Search

Search only in certain items:

40x40

David McK (3562 KP) rated Hornblower during the crisis in Books

Jun 20, 2024 (Updated Jun 20, 2024)  
Hornblower during the crisis
Hornblower during the crisis
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The final - and incomplete - Hornblower story, set back just before Trafalgar.

And I say incomplete deliberately, as C.S. Forester died before he could complete this work, although he left notes over where it was heading

What we have is, thus, more or less the opening act to the story: Hornblower, heading back to England for a new posting after handing over command of the Hotspur, finds himself engaged in a boarding action against a French vessel and, subsequently, in possession of some very important piece of information that may answer the age-old question of just why Trafalgar was fought when the French and Spanish fleet had no need to at all ...

it's just a pity that Forester never got the chance to finish the story.
  
A Fashionably French Murder
A Fashionably French Murder
Colleen Cambridge | 2025 | Mystery
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Tabitha Must Find a Well Dressed Killer
Tabitha Knight, who grew up learning both French and English, is making some money tutoring various people in French. She’s now landed a job as a translator for a diplomat’s wife who is looking to buy an haute couture dress for her daughter’s upcoming wedding. Their first stop is Maison Lannet, where they are treated to a fabulous fashion show. But when Tabitha realizes she left her gloves behind, she finds the designer dead. Can she figure out what happened?

It was nice to be back in 1950 Paris, once again seeing what life was like for people trying to rebuild their lives after the war. Yes, Julia Child has a strong presence in this book again, so there is lots of talk about French cuisine. So expect your mouth to water. The pacing of the mystery was a bit uneven, thanks in part to a couple of subplots, but I appreciated some of the twists we got along the way. The characters are fun as always, and I am curious to see where one storyline will go in the next book. All told, anyone interested in Julia Child or life in Paris in 1950 will be glad they picked up this book.
  
40x40

Dean (6927 KP) rated Walled In (2009) in Movies

Apr 30, 2019  
Walled In (2009)
Walled In (2009)
2009 | Horror, Mystery
3
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Based on a bestselling French novel apparently. I have to say I was disappointed with this. It sounded like a great setting for a horror film with a good back story. However it just slowly plods on to the conclusion, some of the dialogue was pretty bad I have to add. Not sure how Mischa Barton got talked into this.
  
I studied history in undergrad, so every once in a while, I need to go on a history book reading binge.
This most recent Philbrick book examines the complicated nature of the relationship between the French military leadership, and the struggling Continental army, lead by Washington. There were definitely aspects that I hadn't considered before, and it made for an engaging read.
  
40x40

Jaime Winstone recommended La Haine (1996) in Movies (curated)

 
La Haine (1996)
La Haine (1996)
1996 | International, Drama
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"It’s definitely up there because of the cinematography, the cultural references, the graffiti, and the art. It’s that kind of high-standard indie film and the French make such beautiful films anyway. They seem to be in a league of their own. All the references to the riots and the times and what was going on, that’s particularly why I love that film."

Source
  
40x40

Chrissie Hynde recommended Low Heights in Books (curated)

 
Low Heights
Low Heights
Pascal Garnier | 2017 | Crime, Fiction & Poetry, Humor & Comedy, Law, Philosophy, Psychology & Social Sciences
(0 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"“This French writer was new to me; I found his novel in a hurry at the airport. It’s very funny, full of insight on being arrogant and getting old, and on being a servant who is generous of spirit. Humility, grumpiness, some tender love, and brutal violence. I will now investigate all of Garnier’s other books — there are about 60!”"

Source
  
40x40

Janicza Bravo recommended Le Bonheur (1965) in Movies (curated)

 
Le Bonheur (1965)
Le Bonheur (1965)
1965 | Drama, Romance
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"See above . . . the French really know how to do sex and bodies and affairs and palettes. Never had I seen a film on this subject treated and shot with such levity and ease. I also feel it’s necessary to note how major Agnès Varda is as an individual, having made a lane all her own alongside so many a male contemporary."

Source
  
40x40

Joe Dante recommended The Black Book (1929) in Movies (curated)

 
The Black Book (1929)
The Black Book (1929)
1929 | Action, Drama
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"Originally issued as Reign of Terror, Anthony Mann’s Classics-Illustrated-meets-film-noir treatment of the French revolution is one of the most striking low budget period pieces to come from Hollywood, abetted by graphic b/w imagery from the great d.p. John Alton and striking production design from the always reliable William Cameron Menzies. Plus it’s witty moves like lightning."

Source
  
40x40

Mike Allred recommended Le samouraï (1967) in Movies (curated)

 
Le samouraï (1967)
Le samouraï (1967)
1967 | Crime, Film-Noir
8.8 (8 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"A completely different kind of samurai film. Actually, it’s a French gangster movie. It’s clear that director Jean-Pierre Melville digs old American gangster movies and filters that affection into creating his own unique genre. This is my favorite of his films. I first saw this baby when it was rereleased in theaters a few years ago, and was completely entranced."

Source
  
Cleo From 5 to 7 (Cléo de 5 à 7) (1961)
Cleo From 5 to 7 (Cléo de 5 à 7) (1961)
1961 | International, Drama
(0 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"I only saw this a few years ago, and I think it’s become my favorite of the French New Wave. I think it’s virtually impossible to make a film about complex ideas and yet at the same time make it feel as light as air. It’s a thrilling film that feels very much of its period but also completely timeless."

Source