How many times have you purchased French DVD films that “looked” appropriate or had a PG or G rating, but totally were not appropriate? In this article, I am going to share with you 4 school-appropriate French films for beginners. The best part is that you will not have to worry about your principal walking by and seeing or hearing something inappropriate!
Are you looking for graphic organizers, worksheets and activities to supplement French films you watch in class?
French films vs. Hollywood films
To begin, French films could not differ more in comparison to their Hollywood counterparts.
For one, Québécois and French films tend to be culturally significant as they offer commentary on social issues affecting their appropriate societies.
As a matter of fact, many films in French not only offer commentary on society, but they also tend to criticize an aspect of society.
On the other hand, Hollywood films rarely offer commentary on social issues. They are often purely for the value of entertainment.
This is in part due to the fact that Hollywood films are often big-budget blockbusters that have a lot to lose.
In addition, when we think of Hollywood films, we often think of special effects and tons of action scenes. In contrast, French films are often small budget projects and they tend to focus more on the storyline and relationships between the characters.
Why are French films important for beginners learners?
French films allow our students to temporarily leave the classroom and experience francophone cultures first-hand. In fact, culture should never be the “side dish” of a French class, it should always be the “meat and bones”. This makes for engaging French classes!
For this very reason, I choose at least 3 French movies per course. Each film must offer a unique perspective on the lives of francophone individuals and communities.
Diversity is also key. I show my students films with diverse characters and storylines. As a Punjabi French teacher, this is one of my biggest priorities as a French teacher. My students need to see themselves reflected in the films.
But why is it so tough to find APPROPRIATE French films for beginners?
This is an issue that prevents me from showing so many incredible French movies to my students.
Nudity and explicit scenes somehow always tend to make an appearance in 95% of films. Especially the best ones! I personally do not show my students films with nudity or explicit themes because I just don’t feel comfortable.
I also teach 13-15-year-olds. They can barely handle a scene with a kiss on the cheek much less anything more mature.
I also choose not to show students movies that are otherwise excellent but have scenes that I would have to forward.
Finally, I feel that my students are not missing out on unique stories and perspectives because I am not showing them films with mature scenes. There are so many incredible films in French that are rated PG.
Therefore, I am totally okay with skipping ones that have random nipple scenes or a random explicit sex scene.
So here are the three films I show my 13 & 14-year old students.
Please note that some links included in this article are affiliate links and I would make a small commission from the link should you choose to purchase through it!
Les Pee Wee 3D
Les Pee-Wee is my students’ favourite film as it is the first one they watch in French 8.
If you are not Canadian (and even if you are!), there isn’t a more Canadian film to watch in French class than this one!
This Québécois film features teenagers who play on a minor Hockey team.
The characters are charming, funny, but vulnerable. Throughout the movie, we witness bullying, the trials and tribulations of being a teenager, family pressure and the life of a teenager after a parent’s death.
Some other themes include friendship, sportsmanship and hockey (of course!!). There is no violence or nudity in this film, however, there are some Québecois and English swear words.
Whenever my students watch this movie, they always cheer during the hockey games as though they are watching their favourite NHL team!
This is by far and large my favourite and my students’ favourite French film. Many of them continue to beg regularly to watch the more mature sequel!
Here is a link to where you can buy this film (not an affiliate link) : https://www.archambault.ca/films/pee-wee-l’hiver-qui-a-changé-ma-vie-les/tessier-éric/81511346/?id=1364966&cat=1884314
Un sac de billes
This French movie is about a Jewish family during World War II. This heartbreaking story is about two brothers who attempt to escape Nazi-ridden Paris for the south of France. This a beautiful French film ideal for Grades 6+ as it does not have any scenes of violence.
Belle et Sébastien
This charming film is set in the French Alps during World War II. This one, in particular, is a huge hit with my students’ given it features an adorable dog.
The film is set in a village in the French Alps. The protagonist is seven-year-old Sébastien who lives with his adoptive grandfather.
One day, Sébastien finds a livestock guardian dog. When the village is invaded by the Nazis, the village attempts to help Jewish refugees to escape to Switzerland.
This film is particularly remarkable due to the beautiful shots of the Alps, the soundtrack and the heartfelt storyline.
Although the subject matter is sensitive, especially for young adults who may have little knowledge of the matter or may even come from families who lost family members in the Holocaust, the film itself has no gruesome scenes and hints in subtle ways as to what is occurring.
Overall, the film is uplifting and inspirational and one of my favourite French films for beginners!
Les Choristes
This is the only film that I watched myself in High School that I continue to show to my students.
I truly believe that we need to show students modern literature and films that center on social issues happening around us so that our students can develop critical thinking issues.
However, this film was released in 2004 and it is the oldest film I show my students! The main character is a music teacher who begins a job at a boys’ boarding school.
He encounters young children, including some who have faced adversity and are hesitant to trust an adult. In short, this beautiful film is heartwarming and charming and demonstrates the impact an amazing teacher can have on students.
These are my personal favourite French films for beginner French learners. If you have any films that you’d like to recommend to me, please do not hesitate to reach out in the comments or through Instagram!
