The South of France is a beautiful region, with its stunning countryside, picturesque beaches and vibrant cities. It is no surprise then, that the region has been the backdrop for many iconic films. From romantic dramas to action-packed adventures, there are plenty of movies set in the south of France that are worth watching.
Amélie (2001)
Amélie is a romantic comedy-drama set in Montmartre, Paris. The story follows a shy waitress, Amélie Poulain, who discovers a box of childhood memories and sets out on a mission to reunite it with its owner. Over the course of her journey, Amélie meets a variety of colourful characters, all of whom help her discover the true meaning of love. Amélie was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including four César Awards.
The Lady Vanishes (1938)
The Lady Vanishes is a classic mystery-thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The story follows two English travellers, Iris and Gilbert, who board a train in the south of France and become embroiled in a web of intrigue and espionage. As the journey progresses, Iris discovers that an elderly lady has disappeared from the train, and she soon finds herself in a race against time to uncover the truth. The Lady Vanishes is considered to be one of Hitchcock’s best films, and it has been praised for its suspenseful plot and memorable characters.
Escape to Victory (1981)
Escape to Victory is a sports drama set in Nazi-occupied France. The story follows a group of Allied prisoners of war, who are forced to play a football match against a German team. As the match progresses, the prisoners hatch a plan to escape, but they soon discover that their captors have their own plans for them. Escape to Victory stars Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine and Max von Sydow, and it was a box office success.
The Girl on the Bridge (1999)
The Girl on the Bridge is a romantic drama set in the south of France. The story follows Adele, a suicidal young woman, who is saved from jumping off a bridge by Gabor, a mysterious knife-thrower. Gabor then takes Adele on a journey of self-discovery and love, and the two soon fall in love. The Girl on the Bridge was a critical success and it won numerous awards, including two César Awards.
Death in the Garden (1956)
Death in the Garden is a crime-drama set in the remote jungles of South America. The story follows a group of people, who are stranded in the jungle after their boat crashes. As they try to find a way out of the jungle, they become embroiled in a series of dangerous encounters, including a meeting with a ruthless gang of criminals. Death in the Garden stars Simone Signoret, Charles Vanel and Georges Marchal, and it was a critical success.
The Horseman on the Roof (1995)
The Horseman on the Roof is a romantic-adventure set in 19th century France. The story follows Angelo, an Italian soldier, who travels to France in search of his love, Pauline. Over the course of his journey, Angelo becomes embroiled in a series of dangerous encounters, including a meeting with the notorious bandit, the Red Prince. The Horseman on the Roof was a commercial and critical success, and it won numerous awards, including three César Awards.
The Man Who Loved Women (1977)
The Man Who Loved Women is a romantic-comedy set in the south of France. The story follows Bertrand, a womanizer who falls in love with a beautiful woman, but he soon discovers that she is about to be married. Undeterred, Bertrand embarks on a mission to win her affections, which leads him on a series of comedic misadventures. The Man Who Loved Women was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards.
The Return of Martin Guerre (1982)
The Return of Martin Guerre is a historical drama set in 16th century France. The story follows Martin Guerre, a soldier who returns home after a long absence and is welcomed by his family. However, it soon becomes apparent that the man claiming to be Martin is an impostor, and it is up to his wife to uncover the truth. The Return of Martin Guerre was a critical and commercial success, and it won numerous awards, including a César Award.
Conclusion
From romantic comedies to historical dramas, there are plenty of movies set in the south of France that are worth watching. Whether you’re looking for a light-hearted adventure or a thought-provoking drama, these films are sure to provide you with an entertaining and memorable experience. So, if you’re in the mood for a cinematic escape to the south of France, then any of these movies are sure to be a great choice.