Aladdin FLM 133
90 mins. in French NO subtitles 1993
Disney animation
When Aladdin wins the love of Princess Jasmine, he has to deal with Jafar, the Sultan's evil advisor. Luckily, he has the help of the comical Genie, who grants him 3 wishes! Un vrai chef d'oeuvre!
Americans in Paris FLM 101
90 mins. in English
Excellent Visual/Good Audio Quality
Introduces Paris to students from an American point of view. March down the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Discover the Louvre and Notre Dame. Visit the café and the night life. Clip of Paris tailor trying to fly from the top of the Eiffel Tower & Charles Lindberg landing his Spirit of St. Louis. Suitable for all audiences.
Poorly pronounced French when used.
Marie Antoinette FLM 129
La Belle et La Bête FLM 135
84 mins. in French with subtitles, Disney animation 1991
A dashing, bold prince rejects an old woman's request for lodging and is consequently turned into an ugly beast. In order to return to his normal body, he must find a woman to fall in love with him! The unlikely romance that develops between the pretty Belle and the ugly Bête reminds us that true beauty lies within.
Wonderful characters, including the talking teapots, dancing candlesticks, singing clocks, and performing silverware make this story totally enchanting! Fantastique!
Bonjour France FLM100
60 mins. in English
Excellent visual & audio quality.
Introduces some of the major sections of France. It gives some historical background as well as showing some contemporary living & culture. Incl. Reims, Paris, Mont St. Michel, la Bretagne, Dijon, Les Alpes, Nice, Nimes, Carcasonne, Burgundy Canal & Camargue. Includes interesting bits of information about the past as well as modern times. Poorly pronounces French when used.
Suitable for all audiences.
Le Bossu de Notre Dame II FLM146
La Boum FLM 119
104 mins. in French with English subtitles Excellent visual & audio quality.
Gives an example of a teenager's social and academic life. Entertaining. Reveals the excitement and the confusion of this maturation period. Comical, but real issues are serious for both the teenage girl and the parents. Plot: girl changing schools and trying to attract a young boy & parent's marital instability due to the mother's and the father's affairs. Some scenes of Paris.
Suitable for high school intermediate and beyond. Geared to young teenagers.
*There is some use of foul language and morals might be questionable from a parent's point of view. *Intimate scenes
Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme FLM 118
97 mins. in French with English subtitles
Fair visual quality & good audio quality
Molière's satire about social climbers. M.Jourdain is trying to be something he is not. Follows the play quite closely. Video shows people at the Comédie-Francaise viewing the play, a comedy-ballet in 5 acts. It focuses on the characters on the stage. Great music, costumes and dancing of the 17th century. *Subtitles are not easy to read.
Carmen
This dazzling movie version of Bizet's Carmen stars Placido Domingo and features the music of the Orchestre National de France! Powerful French arias, brilliant acting, and wonderful costumes leap off the screen! Let your students experience this cultural treat. "Toréador, en garde!" In French with subtitles. 150mins.
Chateaux of the Loire FLM 102
La Chèvre FLM 128
Cirque du Soleil
In English. 80mins.
Take your students on a field trip to the French-inspired circus. Watch the daring feats, marvel at the fantastic costumes, and savor the wonderful live music. Innovative acts make this a circus like none other!
Les Compères FLM 106
90 mins. in French with English subtitles Excellent audio and visual quality
Comical and entertaining. The 2 major characters offset each other such as in an odd-couple type situation. Teenage son runs away with a wanton girl and husband refuses to search for him. Frantic mother calls on two old lovers to help, implying that they might be the father. Pierre Richard and Gerard Depardieu make a hilarious odd couple as they join forces on the Riviera, bickering and competing as they defeat gangsters and motorcycle toughs to rescue the boy.
Suitable for High School advanced and above. Setting is in Paris as well as in Nice. Subtitles are easy to read. Language is fast at some points. *Might be questionable for younger students, from a parent's point of view.
Le Dinosaure FLM 145
Errata by Murat FLM 125
L'Ere De Glace FLM 144
France FLM 103
Free Willy/Mon Ami Willy FLM 132
112 mins. in French NO subtitles 1993
The story of a troubled young boy's touching friendship with a captive Orca whale named Willy, and his plan to return Willy to his natural habitat. An extraordinary, motivational story of a young person determined to make a difference in the world!
French Connections FLM 141
29 mins. in French & English 1988
Cheerful visit to Montreal by two U.S. High School Students who are, guests at the home of two French speaking teenagers. They tour Montreal trying very hard to communicate in French! Pace is lively, the people attractive, spontaneous, and funny. Kids instantly relate to the two boys in the film, feeling their joy when they can express themselves and be understood, and sharing their frustration when they cannot. The joy of communicating in the target language is without doubt the most positive message of this video. A must for all French students! "Super!"
Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez FLM 139
95 mins. in French with subtitles 1964 Comedy in color
The gendarme Ludovic Cruchot (Louis de Funes), is an ambitious man. So, when he is transferred to the laid back post of Saint-Tropez, he sees an ideal opportunity to advance his career. Everything goes as planned until his daughter has a little too much fun on the beach.
Jean de Florette FLM 121
122 mins. in French with English subtitles
Excellent visual and audio quality
A story of greed and passion based on the novel by Marcel Pagnol. Jean Cadoret, a hunchback, inherits a farm from his mother and foolishly hopes to become a gentleman farmer. Before he arrives, his powerful neighbor, Cesar Soubeyran, is plotting to steal his land. The wily Cesar knows of a hidden spring on the property and with his nephew, Ugolin, plot to use the water to grow a lucrative field of carnations while causing a severe drought on Jean's property. The courageous farmer makes one last attempt to find water, but his noble attempts lead to a heartbreaking tragedy. The saga continues in, Manon of the Spring.
Suitable for High School Advanced and above.
+Beautiful setting, portrayal of 'old-world France' is realistic.
Adventures of the Little Prince FLM 105
50 mins. in English Excellent visual/Good audio quality
Introduces an animated version of the French classic. Teaches lessons in friendship, caring and courage. It only covers the beginning of the story going into the middle of the story emphasizing primarily his life on his planet.
The story starts on the "Little Prince's" planet and sees him through a day. It shows him taking care of his rose, his volcanoes and his baobab trees. He receives a visit from a traveler who talks about planets. The Little Prince is tempted to visit other places. He decides he will and prepares his planet for his absence. The actual traveling is very abbreviated in this version.
Suitable for FLES, Middle School
One or two French words are used. This is NOT complete and should not be used to study the book.
Madame Bovary
In French with subtitles. 130mins. PG-13
Flaubert's novel, Isabelle Huppert gives a stellar performance as Emma Bovary, a farmer's daughter longing for the high life. Unhappily married to Charles Bovary, a simple, provincial doctor, bored Emma looks for excitement and passion in the company of a local squire and a young lawyer. Her dreams of grandeur and adulterous yearnings have fatal consequences. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film.
Maman,J'ai Encore Raté l'Avion FLM 136
(Home Alone 2) 120 mins. in French 1992
Macaulay Caulkin plays a cute kid on his own in New York City around Christmas time. He courageously takes on the bad guys in this incredibly funny hit.
Manon of the Spring FLM 122
113 mins. in French with English subtitles
Excellent visual and audio quality
This is the second part of the story begun in 'Jean de Florette.' Based on the novel, 'Manon des Sources' by Marcel Pagnol.
Film opens 10 years after the tragic events of Jean de Florette. Jean's daughter is a shepherdess and is pursued by Ugolin who is desperately in love with her. After cutting off the village's water supply, Manon appears in town to accuse the Soubeyrans of killing her father. Ugolin, remorseful over his role in her father's death as well as crushed by her public rejection, is lead to a tragedy that nearly destroys Cesar. But Cesar's most heartbreaking moment comes when he learns the truth about Jean. Prepare yourself for the gripping conclusion.
Suitable for High School advanced and above.
+Beautiful setting, portrayal of 'old-world France' is realistic.
La Marseillaise FLM 124
130 mins. in French with English subtitles Fair visual and audio quality
Jean Renoir's classic tribute to the glory of the French Revolution, the film captures the personal flavor of the struggle and the philosophical background to the revolutionary upheaval.
In a rapid series of vignettes, the viewer is introduced to the elegance of the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette and to the contrasting plight of the French peasants; to the storming of the Bastille; to the plotting of the exiled nobility to return; the Republican march on Paris; and the capture of the Tuilleries in 1793, ending the revolution. The film also follows the adventures of two young patriots who join the People's army in Marseille.
Suitable for High School Advanced and above
*Film is in Black & White with white subtitles -may be difficult to maintain the interest of the average student (long)
Meet Marcel Marceau FLM 117
52 mins. in English
Poor visual quality/Fair audio quality
A good intro to mime by the world famous mime Marcel Marceau. This is clips that have been put together, some of which are done exceedingly well. The visual quality hampers the total effect.
Marcel Marceau narrates and performs some of his original famous mimes such as the wallet, dancing, the circus, the tightrope walker, the weights, and the cocktail party.
Suitable for FLES, Middle School & H.S. Beginner
+It is an old and rare tape -It is a copy of the original tapes that have been spliced together. Black and white
Morocco
53mins. 1996
Visit Casablanca,Tangiers, Fez, Agafdir and more. Outdoor carnival, Moroccan Folklore Festival, old market places, striking mosques, welcome oases, urban water vendors and desert camel herders. An exotic tapestry of European, North African and Arabic cultures.
