French Cinema
The influence of France on the world screen is undeniable. From early inventors and pioneers such as the Lumiere Brothers, George Melies and Alice Guy Blache, the birth of cinema can virtually be traced back to French shores. Cinematic innovators such as Jean Renoir and Michael Carne followed. By the 1960s New Wave directors like Truffaut, Godard and Chabrol had an indelible impact on fledgling American film makers such as Scorsese, Coppola and Bogdanovich who revolutionised the way films were made in the US; studios fell, auteurs ruled. With the advent of television, French film budgets shrank but thanks to government intervention and a good deal of imagination, French cinema is still going strong with contemporary talents like Jean-Jaques Beineix, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Luc Besson and the controversial Gaspar Noe.
At Alice we're very proud of our extensive French collection, covering all genres from French farce to period drama, magical realism to mystery and suspense. Viva la France!
Back to Burgundy (Ce qui nous lie) (2017)
7/10
Director: Cedric Klapisch
Starring: Maria Valverde, Pio Marmai, Ana Girardot, Francois Civil, Jean-Marc Roulot
After a 10 year absence, Jean returns to his hometown when his father falls ill. Reuniting with his sister Juliette and his brother Jérémie, they have... Read more
Back to Normandy (2006)
6.4/10
Director: Nicolas Philibert
In 1975, director Nicolas Philibert (To Be and To Have) was a young assistant to film-maker Rene Allio. Together, they made 'I Pierre Riviere, Having... Read more
Bad Faith (2006)
6.2/10
Director: Roschdy Zem
Starring: Cecile De France, Roschdy Zem
AKA 'Mauvais foi'. Roschdy Zem and Cecile de France star as a Muslim Arab and a Jewish woman who find their four-year love affair put to the ultimate... Read more
Bande A Part (1964)
Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Starring: Anna Karina, Claude Brasseur, Sami Frey
A.k.a. 'The Outsiders', 'Band of Outsiders'. One of Godard's more relaxed and enjoyable films, this spins a fast and loose tale as Franz and Arthur, a... Read more
Beau Travail (1999)
7.4/10
Director: Claire Denis
Starring: Denis Lavant, Michel Subor, Gregoire Colin, Richard Courcet
Inspired by Herman Melville's 'Billy Budd', Claire Denis' film is a stunning combination of literature, music and dance that explores the near-mythica... Read more
Beautiful Lies (2010)
6.5/10
Director: Pierre Salvadori
Starring: Nathalie Baye, Audrey Tautou, Sami Bouajila
Director Pierre Salvadori (Priceless) reunites with Audrey Tautou (Coco Avant Chanel) in this fresh romantic comedy about a chatty hairdresser who con... Read more
Beauty and the Beast ( La Belle et la Bete ) (1946)
8/10
Director: Jean Cocteau
Starring: Josette Day, Jean Marais
Once upon a time, in a world of magic and wonder, the true love of a beautiful girl finally dispelled the torment of a feral but gentle-hearted beast.... Read more
Beauty and the Beast ( La belle et la bete ) (2014)
8/10
Director: Christophe Gans
Starring: Vincent Cassel, Lea Seydoux, Andre Dussollier, Eduardo Noriega
1810. After losing his fortune at sea, a ruined merchant is forced to retire to the countryside with his six children. Among them is Belle, his younge... Read more
Beauty and the Beast ( La Belle et la Bete ) (Blu-ray) (1946)
8/10
Director: Jean Cocteau
Starring: Josette Day, Jean Marais
Once upon a time, in a world of magic and wonder, the true love of a beautiful girl finally dispelled the torment of a feral but gentle-hearted beast.... Read more
Bed and Board ( Domicile Conjugal ) (1970)
4.8/10
Director: Francois Truffaut
Starring: Claude Jade, Jean-Pierre Leaud, Hiroko Berghauer
This warm and affectionate film, the penultimate in the Antoine Doinel series, depicts French middle-class life with ironic and wry humour. Jean-Pierr... Read more