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FACETS EXCLUSIVES: FRENCH CINEMA
AU BONHEUR DES DAMES
Directed by Julien Duvivier, 1930
German-born romantic actress Dita Parlo (Grand Illusion) stars as Denise, an orphan girl who comes to Paris to find work in her uncle's small shop, but instead takes a job in the big, glamorous department store across the street. When her employer begins demolishing buildings in the neighborhood, her uncle's store is the last one in the crosshairs. Silent with English, French, or German intertitles.
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Directed by Julien Duvivier, 1930
German-born romantic actress Dita Parlo (Grand Illusion) stars as Denise, an orphan girl who comes to Paris to find work in her uncle's small shop, but instead takes a job in the big, glamorous department store across the street. When her employer begins demolishing buildings in the neighborhood, her uncle's store is the last one in the crosshairs. Silent with English, French, or German intertitles.
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BALLROOM
Directed by Patrick Mario Bernard, Pierre Trividic & Xavier Brillat, 2003
A gripping, edgy drama about identity and creativity, Ballroom tells the story of reclusive artist Rene Bernard, who lives and works in an abandoned ballroom with his male lover. Increasingly out of synch with the world around, Rene begins to experience delusions involving two spooky clowns he once saw in a magazine. In French with English Subtitles.
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Directed by Patrick Mario Bernard, Pierre Trividic & Xavier Brillat, 2003
A gripping, edgy drama about identity and creativity, Ballroom tells the story of reclusive artist Rene Bernard, who lives and works in an abandoned ballroom with his male lover. Increasingly out of synch with the world around, Rene begins to experience delusions involving two spooky clowns he once saw in a magazine. In French with English Subtitles.
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LA BATAILLE DU RAIL
Directed by René Clément, 1946
During the Occupation of France by Nazi Germany, French railway workers bravely battled the Nazi cause on many fronts. From transporting forbidden mail to committing acts of sabotage, these unsung heroes of the war were an invaluable tool of the French Resistance. French with English subtitles.
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Directed by René Clément, 1946
During the Occupation of France by Nazi Germany, French railway workers bravely battled the Nazi cause on many fronts. From transporting forbidden mail to committing acts of sabotage, these unsung heroes of the war were an invaluable tool of the French Resistance. French with English subtitles.
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CÉLINE
Directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau, 1992
Genevieve, the village nurse, finds Céline, a confused girl with suicidal tendencies, wandering the ward of the hospital one morning. Genevieve takes the young girl home but is afraid to leave her alone. When Céline’s stepmother offers the nurse money to take care of her stepdaughter, Genevieve agrees. A bond forms between young girl and the older woman until one day Genevieve realizes that Céline has special healing powers. French with optional English subtitles.
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Directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau, 1992
Genevieve, the village nurse, finds Céline, a confused girl with suicidal tendencies, wandering the ward of the hospital one morning. Genevieve takes the young girl home but is afraid to leave her alone. When Céline’s stepmother offers the nurse money to take care of her stepdaughter, Genevieve agrees. A bond forms between young girl and the older woman until one day Genevieve realizes that Céline has special healing powers. French with optional English subtitles.
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DIARY OF A SUICIDE
Directed by Stanislav Stanojevic, 1972
While cruising the Mediterranean with a tour group, the guide becomes infatuated with the interpreter, an enigmatic woman who hides behind her sunglasses. Instead of rebuffing his advances, she challenges him: "Tell me a beautiful story." The guide proceeds to entertain her with his tall tales, but his most intriguing story is beyond belief. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Stanislav Stanojevic, 1972
While cruising the Mediterranean with a tour group, the guide becomes infatuated with the interpreter, an enigmatic woman who hides behind her sunglasses. Instead of rebuffing his advances, she challenges him: "Tell me a beautiful story." The guide proceeds to entertain her with his tall tales, but his most intriguing story is beyond belief. In French with English subtitles.
