All things French

Ambreen Noon Kazi highlights some of our generation's most popular films coming out of France.

Ainsi vous aimez les films français hein (That reads: So, you like French films, eh?).

We aren't talking about movies like French Kiss here, where Kevin Klien puts on a second rate accent to woo Meg Ryan, but those where "parlez-vous français?" is not an asked question but a given fact. However, if you are one of those not familiar with the language, but still enjoy the artistry of the genre, you have come to the right place! We highlight some of the best films to come out of France.

La Vie en Rose: It is fitting to start with this year's Oscar winner for Best Actress. La Vie en Rose is a film that chronicles the life of the legendary Edith Paif, for which leading actress Marion Cotillard walked away with multiple awards and left a new generation humming songs that have enthralled millions. Exploring the "soul of Paris" the film narrates the troubled life of the singer as her fame took her from the City of Light to America and back to the South of France. Touching, lyrical and beautifully played by Cotillard, this is one no one should miss!

Paris, Je T'aime: Or ‘Paris, I Love You' is not really one film but a tribute by 18 directors, including Gus Van Sant, Joel Coen, Alexander Payne, Gérard Depardieu, among others to the City of Light. Presented as short stories, each director uses actors and actresses to depict characters set in different Parisian quarters. Some pieces are abstract, others detailed, some use sparse dialogue, while others employ vivid imagery. Each narrative is unique and bears the distinctive signature of its director making this a must-see film.

Hors de Priz: Or ‘Priceless" is a heartwarming tale about compromised lives and love for sale. Starring the venerated Audrey Tautou and Gad Elmaleh, the comedy is a barrel of continuous laughs. In truth the subject matter is anything but funny. The lovely Tautou and sad-eyed Elmaleh are perfectly cast as a gold-digger and the poor sap who loves her. With twists, turns and romance aplenty, the girls are sure to love this.

A Very Long Engagement: Another Audrey Tautou film that won an Oscar, Un Long Dimanche de Fiançailles is originally a novel written by Sebastien Japrisot, translated into English by Linda Coverdale. Set during World War I it tells the story of a woman's desperate search for her fiancé who disappeared from the trenches of the Somme. Told from the perspective of five men, the film talks about death, fear, honour and the all-conquering power of faith and love. With a moving score and an equally moving story, this film inspires faith while repudiating the facts of war.

Amélie: Or as it was originally known before English audiences fell upon it Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amelie Poulain, is the story of a young woman who glides through the streets of Paris seeking and discovering everything in a magical light and seeing miracles in everyday things. A beautifully shot film that moves from the steps of the Sacré Coeur to the rooftops of Paris, Amélie invites viewers to the character's world. The film is gentle, colourful and musical. Simultaneously questioning and strange, it will touch you and make you smile. Also it stars Tautou who is (as you can tell by now) a favourite with us!

- The writer is an afficionado of film.