Muzzy Language Course-French
The BBC language course is for toddlers to even teenagers! Proven listen and learn, see and learn techniques. Your students will learn French easily. The complete course includes 4 full-color animated video cassettes plus a Video Storybook and activity book. Requested by many teachers. Starring fuzzy green Muzzy and the gang. 70mins. Request Video 1-4. Storybook or activity sheets by request only.
My Father's Glory FLM 142
(continues in My Mother's Castle)
110 mins. in French with subtitles G 1991
An enchanting story of writer Marcel Pagnol's treasured childhood in the south of France at the turn of the century. This delightful autobiography, told by an adult Marcel, is a son's loving tribute to his adoring and gentle father (Phillippe Caubère).
The Film shows an 11-year-old Marcel during a very special, life-changing summer with his family in the Provence countryside. There, Marcel falls in love with the rugged hills as he is introduced to a new and wonder-filled world. He learns the wild country's secrets, makes friends, and above all strengthens the unique bond he has with his father.
My Mother's Castle FLM 143
(continued from My Father's Glory)
98 mins. in French with subtitles PG 1991
Marcel Pagnol's charming story of his childhood delightfully continues in My Mother's Castle. Marcel simply can't let go of the holiday he has just spent with his family in the country. To Marcel's delight, his parents surprise the family with a Christmas return to the beloved wild hills.
It is during this holiday that Marcel's affection for the region matures. It's also now that he sees his mother as the warm woman she really is, and learns to love and appreciate her true nature. That cherished understanding is something he carries into adulthood, when he finally visits his mother's "castle."
New Orleans (Video Visits) FLM
55 mins. in English 1987
Explore this romantic gateway of the Mississippi! Meander along her famous bayous and relish her Cajun culture's zesty cuisine and riveting rhythmic music. Tour the treasures of the French Quarter: enchanting Jackson Square, exquisite St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market with its graceful arcades. Celebrate Mardi Gras- see legendary parades and enjoy this night of fantasy, pleasure and entertainment.
On a Marche Sur la Lune (Tin Tin) FLM 140
40 mins. in French 1962
Every kid in France grows up with the webs of intrigue, chases, kidnappings, treasure hunts, trips to the end of the earth, and marvelous adventures of a boy and his dog which from generation to generation, continue to have the same fascination. Tin tin from France!
Pleins Feux Sur La Revolution FLM 127
35 mins. in French. NO subtitles Excellent visual and audio quality
Tells of the events of the revolution using music, letters, memoires, scenes and reports of the times.
Suitable for High School Advanced and above.
+Video uses different voices and creates different points of view which make the events more personal. Also, for the strong language student it is an excellent opportunity to practice the listening skills and work on comprehension.
-There are no subtitles which means that the student has to be able to understand spoken French very well. Also, while the main narrator is speaking, the music in the background could be a problem for those that are having a problem understanding.
Un Premier Prix-Perdu, FLM 108
Un Robot
25 mins. in French, NO subtitles Excellent visual and audio quality
A simple story told in simple French aimed at beginners. The actors are teenagers and speak quite slowly and very clearly.
Three Canadian teenagers painstakingly build a robot to win the school's top science prize. To their dismay, the robot fails to respond to even the simplest command. Frustrated and disappointed, they leave their creation behind. But suddenly the robot comes to life and takes off for places unknown. After much searching, the teenagers finally capture their prize invention.
Suitable for Middle school through mature audiences.
+The actors in the video speak slowly and clearly. The story line is fun, short, entertaining and easy to understand.
-After the first segment credits start to show on the screen and one assumes that the video is over but there is a second part so keep watching
The Red Balloon FLM 137 (currently unavailable)
34 mins. in English 1956 color
(includes White Mane)
Winner of the Parents' Choice Award, this beguiling fantasy, about a lonely French boy and the amazingly loyal balloon that follows him everywhere, is as fresh as when it was first released. Albert Lamorisse's touching allegory on the magic powers of friendship won an Oscar for Best Screenplay and was named Best Film of the Decade by the American Film Festival.
(White Mane) Precursor to the Black Stallion. B&W, 38 mins.
Roi Lion (Lion King) FLM 134
98 mins. in French NO subtitles 1994
Disney animation
When an adorable cub is born to Mufasa, the Lion King, a throng of animals come to see their future leader. But before the cub, Simba, can rule the kingdom, he has to grow strong and learn about all the creatures of the land.
When Scar, Simba's evil uncle, takes over the kingdom, he lets the laughing hyenas eat all the food. It is up to Simba to return to the Pride Lands and restore peace, sustenance, and happiness! Featuring Elton John's hit songs "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "The Circle of Life" in French. A cinematic jewel! Magnifique!
