7 Great Films Of French Cinema

Team FC

400 Blows (1959)

It is one of the defining films of the French New Wave, in terms of the themes and cinema grammar adopted. The story is of a young and rebellious Antonie, who quits school and leaves his home in protest. He gets involved in petty crimes across Paris and sees the city like never before.

Anatomy of a Fall (2023) 

This is a legal drama film, directed by Justine Triet. The story is about a woman named Sandra, who is suspected of her husband's murder. The real conflict arises when their blind son is presented as the sole witness and he faces a moral dilemma. 

Elevator to Gallows (1958) 

This is a crime thriller film directed by Louis Malle, this film was considered to offer a new nature of music, image and technique when it came out. The story is of two illicit lovers who get into a spiral of ill-fated events when one of them gets stuck in an elevator after committing murder. 

Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962) 

This is a drama film written and directed by Agnès Varda.The film tells the story of a young singer, Florence. As she waits to hear the results of a biopsy for a cancer suspicion, she has interesting encounters.  

Vivre Se Viva (1962) 

This is a French New Wave drama written and directed by Jean-Luc Godard. This film is a  twelve episodic tale of the life of Nana, a Parisian woman who is disturbed due to poverty and a difficult marriage. Her acting career slowly slips away from her as she makes money through prostitution.

Amélie (2001) 

This is a romantic comedy directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. The story is about a young woman who finds an abandoned photo and goes onto search for its owner and help people find happiness. While exploring the city to escape her own loneliness, she finds true love. 

Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) 

This is a romantic drama film directed by Alain Resnais. This film is a co-production between France and Japan. It documents the personal conversations between a French actress and a Japanese architect having an affair.