French Movies for Students

Movies are a homeschooler's best friend. There simply can never be enough resources to keep these kids occupied, even the older ones! As it's looking like schools and universities will still be closed next week, we're happy to provide you with a little French education through film! Each French film listed is perfect for students hungry to learn during lockdown. These selections are most appropriate for high school students and beyond. Part 2 next week!

1. The Workshop/L'atelier (2017)

Missing your group discussions on politics? philosophy? literature? Feel like you're part of the conversation again with L'atelier, a story of a summer writing workshop with students selected to write a compelling crime thriller. Led by the famous (fictional) novelist Olivia Dejazet, all goes well until a black sheep of the group starts to clash with the rest, especially Olivia, going down a disturbing and violent path. Available on Netflix

Watch in lieu of: creative writing class

2. Germinal (1993)

Watch powerhouse Gerard Depardieu lead this realistic historical drama based on a significant French masterpiece written by Emile Zola. In the late 19th century, Zola travelled to a poor, rural town of France observing the life of coal miners on strike. What he witnessed about the working conditions of the laborers who were treated little better than slaves became Germinal. The novel inspired a monumental change in perspective in France, promoting the importance of workers rights nation-wide. The César award winning film is directed ambitiously by Claude Berri, and was France's official selection for Best Foreign Film in 1994. Rent on Youtube Movies, Google Play and Amazon Prime $2.99

Watch in lieu of: social studies

3. The Round Up/La rafle (2010)

Although some critics argued that this film's depiction of the Nazi round up of Jews living in Paris in 1942 is watered down and sugar-coated, La Rafle is very well produced, well acted and extremely well cast. The film tells the little known story of French police detaining their own people, putting them into camps in the country side before deporting them to Auschwitz, a slice of history that was denied by the French government until the 1990's. Free on FrenchFlicks

4. La vie en rose (2014)

One of our favorite biopics and undoubtedly one of Marion Cotillard's most moving roles, give your children a dose of the music most representative of France with the Oscar and César award winning La Vie en Rose. Edith Piaf, or "The Little Sparrow" is a true cultural icon in her country and beyond, and it would frankly be a crime for students everywhere to miss this part of history! Rent on Youtube Movies, Google Play and Amazon Prime $2.99

Watch in lieu of: music class

5. Women at War Parts 1 & 2

These two exciting volumes on Netflix chronicle the two world wars in France through the female perspective. The heart breaks for the poor souls who suffered the German occupation in various parts of France. Heroic tales of Lucie Aubrac, one of the faces of the French Resistance, and Virginia Hall, a stealthy American spy who worked with British intelligence, and brave undercover rescuers of Jewish children, are all included. Available on Netflix

Watch in lieu of: Women's studies

6. The French Revolution Years of Terror

France is known for their revolutions. They even helped out with ours big time. Best of all, critics agree that the account of this course changing monumental period is extremely historically accurate. Starring François Cluzet and Jane Seymour. Available to rent on Amazon Prime for $2.99.

Watch in lieu of: History class

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