5 Best French Movies to Learn French
Language learning can be an exciting and engaging journey, especially when incorporating media like movies into your study routine. One of the main reasons why people from most countries have at least basic notions of English is because English media is so ingrained in our daily lives from an early age. Constantly listening to music and watching movies in English helps people familiarise themselves with pronunciation and pick up key vocabulary. When it comes to the French language, doing this is a pleasure since the French have some of the best films in the world. French cinema is famous for its artistic and narrative excellence, making it an enjoyable and enriching way to enhance your language skills. By immersing yourself in French movies, you not only improve your listening comprehension but also gain cultural insights, expand your vocabulary, and even learn a few French idioms. In today’s blog, we will discuss the 5 best French movies to learn French that every language lover should watch.
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1. Persepolis (2007, Amazon Prime)
"Persepolis" is a critically acclaimed animated film based on the autobiographical graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi. The movie chronicles the early life of Marjane, a young girl growing up during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Through her eyes, we witness the impact of political upheaval on her family and country, as well as her struggles with identity and freedom.
What sets "Persepolis" apart is its unique blend of personal and political storytelling, conveyed through striking black-and-white animation. This visual style, reminiscent of the original graphic novel, effectively conveys the stark realities and emotional nuances of Marjane's experiences. The film seamlessly interweaves historical events with deeply personal moments, creating a poignant narrative that resonates on multiple levels. The use of animation allows for a creative expression of complex themes, such as the contrast between Marjane's vibrant inner world and the oppressive external environment.
For French learners, "Persepolis" offers a fantastic opportunity to improve listening and pronunciation skills. Being an animated film, the voices are recorded in a studio, ensuring clarity and precision in pronunciation. This makes it easier for learners to catch every word and phrase. Additionally, the dialogue is rich with expressions and cultural references, providing an excellent resource for expanding your vocabulary and understanding colloquial French.
2. Les Choristes (The Chorus) (2004, Amazon Prime)
"Les Choristes" is a heartwarming and inspiring French drama set in a boarding school for troubled boys in post-World War II France. The story follows Clément Mathieu, an unemployed music teacher who arrives at the school and discovers that the strict headmaster treats the boys cruelly. Determined to make a positive impact, Mathieu forms a choir and uses music to bring harmony and hope to the lives of his students. Through his unconventional methods, he not only transforms the boys but also confronts the rigid school administration.
Les Choristes, via Pinterest.
"Les Choristes" is a film that stands out for its emotional depth and universal themes of redemption, hope, and the transformative power of music. But, perhaps, the most memorable aspects of this film is its stunning soundtrack. The choral pieces boasts the talented young cast's real voices, and the music plays a central role in the film's storytelling. The soundtrack is available on Spotify, allowing you to sing along by following the lyrics on your screen. This interactive experience not only enhances your enjoyment of the film but also helps you improve your French pronunciation and vocabulary through music.
For French learners, "Les Choristes" is one of the best French movies to learn French with your family. The film's dialogue is clear and easy to follow, making it suitable for learners of all levels. The musical elements provide an additional layer of language learning, as you can practice singing along to the songs all together and immerse yourselves in the lyrical beauty of the French language.
3. J'ai perdu mon corps (I Lost My Body) (2019, Netflix)
"J'ai perdu mon corps" is a captivating animated film that tells the extraordinary story of a severed hand's journey to reunite with its body. The film weaves together two parallel narratives: one follows the hand as it navigates the streets of Paris, while the other traces the life of Naoufel, a young man who loses his hand in a tragic accident. Through flashbacks, we learn about Naoufel's childhood, his dreams of becoming a pianist, and his budding romance with Gabrielle, a librarian who inspires him to find a new purpose in life.
"J'ai perdu mon corps" is a visually stunning film that explores themes of loss, identity, and the search for connection. The film's innovative storytelling and beautiful visuals create a mesmerising experience that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll. For French learners, "J'ai perdu mon corps" offers a rich linguistic experience. The film features a narrator with a beautiful, clear accent, making it an excellent resource for practising listening skills. Additionally, the film's dialogue is deliberate and paced, allowing learners to follow along easily.
To complement the film, consider reading the novel "Happy Hand" by Guillaume Laurant, on which the movie is based. The book provides a deeper exploration of the story and characters, offering additional context and detail. By engaging with both the film and the novel, you can enhance your language-learning experience. Watching the film first will help you visualise the story and understand the basic plot while reading the book will expand your vocabulary and comprehension. This combined approach allows you to immerse yourself fully in the language and enjoy a multifaceted learning experience!
4. Anatomie d'une chute (Anatomy of a Fall) (2023, Amazon Prime)
"Anatomie d'une chute" is a gripping legal drama that explores the complexities of a murder trial. The film centres on Sandra, a writer who is accused of murdering her husband, Samuel, after he is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As the trial unfolds, the film delves into their tumultuous relationship through flashbacks, revealing hidden tensions and unresolved conflicts. The courtroom drama is intensified by the intricate interplay of legal strategies and personal revelations, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
"Anatomie d'une chute" stands out for its intense, character-driven narrative and its meticulous attention to detail. The film's director masterfully balances the courtroom scenes with intimate flashbacks, creating a layered and immersive story. The performances are stellar, particularly the lead actress, who received an Oscar nomination for playing a woman who is both strong and vulnerable.
For French learners, "Anatomie d'une chute" provides a unique linguistic experience. The film's dialogue is in both French and English, which can make the dense dialogue less overwhelming for learners. The trial scenes are primarily in English, allowing viewers to follow the complex legal discussions. Meanwhile, the more intimate scenes between Sandra and Samuel, presented through flashbacks, are in French. This bilingual approach offers a balanced way to practice listening skills and understand the nuances of both languages!
5. Paris, Je T'aime (I Love you, Paris) (2006, Amazon Prime)
"Paris, Je T'aime" is an anthology film made up of short films, each telling a different love story set in Paris. Directed by more than ten acclaimed filmmakers, including Olivier Assayas, Frédéric Auburtin, and Gurinder Chadha, each segment lasts about five minutes. The last shot of one story leads into the next, creating a seamless and enchanting collection of tales about love in the City of Lights.
What makes "Paris, Je T'aime" special is its unique format and the variety of perspectives it offers. Each segment is rich and could stand alone as a short film, but together they create a diverse and immersive experience. If you love Paris, this film is a visual treat, showing the city from many different angles and viewpoints.
"Paris, Je T'aime" is one of the best French movies to learn French. The film features both French and English dialogue, making it easier to follow along each short, manageable segment. What’s more, the film provides a wonderful glimpse into Parisian life and culture, enhancing your understanding of the language and the people who speak it.
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While learning French through movies is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the language, nothing beats the personalised guidance of a native French teacher. At Listen & Learn, we offer online French courses and in-person French courses tailored to your needs, whether you prefer one-to-one sessions or small group classes with your loved ones. These French courses provide focused practice and immediate feedback, enhancing your learning experience. Plus, our experienced native teachers provide the expertise and cultural insights that make learning French both effective and enjoyable, complementing your French film binge sessions! So, why wait? Start your French-learning journey with Listen & Learn today and experience the difference!