French Film Festival — A–Z of films

Immensely satisfying and riveting.

Chomet captures the way that memories can mislead or turn into a torrent but despite the jokes, he never loses sight of Paul's sadness.

Peretti lets his violence resonate, keeping it mostly offscreen but letting it echo ominously in the animalistic tendencies of the teens.

An inward, austere examination of ideas of madness, empathy and the creative impulse.

Complex and immersive, funny but with a sense of danger lurking in its darker moments, this is the sort of film that children and adults will watch to the end and then want to watch again.

Even viewers who have never cared much about show jumping, should be drawn in by how the movie deals with decision making, risk taking, self doubt, and family obligations

It's a slender film. A bit pale, like the light at the Baltic Sea, or a piece of ham that's been left on the plate too long.

Une Autre Vie marks a distinct change of register.

There are no prizes for guessing where this sprightly romantic comedy is going, but it's more entertaining than most along the way.

A hug of a film which, despite being set in a sun-kissed fairytale style Marseilles, is perfect for those looking for a feel-good outing that's suitable for all the family in the run-up to Christmas.

It’s a crowd-pleaser and only the most stern of hearts and minds could fail to be seduced by its charm and the incredible persona of Gallienne.

Brac films the small town in great detail, capturing its claustrophobia, and the sometimes tragic destinies of his protagonists.

Keeps holding out a promise of insight into its young protagonist's mentality and makeup, but ends up merely observing her from a cool distance, as if through the binoculars from the opening scene.