Who doesn’t like a cute romantic comedy that will take one off away from reality into a world of love, laughter and pleasurable endings. Rom-Coms are a therapy after a stressful week. It feels great to sit with a tub of popcorn, or ice-cream and simply watch a movie that pleases your soul. If you are bored with watching the same English or Hindi Romantic comedies, here’s a suggestive list of some delightful French Romantic comedies. After all, which better place to find love in, than France?
Love Is In the Air (Amour & turbulences)
Love is in the air, quite literally. Two exes Julie and Antoine end up on the same flight as co-passengers. Initial attempts to change their seats fall flat and exes who haven’t seen each other from 3 years end up sharing a 6-hour flight. Julie flaunts about how her sculptures are being appraised all around and garnering her fame. Along with which she is happily engaged to a great guy. But, flashbacks have a different story to tell. Antoine too feels the need to establish himself and presents to be in a stable relationship. Whereas, he in reality is a man who has a list of women to be associated with. Julie takes advice from her mother whereas Antoine from his best friend for the situation in hand. ‘
Along with the characters we revisit how the two had first met, their first date on the Eiffel Tower and how they fell apart. Thus, unravels a six hour journey of misunderstandings, clearing the air, funny moments and confrontations. Sometimes destiny has its way of bringing two people together and it can happen anywhere, anytime. You can tighten your seat belts for this one. Bon Voyage!
With Love…From the Age of Reason (L’Âge de raison)
Remember when you were 7 years old and had big dreams and bizarre ambitions? You loved life…you lived it, back then. That version or more like your most honest version, had a certain idea in it’s head regarding what kind of an adult you would be. That adult wasn’t bound by societal expectations and norms. It was simply an adult version of a 7 year old free and colourful you. Question is, did you become who you had vowed to be, or did you completely lose yourself while trying to settlein this world?
Margaret is a gorgeous and successful corporate woman, living the corporate life. She has a partner and a fairly well to do, busy life. But on her 40th birthday she receives letters from her 7 year old self. This letter is a reminder from “7-year old Margaret” about the kind of “Adult-Margaret” she expects herself to be. One who lives and loves and doesn’t forget the value of relationships. Expectations quite different from who she has become today. Thus begins a ride down the memory lane as Margaret comes in contact with a crush from childhood and begins to question all her present choices.
The movie will make you laugh and cry all together. It is a right blend of romance and comedy at the same time provoking the thought of finding your true self.
It Boy (20 ans d’écart)
A 38- year old Alice flies from Brazil to Paris where she meets the 19- year old Architecture student Balthazar. She forgets her USB in the plane which luckily Balthazar keeps and decides to give to her. But when she goes to pick it up from the bar where Balthazar and his friends are, he mentions forgetting it at home. So he takes her on his scooter to pick the USB. Alice’s co-workers see Balthazar hook Alice’s helmet but from the angle they see it, it seems like the two are kissing. Clicking a picture in order to create a controversy in the office, Alice’s affair with a young boy is all over social media the next day. But her boss and editor-in-chief are actually impressed by this rebellious and bold behavior. Seeing that as a ticket to promotion Alice decides to play the game and reaches out to Balthazar who is completely taken aback by this leather jacket, red lipstick bombshell-Alice, who is showering unexpected attention on him. Thus begins a journey of a 19 year old boy falling head over heels for a woman 20 years elder to him and Alice questioning her choices and heart.
It is an unusual flavor of romance with comedy introduced due to the 20- year old gap. Alice played by Virginie Efira is a character so pretty and charming you cannot get your eyes off her. It is a light treat which is sure to make your day.
Un+Une
Alright Indians, here comes a French movie with Indian infusion. Un+Une is shot in India. It is the story of Antoine, a film composer who lands in India to score a composition for an Indian adaptation of Romeo Juliet. Here he meets the wife of the French ambassador to India; Anna Hamon. She is a woman who is influenced by the new age spirituality and is discovering herself. She speaks of communication with the universe and cosmos all of which goes above Anotoine’s head. Yet, he is intrigued by the simple, unfaltering beauty and faith of Anna. Thus, he follows her on her “fertility pilgrimage” to get rid of his headache and avoid issues like a proposal from his young pianist girlfriend which is awaiting it’s reply. But, really he follows because he is falling.
It is one of a kind French Rom- Com with an Indian connect having been shot in Mumbai, Varanasi and New Delhi. The movie along with love and it’s many turns brings to light the Indian spiritual abundance and knowledge which enchants all who step on this land.
Paris-Manhattan
Alice is a 30 year old pharmacist who is a massive Woody Allen fan. She has a poster of his hanging in her room to which she talks. He advices her back in form of quotes from his movies. Alice fell in love when she was young. But this man fell for her sister and they both got married. Now, in her 30’s with her first love married off to her sister, Alice is alone and handles a pharmacy along with suitors who her relatives try to throw her way. But under universal conspiracy she comes across Victor. A guy she sees no future with what-so-ever. But then he gets her to meet Woody Allen and this time she receives an advice from her hero, in real life, which turn things around.
It is a delightful French romance which offers to be a fine entertainer. It tickles your funny bones with some well written scenes. If you’re looking for a light, pleasurable watch; this should be your pick.
Honorable mentions
Amelie (Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain) (2001)
Populaire (2012)
Heartbreaker (L’Arnacoeur) (2010)
Romantics Anonymous (Les Émotifs anonymes) (2010)
Blind date (Un peu, beaucoup, aveuglément) (2015)