Why a movie can be hilarious in France but rejected in the US

If you ever resisted the urge to laugh during an inappropriate time or at a serious subject matter, it's safe to say that you're probably not French, writes Manon Kerjean from Lost in Frenchlation. When it comes to jokes and giggles, the French don't hold back, which is why the the raunchy romantic French comedy Qu’est-ce qu’on a Encore Fait au Bon Dieu (Serial Bad Weddings 2) brought 2.15 million spectators to the theaters within its first week of release this January and 6 million within a month of its release. The original film, Qu’est-ce qu’on a Fait au Bon......

June 17, 2019June 17, 2019

Cannes Film Festival: The Things We Don’t Talk About

As celebrities clad in Chanel twirled on the red carpet at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, less than a block away several homeless locals could be seen panhandling for a meal, reports Yeeseon Chae. The festival's glitz and glamour throws in to sharp relief the poverty and inequality present in the city and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The festival that has become synonymous with the city brings in about €30 million in just 12 days. But as much revenue as the festival brings in, there is also displacement that occurs. It’s not hard to imagine how far removed the festival-goers......

June 17, 2019June 17, 2019

10 films that show that French arthouse cinema is not just for movie geeks

French arthouse cinema. These three words can make viewers either frantically giddy at the thought of the emboldened aesthetics or quite intimidated by the seemingly “pretentious” and niche, writes Yeeseon Chae. Still, French arthouse cinema is a protected cultural and national institution of France as much as blockbusters are to Hollywood in the US. Recently described by Richard Brody of the New Yorker as “old-fashioned” and “conservative,” he misses the mark by pinpointing the definition of French arthouse cinema to one bad egg, new movie Non Fiction (Doubles Vie). The film director is highly regarded in France - much more......

October 3, 2018August 21, 2019

7 Movies That Will Make You Reconsider Coming to Paris

1. Taken - 2008 This film, starring Liam Neeson, has gone on to achieve cult-status and produce a slew of sequels. It follows a retired CIA agent (Neeson) who must travel from America to Europe and resurrect the skills from his past when his daughter is kidnapped in Paris. Without a doubt, this is an American tourist’s nightmare. Enjoy. 2. The Dreamers (Innocents)- 2003 Don’t be fooled by the sex appeal of this movie...twisted things lie ahead. This 2003 film follows an American studying in Paris in 1968 (against the backdrop of the Paris student riots) as he falls into......

June 6, 2018June 17, 2019

6 of the greatest cinematic works featuring the Champs-Élysées

6. Holy Motors by Leos Carax, 2012 This drama-fantasy became an instant hit throughout Europe as its artistic meaning and morals are left ambiguous to the audience. Its cast has major star power including such celebrities as Eva Mendes, Kylie Minogue, and Denis Lavant. The main character, Monsieur Oscar, drives a white limo throughout Paris for his mysterious jobs/roles. The camera follows this white limo everywhere, especially when he drives on Champs-Élysées and passes the infamous restaurant Le Fouquet's. Take the same drive down Champs-Élysées toward l'Arc de Triomphe to follow the path of Monsieur Oscar. 5. Belle de Jour......

May 1, 2018July 22, 2019

Lumière, Caméra, Action

All over the world, going to the movies is considered one of the most popular pastimes. We head over to the local cinema with our friends on a casual Friday night, indulge in some popcorn, then sit back and relax while we’re taken on another great adventure. The world of cinema is unquestionably a glamorous one. From the anticipation of the next greatest blockbuster, to red carpets at world premieres, and awaiting the box office results, there is always something to look forward to. The film industry is undoubtedly one of the greatest industries in the world, and here’s why… ......

March 14, 2018June 18, 2019

Six must-see new French films that have wowed France

1. Barbara space “Barbara” is a biographical drama about the sensational 1960s French chanteuse. Uniquely done this film follows Yves Zand (Mathieu Amalric), a director enraptured with the singer, as he tries to direct a film that perfectly captures the creative essence that surrounded the late Barbara. space Zand and his actress portraying Barbara fall down a metaphorical rabbit hole as they study Barbara’s character, gestures, mannerisms, facial expressions through her music, film, and archival footage. With real images and alluring clips of Barbara weaved into the film, this national French icon can be truly honored and parallels the fascination......

March 2, 2018June 18, 2019

It’s the Cesar awards: What you need to know about this year’s ‘French Oscars’

The France's Academy of Arts and Sciences unveiled their nominations for this year's César Awards a few weeks ago, and the night the winners will be announced has finally arrived. SPACE George Cravene, was the young age of 13 years old when he became inspired by the American film industry's Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars. Holding onto that inspiration, Cravene grew up to create France's own ceremony to honor the best films in the birthplace of cinema: Paris, France. SPACE Created in 1974, the César Awards take place once a year (This year's date is tonight, March 2,......

October 25, 2017June 18, 2019

Paris and cinema: Why the French capital is the city of the silver screen

You might recognize Paris as being the hub of light, love, fashion, and art, but have you ever stopped to think about how deeply-rooted the concept of cinema is in Parisian culture? Paris has established itself as a city whose cinema is deeply embedded in its culture. Home to the world's first-ever movie screening in 1895, Paris has since continued to thrive as the global face of cinema with its 364 movie screens showcasing not only French independent and mainstream productions, but also the best cinema works from across the globe. By most English-speaking film buff standards, a lot of......

June 29, 2017June 18, 2019

Why watching French movies can be the best way to learn the language

The text books and the tiring conversations are necessary but the most relaxing, culturally eye-opening and simply enjoyable way to learn French is by going to the movies, with a note pad of course, writes Manon Kerjean from Lost in Frenchlation. LIF co-founder Manon Kerjean explains why going to the movies make the best lesson plans. You’re walking around Paris, catching every other word of the conversations buzzing around you. Suddenly everything you learned from all those years of French classes is slowly slipping away. “Why can’t I understand anything? This isn’t what I learned!” Anyone who has learned a......

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