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DRANCY AVENIR
Directed by Arnaud de Pallieres, 1996
Drancy Avenir offers three compelling stories beginning with the last Holocaust survivor, who laments not leaving behind an account of the past he witnessed. In the second tale, a young historian doing research on the concentration camp that operated in Drancy discovers that the site of the camp is now occupied by a low-cost housing project called La Muette (the Silent). In the final tale, a ship’s captain recounts a journey up an uncharted river towards a little-known civilization. In French with optional English subtitles.
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Directed by Arnaud de Pallieres, 1996
Drancy Avenir offers three compelling stories beginning with the last Holocaust survivor, who laments not leaving behind an account of the past he witnessed. In the second tale, a young historian doing research on the concentration camp that operated in Drancy discovers that the site of the camp is now occupied by a low-cost housing project called La Muette (the Silent). In the final tale, a ship’s captain recounts a journey up an uncharted river towards a little-known civilization. In French with optional English subtitles.
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HISTORY OF A SECRET
Directed by Mariana Otero, 2003
When filmmaker Mariana Otero was a young child, her mother disappeared. The family told Mariana and her sister, Isabel, that their mother had gone to work in Paris, but later admitted that she was dead. Twenty-five years later, Otero's father reveals the truth about her mother, confessing the secret he alone had carried for so long -- her mother had died in a back-alley abortion. In French with optional English subtitles.
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Directed by Mariana Otero, 2003
When filmmaker Mariana Otero was a young child, her mother disappeared. The family told Mariana and her sister, Isabel, that their mother had gone to work in Paris, but later admitted that she was dead. Twenty-five years later, Otero's father reveals the truth about her mother, confessing the secret he alone had carried for so long -- her mother had died in a back-alley abortion. In French with optional English subtitles.
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THE HYPOTHESIS OF THE STOLEN PAINTING
Directed by Raul Ruiz, 1978
An enigmatic musing on the nature of art interpretation in this unusual mystery centered on a stolen painting. A bumbling art collector attempts to reconstruct the content of a painting missing from a series of seven painted 100 years earlier by an eccentric artist. To help him in his task, a group of actors pose as the figures in the paintings to create a series of human tableaux. Ruiz's The Suspended Vacation is also included on this DVD. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Raul Ruiz, 1978
An enigmatic musing on the nature of art interpretation in this unusual mystery centered on a stolen painting. A bumbling art collector attempts to reconstruct the content of a painting missing from a series of seven painted 100 years earlier by an eccentric artist. To help him in his task, a group of actors pose as the figures in the paintings to create a series of human tableaux. Ruiz's The Suspended Vacation is also included on this DVD. In French with English subtitles.
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IT ALL STARTS TODAY
Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, 1999
From acclaimed filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier (Round Midnight, Coup de Torchon). Philippe Torreton offers an electrifying performance as an everyday hero fighting the good fight. French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Bertrand Tavernier, 1999
From acclaimed filmmaker Bertrand Tavernier (Round Midnight, Coup de Torchon). Philippe Torreton offers an electrifying performance as an everyday hero fighting the good fight. French with English subtitles.
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JOAN THE MAID: COMPLETE SET
Directed by Jacques Rivette, 1993
In a stunning performance, Sandrine Bonnaire portrays Joan of Arc in this epic about the 15th century teenager who led the French army into battle. "A masterpiece...one of the ten best films of the 90s" (Susan Sontag). "The best Joan [of Arc] movie ever made" (The New Yorker). French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Jacques Rivette, 1993
In a stunning performance, Sandrine Bonnaire portrays Joan of Arc in this epic about the 15th century teenager who led the French army into battle. "A masterpiece...one of the ten best films of the 90s" (Susan Sontag). "The best Joan [of Arc] movie ever made" (The New Yorker). French with English subtitles.
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KEEP YOUR RIGHT UP! (Soigne ta Droite)
Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, 1987
Godard himself stars in this episodic comedy that stands firmly in the Jerry Lewis tradition. Rock groups, golf, travel, famous French actors, people crashing through car windows, and copies of Dostoevsky's The Idiot are among the many featured subjects in this dazzling feature from the mid-80s.
