The 5 Iconic Scenes in French Cinema
French cinema is globally known for its diversity and quality. It is important to remember that it was the Lumière brothers (Auguste and Louis) who organized the first cinematic projection in 1895 in Paris.The Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat Station marks the birth of cinema. Meanwhile, Georges MÉLIÈS became a pioneer in this emerging industry by constructing the first film studio.
Today, France is one of the biggest exporters of films worldwide. For students adults or children wishing to learn French in France, watching a film remains a privileged way to enrich their knowledge of French society, expand their vocabulary, and improve their listening comprehension. Learn French and discover French culture at the same time! with the Centre International d’Antibes by rediscovering five famous scenes from French cinema.
1) The Javelin Throw Scene in Asterix at the Olympic Games
Released in 2008, Asterix at the Olympic Games
is considered one of the best films about the famous Gallic hero. Released in over sixty countries worldwide, this film proves that French cinema can offer moments of sharing and entertainment for children and juniors
.
For the charming Alafolix to marry the beautiful Princess Irina, Asterix and Obelix must face Caesar's son in athletic challenges. Determined to win, Brutus (played by Benoît POELVOORDE) uses a doping potion concocted by a mad scientist: Dr. Mabus. Now equipped with impressive muscles, Brutus embarrasses himself during the javelin throw by crashing into the stands where his father is sitting. Whether you chooseour online French course program or prefer to come to Antibes, you will benefit from the great comedies and become more attuned to French humor.
2) Louis de FUNÈS on Bourvil's Shoulders in La Grande Vadrouille
Is it possible that one of the most famous scenes in French cinema was the result of improvisation? This film by Gérard OURY, often shown on TV, describes the misadventures of a painter and a conductor from the Paris Opera. These two men, despite themselves, become Resistance fighters by helping British aviators reach the free zone. The scene where Stanislas LEFORT (Louis de FUNÈS) climbs onto Augustin BOUVET's (Bourvil) shoulders, though not planned in the original script, remains one of the great iconic moments in film history. “But come on, you don’t think I’m going to carry you on my back. This is the third time you’ve made me do this, my shoes, my bike…” is part of the famous lines in French cinema.
Finally, the song Tea for Two
, performed by Bourvil in broken English, is still memorable. If you want to improve, listen to his French repertoire! Let’s listen to French songs! should also be among your firmest resolutions.
3) The Improvised Haircut Scene in Intouchables
Inspired by a true story, this well-known film that drew nearly twenty million viewers in France tells the story of the meeting between two men who are complete opposites. A wealthy quadriplegic, Philippe, decides to hire a caregiver named Driss, an archetype of a “guy from the suburbs,” straight out of prison and reluctant to find work. This film is full of funny scenes that your teacher will certainly use in classes for teens or
for adults. For advanced levels, the dialogues are full of idiomatic expressions and informal language. One of the scenes where the two friends experiment with different types of beards and mustaches is particularly representative of their deep camaraderie.If you’ve chosen a
course on European relations, you will identify several prominent political and historical European figures in this scene!
4) The Death of Marcel CERDAN in La Vie en Rose
Mentioning iconic moments in French cinema would not be complete without considering works that recount the lives of artistic personalities. Among the biopics that gained international recognition is La Vie en Rose
. Marion COTILLARD brilliantly portrays Edith Piaf, a performance that earned her the Oscar for Best Actress. The actress faithfully reproduces Piaf’s gestures and expressions. One of the most heartbreaking moments is when the singer learns that the plane carrying her beloved, boxer Marcel CERDAN, has crashed. The singer desperately searches for him before collapsing upon realizing the harsh truth. This film is accessible to a broad audience, and you will find the dialogues quite understandable.Learn French with five must-see French movies! should therefore become a fundamental principle of your learning.
5) The Wheelchair Scene in Welcome to the Sticks
This
French film
will give you the opportunity to discover the Hauts-de-France region and experience the legendary kindness of the Ch’tis. Philippe ABRAMS, director of the post office in Salon-de-Provence, wants to move to please his wife Julie. To increase his chances of getting a positive answer, he decides to request a transfer to the French Riviera by pretending to be a disabled worker. When a labor inspector shows up to verify that it's not a fraud, Philippe accidentally punctures the tire of his wheelchair. At the end of the interview, he stands up to say goodbye to his interlocutor, revealing the trick. This scene showcases the talent of two well-known French actors: Kad MERAD (Philippe) and Jérôme COMMANDEUR (M. LEBIC)
