Gaumont (France): 8

OSS 117: Lost in Rio (2009) is a French spy comedy, co-written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius. The story begins with Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath, also known as OSS 117, at a ski chalet party in Gstaad entertaining a Chinese countess. However, the party is ambushed by Red Chinese gunmen on behalf of Mr. Lee, leaving only Hubert and the Countess alive. Despite his comical efforts to defend himself and his guests, Hubert is the only survivor. Upon returning to SDECE headquarters, he receives a mission to deliver a blackmail payment of 50,000 new Francs to Professor Von Zimmel – a Nazi who fled to South America ...

Directed by French Tunisian filmmaker Mabrouk el Mechri, JCVD (2008) is a crime drama that follows Jean-Claude Van Damme as a fictionalized version of himself. The former action star finds himself in dire circumstances as his career and family fall apart in his hometown of Brussels, Belgium. Struggling financially and unable to secure acting roles, Van Damme’s personal life also takes a hit when his ex-wife gains the upper hand in a custody battle for their daughter. In search of solace, he returns to Schaerbeek where he is still regarded as a local hero. While ...

The French spy comedy OSS 117: Cairo, Nest of Spies (2006) marks the feature directorial debut of Michel Hazanavicius. Pre-credits, we see Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath (OSS 117) and his friend Jack Jefferson take over a Nazi plane and recover stolen V2 plans during a black and white scene titled ‘BERLIN 1945’. The film then transitions to Rome, several years later, where de La Bath is in a hotel room with Egyptian Princess Al Tarouk who gives him an envelope to deliver to his superiors in Paris. In Paris, de La Bath is shown photos depicting Jack’s death from the envelope. This triggers flashbacks ...

The French film, Empire of the Wolves (2005), helmed by Chris Nahon, tells the story of Anna Heymes, a stylish 31-year-old Parisian housewife. She is plagued by nightmares and visions connected to a string of brutal murders in the city. As authorities Schiffer and Nerteaux work to solve the case, Anna’s own discoveries add fuel to the fire. It turns out that she has undergone intense reconstructive surgery, concealing her Turkish heritage. As tensions rise and danger looms, Anna must face off against the Turkish mafia and her would-be killer.

The French thriller The Crimson Rivers (2000) stars Jean Reno and Vincent Cassel. Detective Superintendent Pierre Niemans is sent to the small university town of Guernon in the French Alps to investigate a brutal murder. The victim, Remy Callois, was a professor and the university’s librarian. Niemans seeks out Dr. Cherneze, a local ophthalmologist, for an explanation about the removal of the victim’s eyes. According to Dr. Cherneze, the isolated setting of the school led to inbreeding among the professors, resulting in serious genetic disorders. However, this ...

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 ...

Luc Besson wrote and directed the French-language action thriller film La Femme Nikita (1990). The movie follows the story of Nikita, a teenage junkie with a nihilistic outlook. One night, she takes part in a robbery at her friend’s parents’ pharmacy which turns into a shootout with the police. Tragically, her partners-in-crime are killed and she is left suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Desperate, she ends up killing a police officer. As a result, Nikita is convicted of murder and given a life sentence in prison. However, government officials have another plan for her. Faking her death, they extract her ...

Série noire (1979), a French crime film directed by Alain Corneau, is based on Jim Thompson’s novel A Hell of a Woman. In the outskirts of Paris, Franck Poupart sells goods door to door on commission, living in a rundown apartment with his despondent wife. Struggling with alcohol and withdrawal symptoms, Franck seeks out a man named Tikides who owes him money. His search leads him to an old woman’s dilapidated house, where he learns that Tikides can be found at the gym. Despite being drawn to a girl he meets there, Franck manages to control his impulses and departs.