99 Francs
99 Francs is a cynical comedy about the advertisement industry. Cocaine, egoism, and a complete lack of meaningful purpose are the name of the game. When I was young, I liked the movie because it was kind of edgy, cool, and critical of our consumerist culture. Now I appreciate the movie because working in marketing is soul-sucking and I wouldn’t be surprised if continuing down that path in the long term would lead to an egotistical cocaine habit.
You’ll like it if you’re either pretentious or a self-hating marketeer, or perhaps both.
Jeux d’enfants
It’s kind of an alternative story of love and friendship. Two oddball kids befriend each other and start playing a game of “dare”. This goes on until they reach the brink of adulthood and the stakes become higher. I liked it because it’s kind of a heartwarming story and Marion Cotillard is gorgeous.
You’ll like it if you have a significant other or if you secretly like romance.
Notre Jour Viendra
This movie is gritty. A therapist and his patient go on a kind of a roadtrip, kind of a wreaking havoc tour of vengeance across the country. It has some obvious racial metaphors but it also explores careless insanity and the justification of blind rage. I liked it because it’s gritty and has a straight-forward but also a more complex message.
You’ll like it if you’re into intergroup relations and insanity.
L’auberge Espagnole
Just recently rewatched this one. I used to love it as a teenager. It likely influenced my decision to move abroad and live a nomadic lifestyle. However, upon watching it again, I couldn’t necessarily relate to the characters that much anymore. I had outgrown them to an extent. Still, I think it’s a solid casual afternoon watching type of film about making friends abroad and having dubious morals about monogamy.
You’ll like it if you’re a young person dreaming of living abroad.