A moody summer with unpredictable temperatures calls for “an offer you can’t refuse”: films to see or see again! You don’t have to be a cinephile to enjoy a good movie in the comfort of your own home… with or without the ritual that goes with it, namely kicking your feet back on a cushy sofa, with piping hot popcorn and multicoloured treats—harmful to your health, but great for morale.
So, without further ado, here are four films we’d like to share with you!
1. Mune, le gardien de la Lune
2. Zorba the Greek
3. Equilibrium
4. Le silence de la mer
1. Mune, le gardien de la Lune (2015), French Animated Film Directed by Benoît Philippon & Alexandre Heboyan
A family treat! A little treasure! A poetic tale we never get tired of watching and one we had the pleasure of enjoying more than once. There are so many great finds and details that escape us during the first watch… Wonder and laughter guaranteed!
The story takes place in an imaginary world and recounts the trials and tribulations of a mysterious little creature, Mune, who must find a kidnapped Sun, stolen while he was supposed to be standing guard… You’ll love it for sure!
2. Zorba the Greek (1964), Greek-British-American Film, in Black & White, Directed by Michael Cacoyannis, with Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas & Alan Bates
The film tells the story of Basil, a young British writer, as he returns to Crete to settle an inheritance matter. Of a reserved nature, he crosses paths with Zorba, an exuberant Greek who lives life to the fullest. They have nothing in common, and yet a beautiful friendship will result from this meeting.
Here is a great classic, one of our favourite films, and undoubtedly the most beautiful role ever played by Anthony Quinn, which earned him an Oscar nomination! The final scene: masterful! The Sirtaki was made famous thanks to Zorba’s dance on the beach. And how could we not mention the legendary music of Míkis Theodorakis who has toured the world? A movie not to miss.
3. Equilibrium (2002), American Sci-Fi Film, Directed by Kurt Wimmer, with Christian Bale & Emily Watson
Equilibrium had us in a trance… This action-packed film with an incredible Hollywood touch delivers a fascinating story and a well-thought-out plot!
John Preston is one of the best agents in the dystopian city-state of Libria. Like his colleagues, he is in charge of enforcing the law here. Since emotions are found to be a source of many problems, all forms of art and feeling are prohibited. For this to be possible, every day, all citizens of Libria must take Prozium, a drug that makes them happier, more productive and more compliant, as they live in harmony with their leader known as Father. Anyone who disobeys the law and refuses to take the drug signs their own death warrant, unless they live in hiding with the resistance movement. One day, John Preston breaks the vial containing his daily dose and doesn’t have time to replace it. He’s then flooded with a whole range of emotions…
We highly recommend this film, even if you’re not a fan of the science-fiction genre. You’ll find there’s more to this movie than meets the eye.
4. Le silence de la mer (2004), French-Belgian Movie by Pierre Boutron, with Julie Delarme, Thomas Jouannet, Michel Galabru & Marie Bunel
A real love, a revelation! Even if you’re not a romantic, you’ll be sure to fall for this film. Adapted from the classic novel by Vercors, we also found out there was another film by Jean-Pierre Melville (1949).
During the Occupation, a German officer lodges with an old man and his niece. The latter find a weapon of resistance in meeting him with an unshakable silence, even though he seems courteous and cultivated. Still, a love eventually blooms between him and the young woman.
The intense scenes are punctuated with silent moments full of unspoken words, just as we like them.
You can watch the movie with English subtitles here.
That’s it… On days of overwhelming heat or tropical rain, you’ll know what to do. Home theatre time!
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What’s your favourite movie? Tell us in the comments below!
Adapted from French by Erika Spedding
