural and technological differences between medieval and modern times…

Go see it, because…The plot is extremely original, just imagine what can happen when men living in the medieval times see “horseless chariots” (cars) and many other modern inventions… Les Visiteurs was a huge box office success in France. Reno and Clavier reprised their roles in the sequels Les couloirs du temps: Les visiteurs II and Les Visiteurs 3: La révolution. An American remake, Just Visiting, was made in 2001.

IMDB link

9. LA GRANDE VADROUILLE (DON’T LOOK NOW… WE’RE BEING SHOT AT!, a.k.a. THE GREAT PROMENADE), 1966

The plot: During World War II, two French civilians and a downed British Bomber crew leave from Paris to cross the demarcation line between Nazi-occupied Northern France and the South, in order to escape to England. For that, they must avoid German troops – and the consequences of their own gaffes.

Go see it, because: La Grande Vadrouille was the most successful film in France for more than 30 years, only surpassed lately by Bienvenue Chez les Ch’tis and Intouchables. The dialogues are hilarious, it dares to make fun of anyone: British, French, and mostly Germans… Louis the Funes, with no doubt, is one of the greatest comedians of all times…

IMDB link

10. LES VACANCES DE MONSIEUR HULOT (MR. HULOT’S HOLIDAY), 1953

The plot: Monsieur Hulot goes on holidays to a seaside resort in Brittany. Although his intentions are good, accidents and misunderstandings follow him wherever he goes, affecting the peace and quietness of the hotel guests…

Go see it, because… Jacques Tatin’s Hulot has become an all-time classic. He reminds us of Charles Chaplin, but also of Mr. Bean (Rowan Atkinson has admitted that Mr. Hulot influenced Mr. Bean’s character)… This film, with very few dialogues, manages to satirize France’s middle class and “the comical nature of humanity when interacting as a group”.

IMDB link