The Five French Films to Watch on TV5MONDE in October

In October, TV5MONDE offers a special culinary lineup for La semaine du goût, including the hit TV Show Chefs. But that's not all; critic favorite Patients will be schedulded as well as a brilliant comedy with Juliette Binoche, Telle mère, telle fille.

Patients (2017)

October 6 at 8:30PM ET/5:30PM PT, with English subtitles

Based on the true story of rapper Grand Corps Malade, Patients avoids self-pity by delivering a realistic view of a man on a path to rebuilding his life. A beautiful testament to hope and courage.

This is the story of a rebirth. Ben is severely handicapped after a serious accident. Placed in a rehabilitation center, the young basketball player must relearn how to live. Bathing, getting dressed, walking ... The journey will be long and chaotic. Punctuated by victories and defeats. Ben will have to arm himself with patience!

"Disarmingly light-hearted and cheerful, Patients shakes up the weepy disability dramedy with a defiant hymn to life that sparkles with hope." - France Today

Director: Grand Corps Malade, Mehdi Idir (France 2017)
Cast: Pablo Pauly (Ben), Soufiane Guerrab (Farid), Moussa Mansaly (Toussaint), Nailia Harzoune (Samia), Franck Falise (Steeve), Yannick Renier (François), Jason Divengele (Lamine), Rabah Nait Oufella (Eddy), Alban Ivanov (Jean-Marie), Anne Benoît (Christiane)
Genre: Dramatic Comedy
Runtime: 1h 50m

Monsieur je-sais-tout (2017)

October 13 at 8.30PM ET/5:30PM PT, with English subtitles

It's hard to not think of Monsieur je-sais-tout as a French version of Rain Man, but this dramedy manages to find its own tone and can rely on its two great actors. A delicate movie on the very touchy subject of medical assistance.

Vincent Barteau, 35 year old football coach, must take care of his nephew, Leo, 13 year old chess player with Asperger's. This encounter, both singular and explosive, will shake up Vincent's life and offer Leonardo the chance of his life.

"This sensible comedy reminiscent of Rain Man brings grace without pathos and embarks you on a journey of emotions - Télé 7 Jours

Director: Stéphan Archinard, François Prévôt-Leygonie (France 2017)
Cast: Arnaud Ducret (Vincent Barteau), Max baisette de Malglaive (Léo), Alice David (Mathilde), Jean-François Cayrey (Louis Germain), Caroline Silhol (Françoise Barteau)Genre: Dramatic Comedy

Runtime: 1h 39m

Telle mère telle fille (2018)

October 20 at 8.30PM ET/5:30PM PT, with English subtitles

A lighter French affair with a solid cast that showcases a rarity - Juliette Binoche in a comedic role.

At age 30, Avril leads a tidy life. All the opposite of his mother, Mado, eternal teenager who lives with the hooks of his daughter since his divorce. But when the two women are getting pregnant at the same time and under the same roof, the trouble begins!

"It’s not that often that we get to see Juliette Binoche in a more comedic role, much less one where she plays a pregnant mother who’s less mature than her adult offspring, so that alone provides a measure of interest." - Hollywood Reporter

Director: Noémie Saglio (France 2016)
Cast: Juliette Binoche (Mado), Camille Cottin (Avril), Lambert Wilson (Marc), Catherine Jacob (Irène), Jean-Luc Bideau (Debulac), Michaël Dichter (Louis), Stéfi Celma (Charlotte), Philippe Vieux (Michel)
Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 1h 35m

Le sens de la fête (2016)

October 27 at 9:30PM ET/6:30PM PT, with English subtitles

From Intouchables' directors Eric Toledano and Olivier Nakache, Le sens de la fête is a smart, witty and quirky comedy.

Max has been a caterer for 30 years. He has organized hundreds of events, and is probably pretty close to throwing in the towel. Today there will be a magnificent reception in a 17th century château. As usual, Max has taken care of everything, but in accordance with Murphy’s Law, all his planning will be upset, and everything will go wrong, turning every moment of joy and emotion into a disaster and ending in chaos.

"This is an expertly assembled, tartly played and hugely enjoyable romp." - Hollywood Reporter

Director: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano (France 2016)
Cast: Jean-Pierre Bacri (Max), Jean-Paul Rouve (Guy), Gilles Lellouche (James), Vincent Macaigne (Julien), Eye Haïdara (Adèle), Suzanne Clément (Josiane), Alban Ivanov (Samy)
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 1h 57m

Chefs (2016)

October 15 at 11PM ET/5:30PM PT, with English subtitles

French actor Clovis Cornillac is a kind of Dr. House version of a chef in this TV Show that finds the right balance between drama and thriller.

As Romain savors his first Michelin star at the head of the kitchen at Le Paris, the Chef spends his nights in an obscure clandestine gambling dive playing a strange tasting game. Mr Édouard, the wily owner of Le Paris, returns with the intention of taking Romain's destiny in hand...

"A 3-Star TV Show" - Le Parisien

Director: André Forcier
Cast: Émile Schneider (Pierre), Juliette Gosselin (Berthe), Mylène Mackay (Marguerite), Céline Bonnier (Yvonne), Tony Nardi (Élio), Luca Asselin (Ollier), Réal Bossé (Elphège)
Genre: Drama

Runtime: 1h 35m

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