top of page

Films For Francophiles And Foodies

Writer: Lisa R
Lisa R
Apr 8, 2020
3 min read

Updated: May 4

I’m sure these days that online movie streaming platforms are getting quite a workout as many of us are spending more time at home. Whenever I come across a movie about food or French culture I have to watch it, bien sur!


If you are reading this blog post right now then you are probably as interested as I am in these types of films so I have composed a list of many of my favorites in hopes that it will make these stressful days a little more bearable.






A man and woman share a chocolate; she's smiling. Text on top lists actors and the title "Chocolat." Background shows a church and warm colors.

I like to imagine myself as the heroine in this film: strong, independent, creative and irreverent, but also generous and compassionate. It’s a lovely story about how different worlds can find common ground when we look past the walls of prejudices, and indulge in some delicious chocolate.


Released 2000


Starring: Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Carrie-Anne Moss




Five illustrated people eating from bowls on a vibrant yellow background. Red Japanese text on the right. Serious expressions.

I am not sure how to describe this one, possibly Japanese spaghetti Western would do the trick. The time will fly watching this film and you’ll find yourself laughing heartily at some of the scenes.


Released 1985


Starring: Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ken Watanabe, Rikiya Yasuoka




Silhouette of a person walking with a sunset, holding papers. Text reads "Babette's Feast" with credits. Warm colors evoke a calm mood.

If you have the heart of an artist, you will definitely, relate to this film. This film truly embodies the art of the table, the love of creation, and how a meal can bring us together.


Released 1987


Starring: Stéphane Audran, Birgitte Federspiel, Bodil Kjer





Two chefs in white uniforms and hats, focused on preparing pastries. Text above reads "Kings of Pastry." Background is a professional kitchen.

The documentary is about a French pastry competition. But not any competition. It is the for the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition. The most prestigious title in France for the finest craftsmanship. I had no idea that watching a documentary about making pastries could be so dramatic.


Released: 2009





Green poster for "Sideways" shows two drawn figures upside down in a wine bottle. Text includes director names and release "THIS FALL."

A comedic look at the misadventures of a couple of buddies on a California road trip, awash in wine and women. The character Miles’ ode to the pinot noir alone made the film worth the watch. Side note: Sales of pinot noir in the United States rose after the release of this film.


Released 2004


Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen




Three people appear on a movie poster for "Vatel." Text highlights "Academy Award Nomination" and describes "Passion. Seduction. Betrayal."

A historical drama set in 1661 in Chantilly, France. I was personally more fascinated by the presentation of the meal preparations and the ranks of the classes, rather than the characters themselves, and I would watch it again just for that.


Released 2000


Starring: Gérard Depardieu, Uma Thurman, Tim Roth, Timothy Spall, Julian Glover and Julian Sands




A man in a purple jacket stands in profile before wine bottles and a textured wall. Text reads, "UNCOCKED. Some dreams can’t stay bottled up."

A warm and affectionate story about going your own way in life with a look into the trials of becoming a sommelier.


Released 2020


Starring: Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, Niecy Nash, Matt McGorry, Sasha Compere, Gil Ozeri, Kelly Jenrette, Bernard David Jones, Melisia Lomax and Meera Rohit Kumbhani




Stylized "Diva" poster with abstract faces, a silhouette, and elegant typography. Blue and black dominate, creating a mysterious mood.

This is a French language, thriller. The super stylized filmography and several plot twists will have coming back to watch it again and again.


Released: 1981


Starring: Wilhelmenia Fernandez, Frédéric Andréi






A couple dances near the Moulin Rouge windmill at night. The woman wears a red dress. Text includes "Moulin Rouge" and names. Romantic mood.

An anachronistic, quirky musical romance set in Paris during the belle époque, sort of.  All I can say is, just go with it, and you will be dazzled.


Released:  2001


Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor





Colorful "An American in Paris" poster with dancers, city skyline, and bright text. Features Gene Kelly's name and joyful mood.

A look at the quintessential, romantic Paris post World War 2. There are plenty of exhilarating dance scenes, intense music, and dream-like sets.


Released: 1951


Starring: Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron





Man walks on a cobblestone street with Van Gogh's starry night sky above. Text: "Midnight in Paris" and cast list. Dreamlike mood.

To me this is one of Woody Allen’s best films. A sweet, lighthearted romp through not just modern-day Paris, but also the Paris of the early twentieth century, and the belle époque.


Released: 2011


Starring: Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard






A man and woman talk on a bridge at sunset. Warm lighting, romantic mood. Text reads: "Before Sunset."

Heavy on dialogue that is witty and poignant. You couldn’t find two actors that play off of one another better. This second part of the three-part trilogy is set in Paris.


Released: 2004


Starring: Julie Delpy, Ethan Hawke






A man and woman in sunglasses talk against a colorful urban background. Poster text: "2 Days in Paris," starring, and directed by Julie Delpy.

A comedic and somewhat cringe-worthy look at the problems of intercultural relationships.


