Films and TV shows to improve your French this spring

Culture is such a huge part of language learning, and one of the most enjoyable ways of improving your skills. 

Full immersion is key to learning a language in a meaningful way, and so when you fancy kicking back with a TV series, trying to watch something in French will kill two birds with one stone. 

Fortunately, French film and TV have really good offerings, whether taking a trip to the cinema or simply settling in on your sofa. 

With language learning, it is never too early to throw yourself in the deep end and start watching and listening in French. You will be constantly surprised by how much you understand, especially when you don’t have the pressure of replying. 

Often language learners panic when someone addresses them in the target language and they have to respond. 

When this stress is removed, you can focus entirely on taking in what is being said on the screen, instead of worrying about formulating a response.

Early beginners can go slowly, pausing to take note of new words, while advanced learners should try to follow without any subtitles (always in French). In time, this will improve your oral skills. 

Têtàtête(s)

Têtàtête(s)  is the perfect miniseries for film buffs. Each 12-13 minute episode interviews a famous French actor about a new piece of work they have been involved in. 

The interviews prove particularly helpful as a language-learning tool by providing the learner with some background context before watching the film. For beginners and early intermediate levels, understanding the context of what is happening in a film and TV show is hugely beneficial; it allows the learner to focus on new vocabulary instead of spending time and energy on trying to follow the plot. 

The series can also expand your repertoire of French films - make a list of the interviews you most enjoy and watch their other work!

Têtàtête(s) is available to watch on Canal+. 

Mauvaise Pioche

The latest episode of Têtàtête(s) interviews Gérard Jugnot about his most recent role in Mauvaise Pioche. 

Retiree Serge Martin’s peaceful life is turned upside down when he is mistaken for the most wanted man in France, Xavier Dupont, known widely as Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès. 

Dupont is suspected of murdering his wife and four children in Nantes in 2011, and has not been seen since. 

In this new comedy which casts a critical eye over the media's portrayal of the case, Jugnot’s character must fight to prove his innocence in order to return to his quiet everyday life. 

Mauvaise Pioche is in cinemas now. 

L’Agence 

A brand new season of L’Agence, one of Netflix’s most popular French shows, is available this month on the streaming platform. 

The Kretz family started as a small family real estate business in Boulogne, and has rapidly grown to increase their portfolio all over the world. 

Throughout the various seasons (the latest is the sixth instalment), the properties we get access to are increasingly impressive. From secret rooftops in Paris to sprawling villas in the south, it is a real insight into how the other half live, not only in France but now across Europe. 

Finistère, ces Bretons du bout du monde 

If you are fascinated by French regional culture, the documentary Finistère, ces Bretons du bout du monde on France.TV is well worth a watch. 

The documentary aims to avoid the classic crêpes and cider stereotypes typical of Brittany, in order to explore what makes the Breton people so proud of their region. 

Finistère is situated right at the end of the peninsula of Brittany, making it feel almost island-like. Of course, the culture is intertwined with the regional language of Brezhoneg, which is a Celtic language that is still taught widely in schools in the area and used in cultural events. 

Gad Gone Wild 

Stand-up is a very good way to tap into the French psyche as it often provides social commentary and cultural reference points that can help you to assimilate to life in France. 

Expats are likely to identify with French comic Gad Elmaleh’s experiences of moving country; in Gad Gone Wild on Netflix, he regales a crowd in Montreal with his tales of moving to the US and all the cultural differences he has encountered. 

It is comforting to hear about the mix-ups that have occurred in his new life, a reminder to everyone who has moved country that it is all part of the experience. 

If you enjoy the comedy special, there is plenty more Gad Elmaleh content on Netflix, including a short series called Huge in France, which see’s Gad try to reconnect with his son in LA.

Bonus: A Tale of Two Cities

While this new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities may not actually be in French, it stars one of French cinema’s actors of the moment and is set against the backdrop of the French revolution.

François Civil, acting in English, joins Kit Harrington and Mirren Mack to form an unlikely love triangle as tensions between France and Britain grow.