French Recommendations
If you like the French language and culture, just a little note to recommend a few things I have come across these last few days.
As a French teacher, I now have more time to watch the latest releases, check some courses online, and read more. Of course, I would recommend you to do your own research but if you do not have the time, here are a few of my recommendations:
French Book
- ‘Le Go?t d’Emma’ by Takahama / Maisonneuve / Pavlowitch
This is a comic strip (or in French a ‘BD’ a ‘Bande Dessinée’) and it is based on the real life experience of Emmanuelle Maisonneuve who was the first woman to join the Michelin Guide team. You can see the life of a Michelin Guide inspector, how she was recruited and trained and then how she and her colleagues inspect restaurants and hotels and discuss the attribution of Michelin stars. It is easy to read and the drawings have a manga feel so are super easy on the eye. I am not a big comic strip reader but this was a really good book that I read in less than two days. Recommended especially if you like good food and if you know and use the Michelin guide.
French Films or Films in French / Latest Releases
If you are in London, these films are currently available online on Curzon Home Cinema…
- Who You Think I Am / Celle que vous croyez - By Safi Nebbou
Just saw this well crafted film and was well impressed. Characters are all equally interesting and the plot goes into unexpected directions. When ghosted by her lover Ludo, who is much younger than her, Claire, a university lecturer who is also the mother of two boys, creates a fake Facebook account to try and reconnect with him. Ludo does not reply to her friend request but Alex, his best mate who is also a talented photographer, does… There are some funny moments, some virtual sexual interactions, some darker times and you go step by step deeper in the story. Juliette Binoche excels as this mature woman full of insecurities and desire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8Rb4SJrrEQ
- The Truth / La vérité - by Hirokazu Kore-eda
It’s not a groundbreaking film but a nice cinematic moment if you like family stories and the French actress Catherine Deneuve who is at the centre of it all.
It’s the first film in French and English by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, who received the Palme d’or prize in Cannes for his previous film ’Shoplifters’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEVedePfqlY
Free Contemporary Art and Photography Courses Online
If you love contemporary art and photography, the Pompidou Centre is offering some free courses with a mix of short videos and reading material and quizzes. A very good way to keep on learning if your French is at a good level (the whole website and all the videos are in French).
https://mooc-culturels.fondationorange.com/local/staticpage/view.php?page=mooc-centre-pompidou
French TV Series on Amazon Prime or Netflix
I do not have a television and am not so keen on watching TV series but here are a few that my students love and it is a very good way to practise your French.
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- The Bureau (Le bureau des merveilles)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bureau_(TV_series)
- Spiral (Engrenages)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_(TV_series)
- Baron Noir
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baron_Noir
These are older TV series and I am not sure if they are still available:
- The Returned (Les revenants)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Returned_(French_TV_series)Hard
- Hard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard_(TV_series)
- Marseille
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marseille_(TV_series)
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Et voilà! (And there you go!)
Of course, if you need more recommendations, do not hesitate to contact me.
Have a lovely spring season and keep safe wherever you are.
Annie Gentil-Kraatz
In London, The 23rd of April 2020