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Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, 1987
Godard himself stars in this episodic comedy that stands firmly in the Jerry Lewis tradition. Rock groups, golf, travel, famous French actors, people crashing through car windows, and copies of Dostoevsky's The Idiot are among the many featured subjects in this dazzling feature from the mid-80s.
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LIFE THE WAY IT IS
Directed by Jean- Claude Brisseau, 1978
Jean-Claude Brisseau — a protégé of Eric Rohmer — began his filmmaking career with this gritty story of working women in the modern world. Originally shot on 16mm for French television, it may be the filmmaker's most radical film, with its images of suicide, group violence, and sexual pressure. In French with optional English subtitles.
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Directed by Jean- Claude Brisseau, 1978
Jean-Claude Brisseau — a protégé of Eric Rohmer — began his filmmaking career with this gritty story of working women in the modern world. Originally shot on 16mm for French television, it may be the filmmaker's most radical film, with its images of suicide, group violence, and sexual pressure. In French with optional English subtitles.
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A LITTLE FAMILY CONVERSATION
Directed by Helene Lapiower, 1999
rench actress Helene Lapiower steps on the other side of the camera to shoot this intimate documentary about her working-class Jewish family who immigrated to France from Poland decades ago. Originally intending to preserve images of her family’s background and culture, which was slowly slipping away, she began a seven-year odyssey that yielded so much more. In French, English, and Yiddish with French or English subtitles.
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Directed by Helene Lapiower, 1999
rench actress Helene Lapiower steps on the other side of the camera to shoot this intimate documentary about her working-class Jewish family who immigrated to France from Poland decades ago. Originally intending to preserve images of her family’s background and culture, which was slowly slipping away, she began a seven-year odyssey that yielded so much more. In French, English, and Yiddish with French or English subtitles.
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MAD ADVENTURES OF RABBI JACOB
Directed by Gerard Oury, 1973
Louis de Funes stars in this celebrated comic treat as a racist, anti-Semitic businessman en route to his daughter's wedding, who must disguise himself as a rabbi, which leads to one crazy, slapstick situation after another. Nominated for a Best Foreign Film Golden Globe. "One of the funniest movies from any country" (Boxoffice). In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Gerard Oury, 1973
Louis de Funes stars in this celebrated comic treat as a racist, anti-Semitic businessman en route to his daughter's wedding, who must disguise himself as a rabbi, which leads to one crazy, slapstick situation after another. Nominated for a Best Foreign Film Golden Globe. "One of the funniest movies from any country" (Boxoffice). In French with English subtitles.
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THE LUC MOULLET COLLECTION
1966-1992
Available at last in this exceptional four-disc set are the feature films of Luc Moullet, original member of the French New Wave and long-time critic for Cahiers du Cinema. Rarely seen outside France, these films reveal the innovative style and unique perspective of "a major and shamefully neglected filmmaker" (Jonathan Rosenbaum, CinemaScope). In French with optional English subtitles.
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1966-1992
Available at last in this exceptional four-disc set are the feature films of Luc Moullet, original member of the French New Wave and long-time critic for Cahiers du Cinema. Rarely seen outside France, these films reveal the innovative style and unique perspective of "a major and shamefully neglected filmmaker" (Jonathan Rosenbaum, CinemaScope). In French with optional English subtitles.
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THE FILMS OF LUC MOULLET:
THE SMUGGLERS and A GIRL IS A GUN
1967/1971
From the mind of Luc Moullet, the unknown genius of the original French New Wave, comes this pair of riotous comedies that capture the movement's spirit of anarchy. In French with English subtitles.
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THE SMUGGLERS and A GIRL IS A GUN
1967/1971
From the mind of Luc Moullet, the unknown genius of the original French New Wave, comes this pair of riotous comedies that capture the movement's spirit of anarchy. In French with English subtitles.
