Want a taste of Québecois cinema? Here’s some movies I recommend to make a festival at home. Cover still from C.R.A.Z.Y.
C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005)
Drama. About the protagonist growing up as he comes to understand his sexuality, and his relationship with his family.
Incendies (2011)
Drama. Based on a play by Wajdi Mouawad. Twins go on a journey at the request of their mother’s will.
La grande séduction (2003)
Comedy. Known in English as Seducing Doctor Lewis. This film has been adapted numerous times, including in English Canada withThe Grand Seduction (2014) and in France with Un village presque parfait (2014). A small village goes through great lengths to try to attract a doctor, who is needed as a requirement to land a new factory.
Mon oncle Antoine (1971)
Drama. About life in mid-twentieth century rural Québec, seen through the eyes of a boy.
La femme de mon frère (2019)
Comedy. Known in English as A Brother’s Love. About a thirty-something year old woman who struggles with feeling accomplished and moves in with her brother temporarily.
Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant (2024)
Comedy. Known in English as Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person. The title says it all.
Ru (2023)
Drama. Inspired by the autobiographical novel Ru by Kim Thúy about coming to Canada from Vietnam as a child.
Merci pour tout (2020)
Comedy. English title is Thanks For Everything. Two sisters estranged from their father connect after he dies and go on a trip.
Bootlegger (2021)
Drama. A community is divided whether to continue the prohibition on alcohol.
Paul à Québec (2015)
Drama. English title is Paul in Québec. Autobiographical film about the protagonist’s father-in-law being in palliative care.
Polytechnique (2009)
Drama. Based on the massacre of women studying engineering in Montreal in 1989. I’ll be honest, I haven’t been able to watch this movie again since it came out.
La fin des terres (2019)
Documentary. English title is Where the Land Ends. The film asks young adults who grew up after the failed referendums for independence for their thoughts.
Le vendeur (2011)
Drama. English title is The Salesman. A doting grandfather has spent his life as a used car salesman, and struggles to imagine a life without.
Rhymes for Young Ghouls (2013)
Drama. The second English-language film on this list, made by Mi’kmaq film director Jeff Barnaby.
Menteur (2019)
Comedy. English title is Compulsive Liar. A man has all his fibbs come true. Not to be confused with the remake in France of the same name from 2022. Humour is dated but still has some laughs.
Monsieur Lazhar (2012)
Drama. An Algerian immigrant becomes a substitute teacher in a Montreal-area school.