I have taken the liberty to compile the trailers that I could find from the fine selection, so that you can see for yourself which movies you should indulge during FAFF 2013.
Director: Mahamat Saleh HarounA Screaming Man (Un homme qui crie)
Cast: Youssouf Djaoro, Dioucounda Koma, Emile Abossolo M'Bo
Running Time: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: U
Synopsis: Present-day Chad. Adam, fifty-five, a former swimming champion, is pool attendant at a smart N'Djamena hotel. When the hotel gets taken over by new Chinese owners, he is forced to give up his job to his son Abdel. Terribly resentful, he feels socially humiliated. The country is in the throes of a civil war. Rebel forces are attacking the government. The authorities demand that the population contribute to the "war effort", giving money or volunteers old enough to fight off the assailants. The District Chief constantly harasses Adam for his contribution. But Adam is penniless; he only has his son....
Trailer Impressions: Inspired by and shot on location of the ongoing Chad Civil War, this film by Mahamat Saleh Haroun was a winner of the Jury Prize at the 2010 Cannes, and was one of the nominees for the Palm d'Ore. The trailer might not have worked very well for me because I don't know much the context of its setting but this ones gets into the to-watch list simply based on the recommendation of its accolade. You might want to do your homework on Chad before viewing this though. Starting here.
Director: Christophe HonoreBeloved (Les bien-aimés)
Cast: Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Ludivine Sagnier
Running Time: 2 Hours 19 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: 18
Synopsis: From Paris in the sixties to 21st Century London, Madeleine and her daughter Vera waltz in and out of the lives of the men they love. But not every era allows us to love blithely and light-heartedly.
Trailer Impressions: A time spanning tale of mother and daughter played by real life mother and daughter duo Chiara Mastroianni and Catherine Deneuve. This 'musical' doesn't look like it really has anything more appealing, other than being French. Given its subject matter from the trailer, I don't think this is going to be spared by the Censorship Board, so it's not going to be worthwhile to see this.
Director: Dominique MonferyEleanor's Secret (Kérity, la maison des contes)
Cast: Arthur Dubois, Stephen Fleming, Julie Gayet, Denis Podalydès
Running Time: 1 Hour 20 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: U
Synopsis: The seven-year-old hero, Nathaniel, is not a confident reader. When his eccentric old aunt Eleanor dies, she leaves her house to his parents and her huge book collection to the young boy. Nathaniel discovers that the books shelter all the heroes found in children's literature. Among them are Alice in Wonderland, Puss in Boots, Pinocchio and Little Red Riding Hood and they are counting on him for protection: if they leave the library, they will disappear along with their stories forever. When his parents start selling off the books, Nathaniel is shrunk by the evil witch Carabosse and must brave everything to save his miniature friends.
Trailer Impressions: A French animation that won some small acclaim by an animator whose most prolific works I can find are Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules and Tarzan. While the story looks interesting with its mixture of fairy tale characters, this one looks mostly aimed for children, so I'm not too keen on this.
Director: Danièle ThompsonJet Lag (Décalage horaire)
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Jean Reno, Sergi López
Running Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: P13
Synopsis: At Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, a French beautician (Juliette Binoche) on her way to a new job in Mexico accidentally meets a French chef (Jean Reno) who has been delayed on his way to Germany from his residence in the United States. Labor strikes, bad weather, and pure luck cause the two of them to share a room overnight at the airport Hilton hotel. Their initial mutual indifference and downright hostility evolves into romance and a re-examination of their lives.
Trailer Impressions: More than a decade old, there doesn't seem to be any strong appeal for this rom-com, other than it stars Juliette Binoche and Jean Reno. Originally written to be an American production, this seems to fit the classical rom-com, which now that I think of it, we really haven't had much of those this year so far. Other than expecting to see some brilliant performance from the two leads, you know who you will have to bring if you are planning to see this (who is probably already planning to see this anyway).
Director: Helene MartinezJuliette Binoche: Sketches For A Portrait (Juliette Binoche dans les yeux)
Cast: Juliette Binoche
Running Time: 52 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: U
Synopsis: The audience will have a new view of the Oscar-winning actress through the documentary which provides a window into her artistic life beyond the red carpet. This portrait explores Binoche's complex personality.
Director: Patrice ChéreauPersecution (Persécution)
Cast: Romain Duris, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jean-Hugues Anglade
Running Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: P13
Synopsis: Daniel, 35, is haunted by a stranger who regularly breaks into his house and spies on him. One day, the stranger, a seemingly harmless middle-aged man, confronts Daniel and tells him that he is the man of his life. Daniel is shocked by the admission and tells the stranger to stay away. Daniel has a girlfriend, Sonia, whom he persecutes yet also worships as Sonia prioritizes her career before her relationship with Daniel and ignores his needs. The man's persistence takes its toll on Daniel and Sonia, leaving Daniel alone with nagging questions of "Why?"
Trailer Impressions: The trailer may hint an interesting premise but the latest work by Patrice Chéreau (whose works I have never seen) from four years ago seems to suggest there is some heavy psychological shit going on that doesn't seem to hit the right notes. There was nothing attention grabbing about the trailer and this film in general, other than Jean-Hugues Anglade César nomination which he didn't win. Again, plenty of scenes bound to be cut and they look very important. I'd said pass.
