The is something addictive about the French films selected to be screened at the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival around Australia that makes them "Must See" films. I could have easily watched the entire program of films screened at the festival in one sitting.
Il y a quelque chose de dependance sur les films francais selecionnes pour etre projetes au Festival du film francais Alliance Francaise autour de lÁustralie qui les rend "Must See" films. Je aurais pu facilement regarde lénsemble du programme des films projetes au festival en une seule séance.
(apologies for any grammatical errors - autocorrect is really annoying and keeps changing my manual corrections)
Unfortunately on this particular Melbourne trip I could only manage to fit in 2 consecutive films which were screened at The Palace Como Cinema in South Yarra with its Chic French décor in its foyer. Imagine yourself sitting on a daybed sipping expensive French champagne from the bar surrounded by glass mirrors, crystal chandeliers, heavy curtains with gold tassels and wall to wall black velvet! There was even French music playing in the background of the washrooms!
At 4.15 pm I went to my first French film screening of The Student and Mr Henri (L'Étudiante et Monsieur Henri)
The film is about the relationship between the older generation and younger generation. It is centred around family expectations and going against them. It's about failure and perseverance. It will make you laugh and it will make you cry. I am sure many of us can or will relate to this film. Even if you don't understand or speak any French the storyline and humour of this film is quite easy to follow. English subtitles included. Duration approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (including some pre screening previews of other films and advertisements).
My rating 9/10.
1/2 hour intermission (If I could call it that!)
At 6.30 pm I went to the screening of First Growth (Premiers Crus)
I selected this film for a reason - in preparation for my "Fresh Farm Tour" organised by Farming Moorabool tomorrow. Although I will not be visiting any working vineyards on the Fresh Farm Tour itinery, I wanted to appreciate life on the land and the risks involved in primary production for example yield and weather dependency. I wanted to appreciate the old and new science and technology behind primary production, the huge amounts of capital investment involved in order to keep primary production afloat and most of all appreciate the amount of hard work family and friends contribute to primary production. This film gives an insight into all of these aspects. It asks the question as with primary production in general "How and Why do some vineyards survive generation after generation where as others fail?" The film is about passion and commitment to the land. It's about backing yourself and taking risks. There is also a hint of romance throughout the film. Again this film is centred around family expectations although not necessarily going against them but returning to them. I love the scenery in this film. The French language is more serious and complex in this film however the storyline is still easy to follow - especially the words "Bankruptcy" and "Administration". Duration approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (including some pre screening previews of other films and advertisements)
My rating 8/10
No comments:
Post a Comment