Actor Gérard Depardieu (1948)

Life of Pi (2012), an adventure-drama film directed and produced by Ang Lee and written by David Magee, shares the story of Pi Patel. In Canada, a writer is told that Pi would make a compelling subject for a book. Pi recounts his experiences to the writer: being named after the famous French swimming pool Piscine Molitor Patel by his father and adopting the nickname ‘Pi’ during his secondary schooling in Pondicherry as a means of avoiding bullying. Growing up in a Hindu household, Pi becomes interested in Christianity and Islam at the age of 12, ultimately ...

In the film Paris, I love you (2006), 20 different filmmakers each capture five-minute moments in the magical City of Love. These moments are linked together through transitional interstitial sequences and an introduction and epilogue. The transitions smoothly connect the previous film’s ending shot to the following film’s beginning shot, creating a continuous flow and building anticipation for what comes next. Through this technique, we witness the vibrant life of Paris through a recurring mysterious character and a common theme of love that ties all 20 segments together. 01. Tuileries (

Vidocq (2001) is a mystery film, directed by Pitof. Set in 1830 Paris, the story follows private investigator Eugène Vidocq as he pursues a mysterious figure donning a cowl and mirrored mask. Their encounter leads Vidocq to a glass factory where they engage in a brutal fight that ultimately ends with Vidocq dangling from the ledge of a furnace room. In a desperate attempt to uncover his attacker’s identity, Vidocq begs him to reveal his face before succumbing to his fiery fate. Learning of Vidocq’s death, journalist Étienne Boisset seeks out his colleague René Nimier for information on his past to write his ...

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998) is an American action drama film that marked Randall Wallace’s directorial debut. Facing bankruptcy from King Louis XIV’s costly wars, the Kingdom of France is on the brink of revolution and its citizens are starving due to a lack of resources. In an effort to save money, the king orders for rotten food to be distributed among his people as he prepares for yet another battle. Meanwhile, the former Musketeers have gone their separate ways; Aramis has become a Jesuit priest, Porthos is a womanizing drunkard plagued by health issues, and Athos has retired to his farm. ...

The Secret Agent (1996), a British drama-thriller film written and directed by Christopher Hampton, is set in London during the late 19th century. This bustling city serves as a refuge for various political exiles, including refugees, partisans, and anarchists. One such exile is Verloc, who earns his living as a spy for the Russian government. In addition to this role, he also provides information to Chief Inspector Heat of the London police force. However, when the new Russian ambassador challenges Verloc to prove his loyalty or lose his salary, he sets in motion a tragic series of events involving his alluring wife ...

The film 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992), directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by Roselyne Bosch, tells the story of Christopher Columbus’s quest to sail westward to Asia. Despite knowing that the world is round, Columbus faces challenges in securing a crew and ship for his journey. The Catholic theologians at the University of Salamanca strongly oppose his plan, as it goes against the teachings of Ptolemy. However, Columbus finds support from Martín Pinzón, a shipowner from Palos, who introduces him to banker Santángel. In exchange for bringing back ...

The French film All The Mornings of the World (1991) is an adaptation of Pascal Quignard’s book of the same name. It tells the story of aging court composer Marin Marais, who reflects on his former master, Monsieur de Sainte-Colombe – an unmatched viol player and strict Jansenist. Following his wife’s death, Sainte-Colombe finds solace in his music, raising his two daughters on his own and teaching them to play instruments. They form a consort and perform for nobles in their local area. Eventually, word of Sainte-Colombe’s talent reaches King Louis XIV and an envoy named Caignet is sent to ...

Fort Saganne (1984) is a French war film directed by Alain Corneau and starring Gérard Depardieu. Set in 1911, it follows the story of Charles Saganne, a determined man from peasant stock who enthusiastically enlists in the military. Assigned to the Sahara Desert under Colonel Dubreuilh, Saganne catches the eye of Madeleine, daughter of the regional administrator. As he earns the admiration of Arab warrior Amajan, Saganne also embarks on a passionate affair with a journalist while on a diplomatic mission to Paris. However, his focus ultimately returns to Africa where he ...

Choice of Arms (1981) is a French crime film directed by Alain Corneau. Noël, a former gangster now breeding horses on his large estate outside Paris with his beautiful wife Nicole, has his tranquil life turned upside down when two wanted crooks arrive in a stolen car. One is an old accomplice known as Serge, who is fatally shot, while the other is a young psychotic named Mickey. Upon Serge’s death, Noël performs a burial for him. However, Mickey soon makes his way to Noël’s house and confronts two police detectives, Bonnardot and Sarlat. After threatening them, he flees to the city and takes refuge with ...