Sartre by Himself (pt1) FLM 130a
Sartre by Himself (pt2) FLM 130b
1789 FLM 125
153 mins. in French with English subtitles Excellent visual and audio quality
A play within a play that shows the events and the conditions leading up to the revolution. It is told from the people's point of view.
Many short vignettes are acted out to show the plight of the people during this time; taxes, starvation, poverty, and the inequality of rights. The actors use mime, singing, juggling and puppets during the production.
Suitable for High School Advanced and above
+easy to read subtitles
-audio quality is good but sometimes the actors are hard to understand because the wailing, the noise of the crowd, the drum beating and the loud angry delivery are louder than the main action.
*obscenities
Small Change/La Chèvre FLM 131
90 mins. in French with English subtitles Excellent visual and audio quality
Entertaining, uses a lot of slapstick comedy.
The daughter of the President of a French company goes on a vacation to Mexico and disappears on her first day there. After an unsuccessful search by an investigator, a psychologist suggests that since the girl was plagued by bad luck all her life perhaps only a similar person could find her. One is found and is teamed up with the original investigator. They go through a series of episodes and eventually find her.
Suitable for High School Intermediate and above.
+Very comical, color, scenes at Orly airport
-The language is sometimes difficult to understand due to the speed of speech. There is one minor bedroom scene. One of the worst words used is bastard.
*obscenities, intimate scenes, language
The Story of the Acadians FLM 147
Sugar Cane Alley/Rue Cases Negres FLM 123
107 mins. in French with English subtitles
A personal film of Euzhan Palcy exploring the life affirming power of hope. Actors shine with humanity and emotional truth in this tribute to those forced to survive in a world of colonial domination. The film is set in a sugar plantation shantytown in Martinique in the 1930's.
Portrays the lives of the sensitive mischievous boy and his determined grandmother in their struggle to rise above an existence filled with poverty and despair. Subsisting with other black families in a sugar plantation shantytown, Grandma knows that there is only one path that will save her 11 year old Jose from his bleak future- education.
Suitable for High School Advanced and above
+easy to read subtitles (yellow) Great intermingling of native music, folk tales, folk magic, beliefs, and local color
-children are shown beaten as a form of punishment in the film.
*obscenities
Thérèse FLM 120
90 mins. in French with English subtitles Excellent visual & audio quality
Therese's life from the age of 15 when she wants to join the sisters of Carmel until she dies. Shows her goodness and her desire to serve the Lord and become a saint. Similar to a play with simple props in order to move from scene to scene. Therese is from provincial France and both her aging father and local priest try to discourage her, fearing that she is too young, to join her older sisters as a Carmelite nun. After going to the Pope she gets permission. She endures the difficulties of the convent life with a smile and stays until she dies of tuberculosis at a very young age.
Suitable for High School Intermediate and above.
French spoken is quite clear. An idealistic film.
Very religious in nature. Although in color, the colors are somber.
Topaze(with Fernandel) FLM 138
138 mins. in French with subtitles 1951 B&W
Mr. Topaze is a timid, persecuted, but scrupulously honest schoolteacher. When he refuses to change the failing grade of a student of a prominent family, Topaze, himself, is expelled from the school! Soon seduced by the attractive foster mother of his private pupil, Topaze finds himself embroiled in a phony business scheme with a corrupt politician. A surprising metamorphosis then transforms him into a shrewd and confident man who succeeds in taking over the entire operation from those who originally used him. Directed by Marcel Pagnol himself.
Trois Hommes et un Couffin FLM 107
100 mins. in French with English subtitles
Excellent visual quality/Good audio quality
An entertaining comedy that shows a father's awakening to the difficulties of single parenthood as well as the positive role of fathers. It is the French movie that was the base of Three Men and a Baby.
After Sylvia, Jacques' former girlfriend, drops off her baby Marie, the fathers are left holding the cradle. The Parisian playboys find their wild nights now consist of 4am feedings and diaper changing. The fathers become very attached to the baby. There is also a subplot dealing with drug dealing and the police.
Suitable for High School Advanced and above
+It has some very touching scenes of love and gentleness with the baby. Some authentic Paris street and park scenes.
-Sometimes the speech is too fast and difficult to understand
*obscenities, nudity, intimate scenes, challenges traditional values
Versailles FLM 126
30 mins. in English Excellent visual and audio quality
Shows various parts of Versailles but also traces the history of the various buildings, and tells the viewers about the people and the events that took place at Versailles.
Introduces the viewer to the palace of Versailles, the Grand Trianon, Le Hameau,
Louis XIV, Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, The Reign of Terror, The French Revolution, Napoleon, the Restoration and to Louis Philippe. It also tells the viewer about daily
life at Versailles, the health hazards, the rules of etiquette and the customs at the court.
Suitable for Middle school and above
+Interesting because it describes the life of the people and the times in which the buildings were constructed. Interesting & well done because it is short and to the point.