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THE FILMS OF LUC MOULLET:
BRIGITTE AND BRIGITTE and UP AND DOWN
1966/1992
Luc Moullet, original member of the French New Wave and long-time critic for Cahiers du Cinema, directed these two unique comedies with a modern eye and an absurdist wit. In French with English subtitles.
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BRIGITTE AND BRIGITTE and UP AND DOWN
1966/1992
Luc Moullet, original member of the French New Wave and long-time critic for Cahiers du Cinema, directed these two unique comedies with a modern eye and an absurdist wit. In French with English subtitles.
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THE FILMS OF LUC MOULLET:
ANATOMY OF A RELATIONSHIP and
GENESIS OF A MEAL
Directed by 1975/1978
Luc Moullet, original member of the French New Wave and long-time critic for Cahiers du Cinema, directed these two distinctive documentaries that resonate with his absurdist view and maverick vision. In French with English subtitles.
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ANATOMY OF A RELATIONSHIP and
GENESIS OF A MEAL
Directed by 1975/1978
Luc Moullet, original member of the French New Wave and long-time critic for Cahiers du Cinema, directed these two distinctive documentaries that resonate with his absurdist view and maverick vision. In French with English subtitles.
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NATHALIE GRANGER
Directed by Marguerite Duras, 1973
Acclaimed French author Marguerite Duras (Hiroshima Mon Amour) directs renowned French star Jeanne Moreau (Jules and Jim) in this elliptical, elusory story about the world of women in which dull domestic ritual masks an undercurrent of lurking violence. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Marguerite Duras, 1973
Acclaimed French author Marguerite Duras (Hiroshima Mon Amour) directs renowned French star Jeanne Moreau (Jules and Jim) in this elliptical, elusory story about the world of women in which dull domestic ritual masks an undercurrent of lurking violence. In French with English subtitles.
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NOTORIOUS NOBODIES
Directed by Stanislav Stanojevic, 1984
The narrative follows eight stories of human rights violations occurring simultaneously in Prague, Munich, Paris, Vienna, Geneva, Montevideo, Zaire, and France during the course of one day -- November 10, 1983. Stanojevic sets these fictional stories of unfortunate individuals, whose only crime is existing, in specific settings where historically these types of violations actually occurred. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Stanislav Stanojevic, 1984
The narrative follows eight stories of human rights violations occurring simultaneously in Prague, Munich, Paris, Vienna, Geneva, Montevideo, Zaire, and France during the course of one day -- November 10, 1983. Stanojevic sets these fictional stories of unfortunate individuals, whose only crime is existing, in specific settings where historically these types of violations actually occurred. In French with English subtitles.
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100% ARABICA
Directed by Mahmoud Zemmouri, 1997
In this light-hearted musical comedy with a message, a North African pop group called Rap Oriental uses music to triumph over the bigotry and violence in 100% Arabica, the housing project on the outskirts of Paris that they call home. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Mahmoud Zemmouri, 1997
In this light-hearted musical comedy with a message, a North African pop group called Rap Oriental uses music to triumph over the bigotry and violence in 100% Arabica, the housing project on the outskirts of Paris that they call home. In French with English subtitles.
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A PIECE OF SKY
Directed by Bénédicte Liénard, 2002
Every day Claudine toils on the production line in a food-processing factory, but as a union leader, she works even harder to get better pay and working conditions for her fellow employees. The days of strong unions are in the past, however, and Claudine senses her union is losing its clout. When Joanna, a friend in prison, needs her to speak up on her behalf, Claudine hesitates, knowing it will diminish her reputation and undermine her role as a union official. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Bénédicte Liénard, 2002
Every day Claudine toils on the production line in a food-processing factory, but as a union leader, she works even harder to get better pay and working conditions for her fellow employees. The days of strong unions are in the past, however, and Claudine senses her union is losing its clout. When Joanna, a friend in prison, needs her to speak up on her behalf, Claudine hesitates, knowing it will diminish her reputation and undermine her role as a union official. In French with English subtitles.