Director: Régis RoinsardPopulaire
Cast: Romain Duris, Déborah François, Bérénice Bejo, Shaun Benson
Running Time: 1 Hour 51 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: U
Synopsis: Spring, 1958. 21-year-old Rose Pamphyle lives with her grouchy widower father who runs the village store. Engaged to the son of the local mechanic, she seems destined for the quiet, drudgery-filled life of a housewife. But that is not the life Rose longs for. When she travels to Lisieux in Normandy, where charismatic insurance agency boss Louis Echard is advertising for a secretary, the ensuing interview is a disaster. But Rose reveals a special gift - she can type at an extraordinary speed. Unwittingly, the young woman awakens the dormant sports fan in Louis. If she wants the job she will have to compete in a speed typing competition. Whatever sacrifices Rose must make to reach the top, Louis declares himself her trainer. He will turn her into the fastest girl not only in the country, but in the world! But a love of sport doesn't always mix well with love itself.
Trailer Impressions: While this didn't stand to be an award-winner, the production value for this does seem to be a well-made crowd pleaser and an impressive feature debut from Régis Roinsard. Coincidentally, the second film to star Romain Duris, this one looks like it would one of the fun ones to watch for this festival, so I would a shame to miss it.
Director: Olivier AssayasSummer Hours (L'heure d'été)
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Charles Berling, Jeremie Renier, Edith Scot
Running Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: P13
Synopsis: The divergent paths of two brothers and a sister collide when their mother, Helena (Edith Scot) heiress to her uncle's exceptional 19th century art collection, dies all of a sudden. Letting all of her children Adrienne (Julliette Binoche), a successful New York designer, Frederic (Charles Berling), an economist and university professor in Paris, and Jeremie (Jeremie Renier), a dynamic businessman in China to meet up and reflect on their memories and background since they have grown to share a unique vision of their future.
Trailer Impressions: This 2008 drama from Olivier Assayas did not make any appearance in the major festivals, but was highly regarded among the critics circles when it was released in the US in 2009. It is also one of the rare few to be made into an instant classic by the Criterion Collection shortly after its release so that establishes it's must-see status. It looks to be a really heavy drama and it's exploration of how death changes a family is something that I think that those with large or fully grown up families can relate.
Director: Daniel CohenThe Chef (Comme un chef)
Cast: Jean Reno, Michael Youn, Raphaelle Agogue, Julien Boisselier
Running Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: U
Synopsis: A self-trained cook with haute-cuisine ambitions, Jacky (Michael Youn) gets canned from a series of menial cooking jobs for taking exception to his customers' taste. Beatrice (Raphaelle Agogue), Jacky's heavily pregnant girlfriend, tries to halt their financial meltdown by arranging a handyman position for him at an old folks' home, but he cannot resist the siren call of the kitchen. Meanwhile, Alexandre Lagarde (Jean Reno), chef and nominal proprietor of the three-star Cargo Lagarde, faces a crisis of a different sort. Stanislaw (Julien Boisselier), the interfering son of his retired business partner, wants him to cut costs and update the menu. Since he can fire Alexandre if the restaurant loses a star, Stanislaw tries to undermine him in every way possible, such as transferring his favourite sous-chefs and threatening his food suppliers.
Trailer Impressions: Another feel good movie led by Jean Reno. Not an award-winner by any stretch, but I'm a little inclined to French kitchen movies because of Ratatouille so it would be a treat to watch this.
Director: Jean-Paul RappeneauThe Horseman On The Roof (Le hussard sur le toit)
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Olivier Martinez
Running Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: U
Synopsis: In July 1832, Italian patriots hiding out in Aix, France, are betrayed by one of their own, and Austrian agents are on their trail. One patriot, Giocomo, is dragged away and executed. His wife runs off to warn their friend, Angelo Pardi, a young Italian nobleman in France raising money for the Italian revolution against Austria. As the agents descend on his apartmant, Angelo escapes into the countryside. Angelo laters enters a dwelling where he is discovered by Countess Pauline de Theus, who offers him food and drink. After a second accidental meeting, both will start the search of Pauline's husband in a chaotic country.
Trailer Impressions: An epic period piece from as far back as 1995, The Horseman On The Roof was nominated for 10 categories, including Best Film, at the César but only won for Best Cinematography and Best Sound. This is a major production as it could get and was the last film made by director Jean-Paul Rappeneau before he would make Bon Voyage in 2003. Undoubtedly a large scale production, so it's probably worth your time if you are looking to expand your horizons.
Director: Pierre SchöllerThe Minister (L'exercice de l'État)
Cast: Olivier Gourmet, Michel Blanc, Zabou Breitman
Running Time: 1 Hour 52 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: P13
Synopsis: The Minister of Transport, Bertrand Saint-Jean is awoken in the night by his director of cabinet. A bus has plunged into a ravine. He has to go, he has no choice. Here begins the odyssey of a statesman in an increasingly complex and hostile world. Speed, power struggle, chaos, economic crisis..Everything connects and hits; an emergency after another. Which sacrifices are men ready for? How far will they go, in a state that devours those who serve it?
