While the United Sates and the UK are generally considered the leaders in producing the best films, there are many other countries that produce films each year that are well worth watching. The film industry in France produces a diverse range of films in many genres that will appeal to different groups of people. What used to be more of an “independent film” type of a region, France is slowly gaining traction in bigger features in addition to its artistic plays.
Here are what we consider to be five of the top French films released or due for release in 2017.
Dalida
Dalida was a famous singer in the 1960s and was best-known for her ability to sing in many languages. These included French, Italian, Arabic, German, Spanish and Hebrew. In her career, she recorded over 500 songs in French. This biographical drama was both written and directed by Lisa Azuelos. The leading role of Dalida is played by Sveva Alviti. The French adore this iconic star, so this film is likely to become a big hit in France.
Demain Tout Commence
Omar Cy plays the lead in this film which is directed by Hugo Gélin. Sy previously starred in ‘Untouchables’. The character played by Cy is enjoying a party lifestyle in Marseille until a surprising event. One morning, he wakes up and sees a pregnant woman who claims the baby she is carrying is his. He follows her to London and ends up bringing up the child alone. This drama film is full of touching moments.
Le Secret de la Chambre Noire
Kiyoshi Kurosawa, the master of horror, directs this thrilling French ghost story. Not only is this his first project abroad, it is also his first in a foreign language and working alongside a European crew. The story is based on a daguerreotype photographer’s assistant who finds himself in a scary situation involving the family of his employer. The lead role is played by Tahar Rahim, who previously starred in ‘Un Prophète’. In some countries, this film is being released under the title ‘Daguerreotype’.
Monsieur & Madame Adelman
Monsieur & Madame Adelman is the first romantic comedy released in France in 2017. This is the directorial debut of Nicolas Bedos, an actor and comedian. He also stars in the film alongside Doria Tillier. The unusual story covers a love affair spanning 50 years. It starts with the burial of a writer. A biographer wants to learn more about the writer’s life and asks his widow to tell his story. The film then goes back in time to when they met and travels through the journey of their relationship.
Rock ‘n’ Roll
An actor, played by Guillaume Canet, is told he is not rock ‘n’ roll by his younger co-star and that films he stars in won’t sell because of him. With the help of his girlfriend, played by Marion Cotillard, he desperately tries to prove to his co-star that he is wrong. The on-screen relationship is a reflection of real life as Canet and Cotilliard are in a relationship after meeting when working on ‘Jeux d’Enfants’ together. The movie is very similar to ‘Little White Lies’ and the chemistry between the leading cast members is amazing.
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