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POIL DE CAROTTE (CARROT TOP)
Directed by Julien Duvivier, 1932
At times Francois's life seems miserable: His mother resents him, derisively calling him "Carrot Top"; his siblings torment him; and his father ignores him. But, master filmmaker Julien Duvivier uses inventive camera tricks that bring a light-heartedness to the material. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Julien Duvivier, 1932
At times Francois's life seems miserable: His mother resents him, derisively calling him "Carrot Top"; his siblings torment him; and his father ignores him. But, master filmmaker Julien Duvivier uses inventive camera tricks that bring a light-heartedness to the material. In French with English subtitles.
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THE FILMS OF RAUL RUIZ
1977/1978/1982
Exiled Chilean director Raoul Ruiz offers up three films that showcase his visually intense, highly metaphysical style. The 2-DVD set includes: The Suspended Vocation, The Hypothesis of the Stolen Painting and Three Crowns of a Sailor. In French with optional English subtitles.
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1977/1978/1982
Exiled Chilean director Raoul Ruiz offers up three films that showcase his visually intense, highly metaphysical style. The 2-DVD set includes: The Suspended Vocation, The Hypothesis of the Stolen Painting and Three Crowns of a Sailor. In French with optional English subtitles.
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SUBVERSION
Directed by Stanislav Stanojevic, 1979
In an absurdist allegory by Stanislav Stanojevic (Notorious Nobodies), a blind, paralyzed president uses his remarkable hearing and his corrupt daughter to keep his country in line. His beautiful, clever daughter works her own agenda while striving to be the equal of men. She appoints herself Chief of Firefighters and then commits arson to ensure that her job is needed. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Stanislav Stanojevic, 1979
In an absurdist allegory by Stanislav Stanojevic (Notorious Nobodies), a blind, paralyzed president uses his remarkable hearing and his corrupt daughter to keep his country in line. His beautiful, clever daughter works her own agenda while striving to be the equal of men. She appoints herself Chief of Firefighters and then commits arson to ensure that her job is needed. In French with English subtitles.
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THREE CROWNS OF THE SAILOR
Directed by Raul Ruiz, 1982
On a dark, foggy night, a student meets a sailor who agrees to tell the young man the story of his life for three Danish crowns. The sailor's adventures from continent to continent are extraordinary, because he sails aboard a cursed ship with a ghostly crew. The threads of the story overlap and interweave as the sailor takes the student on a fantastic voyage with exotic characters through strange landscapes. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Raul Ruiz, 1982
On a dark, foggy night, a student meets a sailor who agrees to tell the young man the story of his life for three Danish crowns. The sailor's adventures from continent to continent are extraordinary, because he sails aboard a cursed ship with a ghostly crew. The threads of the story overlap and interweave as the sailor takes the student on a fantastic voyage with exotic characters through strange landscapes. In French with English subtitles.
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WORKERS FOR THE GOOD LORD
Directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau, 2000
An unsettling blend of black comedy and melodrama, Workers for the Good Lord was chosen as one of the top ten films of 2000 by Cahiers du Cinema. The story follows the misadventures of Fred, whose wife leaves him because he cannot support her and his children. Emotionally devastated, he takes to the road with postal clerk Sandrine and a mysterious African named Maguette. The trio rob banks across the South of France until they amass a small fortune, but Fred can only think of winning back the affections of his wife. In French with English subtitles.
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Directed by Jean-Claude Brisseau, 2000
An unsettling blend of black comedy and melodrama, Workers for the Good Lord was chosen as one of the top ten films of 2000 by Cahiers du Cinema. The story follows the misadventures of Fred, whose wife leaves him because he cannot support her and his children. Emotionally devastated, he takes to the road with postal clerk Sandrine and a mysterious African named Maguette. The trio rob banks across the South of France until they amass a small fortune, but Fred can only think of winning back the affections of his wife. In French with English subtitles.
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