When it comes to outstanding foreign films, is the first thing that comes to mind a blockbuster produced by Hollywood with an ensemble of international superstars? In fact, under the dominant Hollywood film industry, French films that focus on depicting human life are equally worth watching. This year, the Hong Kong French Film Festival celebrates its 50th edition, curating 26 new French films and 27 classic French films from the past fifty years for film enthusiasts, which will be screened exclusively in physical theaters in Hong Kong.
From the classic romantic comedy “Amélie” to this year’s Palme d’Or-winning controversial and bloody film “Titane,” we have selected 5 of the best.
1. “Titane” (2021)
When Alexia was young, she narrowly escaped death in a car accident, luckily undergoing surgery to replace her scalp with titanium metal. As she grew up, she developed a passion for cars, eventually becoming a sexy car show model. After killing someone who was obsessively in love with her, she became ruthless and continued on a journey of escape; later, she disguised herself as Adrien, the missing son of a firefighter…but at the same time, she was slowly growing a belly that was half human, half car…
2. “Aline, The Voice Of Love” 2021
In the 1960s in Quebec, Sylvette and Anglomard joyfully welcomed their 14th child, Aline, into their home. In this humble family, music was everything. When music producer Guy-Claude discovered Aline and her exceptional voice, he had only one thought: to make her the world’s most outstanding singer. With the support of her family and Guy-Claude’s love and rich experience, Aline wrote the extraordinary story of her life.
3. “Amelie” 2001
Amelia is a different girl. She watched her goldfish disappear in the public swimming pool, saw her mother die in the square of Notre Dame in Paris, and her father only doted on a little elf in the garden. Her life is simple; she likes to watch people and fantasize. A dramatic experience at the age of twenty-two gave Amelia a life goal, which is to help those around her solve the small flaws in life.
“Leon: The Professional” 1994
Leon is a terrifying hitman. He is ruthless, mysterious, and unbeatable. He is like a submarine lurking in New York, casting a terrifying shadow over the entire city. Until a timid little girl with big eyes appears, gradually chipping away at the hitman’s tough exterior. Starring alongside Jean Reno is Natalie Portman, making her first appearance on the big screen.
“Goodbye Children 童年再見” 1987
In 1944, during the German occupation of France. After the long holiday, Julien arrived at a boarding school in the suburbs. A new classmate, Jean, arrived, and they became good friends. Julien later discovered that Jean was actually Jewish, and the school’s priest was responsible for sheltering him to prevent him from being taken away by the Nazis. Julien kept the secret. However, the Gestapo soon arrived at the school to investigate…
“La Vie En Rose Pink Life” 2007
An alcoholic mother, an impulsive circus performer father, a cold-hearted brothel madam grandmother, Edith Piaf was passed from one person to another. God refused to bury her beautiful voice, and she was discovered by the cabaret owner Louis, who gave her the stage name “Little Sparrow” (La Môme Piaf). She sang from the streets to the cabarets, from the slums of Paris to the music halls of New York, experiencing poverty, international fame, glory, and despair throughout her life.
In addition to the selected films mentioned above, there will be more than 40 exciting French films screening from November 24 to December 14 at the Hong Kong City Hall Theatre, PALACE ifc, Broadway Cinematheque, MOViE MOViE PACIFIC PLACE, Broadway The ONE, and the Alliance Française de Hong Kong Jordan Centre. Movie fans are encouraged to seize the opportunity to indulge in these films!
Learn more and image source: Hong Kong French Film Festival