Trailer Impressions: Another heavyweight French production like The Horseman On The Roof. This political thriller by Pierre Schoeller was a major contender at the 2012 César in 11 categories and came out as the winner of Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound and Best Supporting Actor. It was also entered for the Un Certain Regard in Cannes 2011. Looks like an exhilarating ride to watch with a few cuts.
Director: Jean-Francois LaguionieThe Painting (Le tableau)
Cast: Jessica Monceau, Adrien Larmande, Thierry Jahn
Running Time: 1 Hour 16 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: U
Synopsis: A castle, gardens, a threatening forest; this is what the painter left unfinished for mysterious reasons. In this painting, three kinds of characters are living: The Toupins that are fully painted, Pafinis that lack some colours and Reufs that are only sketches. Ramo, Lola and Plume decide to to look for the painter, convinced that he would be the only one to bring harmony by finishing the painting, although might get hurt from censors.
Trailer Impressions: Unlike Eleanor's Secret, this César nominated animation by Jean-Francois Laguionie might have been aimed at an older audience. The production value for this certainly looks quite good, and its premise is a little more intriguing that could explore into territories of artistic aspirations and barriers.
Director: Abdellatif KechicheThe Secret of the Grain (La graine et le mulet)
Cast: Habib Boufares, Hafsia Herzi, Hatika Karaoui, Bouraouïa Marzouk, Farida Benkhetache, Abdelhamid Aktouche
Running Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: 18
Synopsis: At the port of Sète, Mr. Slimani, a tired 60-year-old, drags himself toward a shipyard job that has become more and more difficult to cope with as the years go by. He is a divorced father who forces himself to stay close to his family despite the schisms and tensions that are easily sparked off and that financial difficulties make even more intense. He is going through a delicate period in his life and, recently, everything seems to make him feel useless: a failure. He wants to escape from it all and set up his own restaurant. However, it appears to be an unreachable dream given his meager, irregular salary that is not anywhere near enough to supply what he needs to realize his ambition. But he can still dream and talk about it with his family in particular. A family that gradually gives its support to this project, which comes to symbolize the means to a better life. Thanks to its ingeniousness and hard work, this dream soon becomes a reality, or almost.
Trailer Impressions: A highly acclaimed and strong winner, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, of the César in 2008. I may not have heard of Tunisian director Abdellatif Kechiche or his Games of Love and Chance, but this trailer sets up a heartwarming and inspiring family tale. There seems to be strong performances around this one too, especially from Hafsia Herzi, who also won Best Promising Actress for her feature debut.
Director: Robert GuediguianThe Snows of Kilimanjaro (Les neiges du Kilimandjaro)
Cast: Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Gerard Meylan
Running Time: 1 Hour 47 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: P13
Synopsis: Despite losing his job, Michel lives happily with Marie-Claire. Their children and grandchildren make them happy. They have very close friends. They are proud of their union and political struggles. Their happiness ends the day they are robbed at their place and beaten up by two burglars who steal everything they can get their hands on, from credit cards to wedding band. This is made even worse when they realise that one of the hooligans is Michel's colleague who has been sacked.
Trailer Impressions: Another entry for the Un Certain Regard in 2011, Robert Guediguian adapts this from a Victor Hugo poem and if you have already seen Les Miserables, you know this is going to be a modern take of the class gap between the rich and the poor. While it does have any major awards to speak of, this does look like a drama that is worth your time.
Director: Matthieu Delaporte, Alexandre de La PatellièreWhat's In A Name (Le prénom)
Cast: Patrick Bruel, Valérie Benguigui, Charles Berling, Guillaume de Tonquedec, Judith El Zein
Running Time: 1 Hour 50 Minutes
Language:: French
Classification: 18
Synopsis: A French farce about a dinner party disrupted by one of the guests when he announces a controversial name for his soon-to-be-born son. This is just the start of a round of bickering and insults that ensues between this group of 40-something friends, with the film almost entirely confined to the hosts' apartment.
Trailer Impressions: Adapted and directed from Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière from their own play of the same name, this 2012 family dramedy in a simple setting (that reminds me of Roman Polanski's Carnage) had managed to even outsell The Avengers, so I have some really high expectations on its writing with an added dash of award-winning performance from Guillaume de Tonquedec and Valérie Benguigui.
FilmBah's Pick of the Week
Standing highest on my watch list are the family-oriented dramas A Screaming Man, Summer Hours, The Secret of the Grain, The Snow of Kilimanjaro, The Painting and What's In A Name. On the nice to see list are The Chef, The Minister, Populaire, Juliette Binoche: Sketches For A Portrait and The Horseman On The Roof. I would most likely skip Beloved, Eleanor's Secret, Jet Lag and Persecution. However, the availability of certain movies based on their location may cause me to not see all the ones I want to.Releases according to CinemaOnline and check your nearest screenings at Showtimes. You may find the full schedule of the movies that will be shown at the FAFF Official Website.
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