The rise of streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix has revolutionised the way we consume entertainment, making it easier than ever to access foreign content. One of the most exciting aspects of this transformation is its opportunity for language learners to immerse themselves in authentic language experiences. This article will explore how watching French films and series can significantly enhance your language skills. You will also find our curated list of the best French films and series to watch on Amazon Prime and Netflix at the end of this article.
Streaming Services Provide A Gateway To Foreign Content
We must acknowledge the role that streaming services have played in transforming the accessibility of foreign content. Platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix have made it incredibly convenient to access a vast library of movies and shows worldwide, including French productions. This accessibility is a game-changer for language learners, allowing them to engage with authentic language and cultural contexts.
5 Good Reasons to Watch French Films and Series
1. Exposure to Different Accents and Language Registers
When you watch French films and series, you expose yourself to various accents and language registers. French is spoken differently in various regions, and through streaming platforms, you can hear the nuances of Parisian French, Quebecois French, and many more. This exposure helps you become more attuned to the diversity of the language, making it easier to understand different French speakers in real-life conversations.
2. Cultural Nuances and Context
Language is deeply intertwined with culture, and films and series provide a window into the cultural nuances of France and French-speaking regions. You'll learn how to speak the language, navigate social situations, and understand the context in which certain expressions are used. This cultural awareness enhances your language skills by allowing you to communicate more effectively and respectfully.
3. Improved Language Comprehension
Watching films and series in French can be challenging, especially if you're a beginner. However, this challenge is an excellent way to improve your listening comprehension. Over time, you'll understand more of the dialogue without relying heavily on subtitles. This improvement in comprehension is imperative for meaningful conversations in French.
4. Fostering Conversation and Critical Thinking
Incorporating French films and series into French classes can be highly beneficial. It adds an engaging element to the curriculum and fosters conversation and critical thinking. As a student, you can analyse the plot in the target language, the characters, and the themes. This analytical approach deepens your understanding of both the language and the content.
5. Sharing Opinions and Interpretations
Watching films and series in a group setting, whether with friends or family, offers a unique opportunity for discussion. These discussions encourage participants to express their opinions and interpretations in French. These film or series experiences can also be shared in conversation classes with fellow learners, further enhancing the experience. This not only reinforces language skills but also promotes meaningful exchanges. It's an interactive way to practise what you've learned from the content.
Conclusion
Watching French films and series on platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix is more than just entertainment; it's a powerful tool for language learners. It provides exposure to diverse accents, language registers, and cultural nuances, which are pertinent for well-rounded language skills. So, the next time you're browsing for something to watch, consider choosing a French film or series to boost your language skills while enjoying captivating storytelling.
Discover our handpick selection of fantastic films and series below
The Best French Films & Series on Amazon Prime
Films
Madame Bovary - 2015
This adaptation of Gustave Flaubert's classic novel follows the tragic life of Emma Bovary, a young woman whose pursuit of passion and luxury leads her down a destructive path, ultimately resulting in her downfall.
Le fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain (Amélie) - 2001
Set in the whimsical streets of Montmartre, Amélie, a shy waitress with a heart full of kindness, embarks on a mission to spread joy to those around her. This charming and imaginative tale celebrates the magic of everyday life in Paris.
La victoire en chantant (Black and White in Colour) - 1977
In this satirical war comedy, two colonial powers during World War I mistakenly fight against each other in a remote African village, unaware that their countries have signed a truce. The film humorously explores the absurdity of war and colonialism.
Series
Mixte (Voltaire High) - 2021
Set in a French high school in the 1960s, "Mixte" explores the integration of girls into an all-boys school. The series delves into the challenges and dynamics of gender integration while highlighting the personal stories of students and teachers.
Nicolas Le Floch - 2008/2018
A historical crime drama series set in 18th-century Paris, following the adventures of Nicolas Le Floch, a young police commissioner. Through intricate mysteries and historical accuracy, the series offers a captivating glimpse into crime-solving in pre-revolutionary France.
The Best French Films & Series on Netflix
Films
Portrait d’une jeune fille en feu (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) - 2019
A visually stunning period drama set in the late 18th century. The film tells the story of a female artist who is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of a reluctant bride-to-be on a remote island, leading to a passionate and forbidden love affair.
Mademoiselle de Joncquières de Emmanuel Mouret (Lady J) - 2019
The film follows the intricate and passionate love story between a widow, Madame de La Pommeraye, and a notorious libertine, the Marquis des Arcis, marked by deception, revenge, and ultimately, unexpected redemption.
Le jeu de Fred Cavayé (Nothing to hide) 2018
A few friends meet for a dinner party. After dinner they play a game of sharing texts, calls, e-mails etc. by placing all 7 cell phones on the table. Unexpected results as all have secrets.
Mauvaises herbes de Kheiron (Bad seeds) - 2018
Waël, a scam artist and former street kid from the Parisian suburbs, finds himself taking charge of a group of six teenagers expelled for being troublemakers.
L'ascension (The Climb) - 2017
A heartwarming and comedic film based on a true story. It follows the journey of a young man named Samy, who decides to climb Mount Everest to impress the woman he loves, despite having no mountaineering experience, leading to a humorous and inspiring adventure.
Divines - 2016
A powerful coming-of-age drama that delves into the lives of two teenage girls from a disadvantaged Parisian suburb. As they navigate their way through a world of poverty and crime, they dream of escaping their circumstances and achieving a better life.
Series
Vortex - 2022
A thought-provoking French science fiction series that explores the repercussions of a world where time travel is possible. It follows a group of individuals who discover the existence of time vortexes, leading to thrilling adventures and ethical dilemmas.
Drôle (Standing up) - 2022
a heartwarming French comedy-drama series that centers on the life of a woman who, after a traumatic event, decides to reinvent herself through stand-up comedy. The series explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of humour.
Lupin - 2021
A modern take on the classic French literary character Arsène Lupin, created by Maurice Leblanc. The series follows Assane Diop, a charismatic and cunning thief, as he seeks revenge against a wealthy family that wronged his father.
Les 7 vies de Léa (The 7 lives of Lea) - 2020
A French drama series that weaves together the stories of multiple characters who are connected through a mysterious woman named Léa. As secrets unravel, the series explores themes of love, fate, and interconnectedness.
Dix pour cent - 2015/2020
A French comedy-drama series that provides a behind-the-scenes look at a talent agency in Paris. Each episode features interactions with real French celebrities as the agents navigate the challenges of their professional and personal lives.
Le Bazar de la Charité (The Bonfire of Destiny) - 2019
A historical drama series set in 19th-century Paris. It follows the lives of three women from different backgrounds whose fates become intertwined when a devastating fire breaks out at a charity bazaar.
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