Released: 2007


Starring: Julie Delpy, Adam Goldberg





And here are some more that are enjoyable, in no particular order:


Ratatouille - Animation comedy. Released 2007

Diner de Cons - French comedy. Released 1998

Julie and Julia - American comedy-drama. Released 2009

Bottle Shock - American comedy-drama. Released 2008

Paris Je T’aime - Anthology. Released 2006

Big Night - American comedy-drama. Released 1996

The Lunch Box - Indian romance. Released 2012

Woman On Top - American romantic comedy. Released 2000

French Kiss - American romantic comedy. Released 1995

Sabrina - American romantic comedy. Original released 1954. Remake released 1995

Hugo - American adventure drama. Released 2011



Do you have any films that you would recommend? Please tell us in the comments section.


For a look at another side of French culture, book your Flavors of Paris tour today!





8 Comments


Guest
2 days ago

cakhiatvc.io mình thấy mọi người nhắc hoài nên cũng bấm vào nghía thử cho biết. Không phải kiểu vào để soi nội dung đâu, mình chỉ để ý xem giao diện có dễ chịu không thôi. Vừa mở ra là thấy trang sắp xếp khá gọn, nhìn cái là phân biệt được đâu là phần chính, đâu là mấy mục phụ, không bị dồn chữ làm mình ngợp. Mình cũng thích cái cách họ chia nội dung thành từng khối rõ ràng, lướt xuống vẫn theo được mạch chứ không bị loạn. Với lại cái menu để ngay chỗ dễ thấy nên chuyển qua lại nhanh, không phải mò nhiều. Nói chung cảm giác dùng khá “nhẹ đầu” vì bố…

Like

Guest
4 days ago

https://www.oktkbd.com/ showed up while I was scrolling a discussion, so I clicked it mostly out of curiosity to see what the layout was like. It’s one of those sites where you don’t instantly feel lost—things are arranged in a pretty sensible way, so you can just poke around without thinking too hard. What I appreciated is it doesn’t throw a wall of text at you; the info is split up into neat chunks that are easy to skim when you’re just casually browsing. I also noticed the navigation stays consistent, so when you move around you’re not constantly hunting for where you were a second ago. Overall it just feels calm and straightforward, and the content blocks are clearly separated…

Like

Guest
5 days ago

https://lv88my.club/ mình ghé thử lúc rảnh vì thấy mọi người bàn tán, kiểu vào xem giao diện ra sao thôi. Cảm giác đầu tiên là trang nhìn khá thoáng, các khối nội dung chia tách rõ nên kéo xuống không bị “ngợp” chữ. Mình thích mấy tiêu đề to, dễ nhận ra đang đọc phần nào, lướt nhanh vẫn bắt được ý chính. Thấy họ có nhắc hỗ trợ cả web với app iOS/Android nên cách sắp xếp nhìn thiên về thao tác nhanh, bấm qua lại không rối. Nội dung giới thiệu tổng quan cũng viết theo đoạn ngắn, đọc kiểu lướt lướt vẫn hiểu, không phải ngồi đọc dài dòng. Nói chung mình thấy phần menu và các…

Like

Guest
5 days ago

https://rr88.associates/ hôm trước mình lướt thấy ai đó nhắc nên tò mò bấm vào xem thử. Mình không có thời gian đọc kỹ hết nội dung, chủ yếu xem cách họ trình bày có dễ theo dõi không. Cảm giác đầu tiên là trang nhìn khá sáng sủa, chữ không bị dồn cục nên kéo xuống cũng đỡ mỏi mắt. Có một đoạn nói về việc họ hoạt động dưới sự quản lý Isle of Man, mình thấy họ để riêng thành khối thông tin nên đọc lướt vẫn hiểu ý, không kiểu nhét cả đống chữ. Menu cũng đặt chỗ dễ thấy, bấm qua lại mượt, không bị rối. Nói chung nhìn họ chăm chút phần chia mục, nhất…

Like

Guest
6 days ago

https://go99ca.com/ có dễ dùng không nhỉ? Mình vào thử thì thấy cũng dễ thật, kiểu vừa mở ra là biết nên nhìn chỗ nào trước, không bị rối hay phải mò menu lâu. Mình lướt linh tinh vài phút thôi mà vẫn nắm được đại khái vì phần giới thiệu về nền tảng đặt khá lộ, đọc vài dòng là hiểu họ là gì và làm gì (đỡ phải kéo xuống tận đáy). Mấy khối nội dung trên trang được chia tách rõ, nên mắt mình cứ theo từng đoạn mà đọc, chuyển qua lại cũng không bị “lạc” như vài site khác mình từng gặp. À có một điểm nhỏ là các tiêu đề dạng “tổng quan” và “lịch…

Like
Open: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm                                      Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
 
Open: Monday - Saturday: 10:30 am - 7:00 pm   Sunday: 1:30 pm - 7:00 pm  
Open: Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm   Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm 
bottom of page