Films about the South of France
“French Kiss”, 1995
Director: Lawrence Kasdan
This romantic comedy stars Meg Ryan as a woman who flies to France to confront her straying fiancé but gets mixed up with a charming crook played by Kevin Kline. Set against the backdrop of Paris and the Provence region, the film showcases the vineyards and scenic beauty of the South of France.
Starring: Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, Timothy Hutton, Jean Reno, François Cluzet, Suzan Anbeh, Renée Humphrey, Michael Riley, Laurent Spielvogel, Victor Garrivier;
Production year: 1995;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “French Kiss” on the website imdb.com
“A Good Year”, 2006
Director: Ridley Scott
Directed by Ridley Scott, this film is based on Peter Mayle's novel of the same name. Russell Crowe plays a London banker who inherits a vineyard in Provence. As he arrives to sell it, he discovers a new laid-back lifestyle. The film lovingly portrays the Provencal countryside.
Starring: Russell Crowe, Marion Cotillard, Abbie Cornish, Freddie Highmore, Albert Finney, Tom Hollander, Rafe Spall, Archie Panjabi, Richard Coyle, Ben Righton;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “A Good Year” on the website imdb.com
“Priceless”, 2016
Director: Ben Smallbone
“Hors de prix” in French, stars Audrey Tautou as a gold-digger mistaken for a wealthy woman by a bartender (Gad Elmaleh). Set in the opulent hotels of the French Riviera, this romantic comedy showcases the glamorous lifestyle and beautiful scenery of the South of France.
Starring: Joel Smallbone, Bianca A. Santos, David Koechner, Jim Parrack, Amber Midthunder, Travis Hammer, Luce Rains, Sarah Minnic, Sierra Rose Smith, Ines France Ware, Cru Ennis, Jodi Lynn Thomas, Lora Cunningham, Miguel Martinez, Kristen DeVore Rakes, Kevin Wiggins, Robyn Reede, Chris Ranney, Tommy Truex, Vic Browder, Katherine Neff, Hank Rogerson, Vincent E. McDaniel, Steve Weir, Ian Troy, Diana Gaitirira, Derek Blakeney, Cory J. Broussard, Marika Day, Lorena Fernández, Charlene Fox, Michael Benjamin Kirby, Jonathan Lund, Francisco Peramos, Kelly Petry, Daniel Pimentel, Sale Taylor;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: thriller, drama, melodrama, crime;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Priceless” on the website imdb.com
“Riviera”, 2017
Director: Paul Walker, Hans Herbots, Óskar Thór Axelsson, Philip Kadelbach
Though not a film, this television series deserves a mention for its lavish depiction of the French Riviera’s luxury and deceit. It follows the life of Georgina Clios, whose life is turned upside down after her billionaire husband is killed in a yacht explosion.
Starring: Julia Stiles, Iwan Rheon, Lena Olin, Dimitri Leonidas, Roxane Duran, Poppy Delevingne, Anthony LaPaglia, Igal Naor, Jack Fox, Adrian Lester;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama;
Age: 18+;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Riviera” on the website imdb.com
These films, with their varied stories and themes, all share the common thread of showcasing the South of France's captivating allure. Whether through tales of intrigue, romance, or personal discovery, each film invites viewers to experience the distinctive charm and natural beauty of this unforgettable region.
The allure of the South of France has long captivated the imagination not just of travelers, but filmmakers seeking to encapsulate its unique blend of rustic charm, opulent lifestyles, and breathtaking landscapes. From the sun-drenched vineyards to the azure shores of the Mediterranean, these films serve as a testament to the region's undying appeal, weaving narratives that range from the intricately personal to the grandiosely epic. They capture the essence of the Provençal lifestyle, the intricacies of its social tapestry, and the timeless beauty of its landscapes, making the South of France not just a backdrop, but a character in its own right. As viewers, we are transported into a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, leaving us enamored with the region's enduring mystique. Through their exploration of love, loss, passion, and the human condition, these films about the South of France offer a rich, immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll, inviting us to dream, to explore, and perhaps to find a piece of ourselves in the lavender fields and along the cobbled streets of this enchanting part of the world.
