Languages: French
Melbourne Girls' College
French Restaurant Excursion
On the 18 of March, the Year 10 French students had the special opportunity to visit a French restaurant in Richmond. At Frédéric in Cremorne we were able to practice our speaking skills and order in French, as well as trying special French cuisine like escargots (for those who were brave enough), gnocchi, and some delicious beef burgundy with mash potato.
The staff were very nice and even celebrated a student's birthday with us! We sang "Joyeux Anniversaire" as her dessert came out with a candle on top. It was creamy chocolate mousse with a poached pear. Overall, the excursion was so much fun and a great immersive experience into French language, cuisine, and culture!
Madeleine Parker
Year 10
French Film Festival
As an extension of the Melbourne French Film Festival sponsored by L ‘Alliance française, nearly 90 Year 9 French students had an excursion to a schools’ session of the animated film La Plus Précieuse des Marchandises/The Most Precious of Cargoes.
The story traces the painful life journey of a child thrown from a train who is discovered in the snow by a childless Woodcutter couple and raised in their care.
The animated extension of this dark story depicts the conflict of the Holocaust in World War II, the plight of transported Jewish people and told also of others who survived such hardships.
Though challenging in parts, the dynamic animation work and strong narrative was enjoyed by many.
Tim Macdougall
Languages Leader, French
As part of the 2025 French Film Festival, the Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to see "Le Comte de Monte Cristo" (The Count of Monte Cristo), a French language film directed by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière at the Kino Cinema. It was a lovely day and we got to appreciate a true masterpiece. Below is a beautiful review of the film written by one of our Year 12 students, Heidi Junge, both in French and in English. Enjoy!
Le comte de Monte Cristo
★★★★☆
4/5
Par Heidi Junge
26 mars 2025
Cette adaptation de livre suit l’histoire d’un jeune marin qui est emprisonné à tort le jour de son mariage. Le livre emblématique a été écrit par Alexandre Dumas en 1846, mais ce film, qui est sorti dans les salles en avril 2025, a attiré une nouvelle attention à cette histoire incontournable. Toute la famille aimerait ce film, et c’est plein d’action avec les scènes à briser le cœur et de sacrifice.
Ce film d’action se déroule dans les années 1800 pendant le règne de Louis Phillipe. Le film est assez long, 2 heures et 58 minutes, mais vous ne seriez jamais ennuyé car l’histoire est vraiment captivant. Après la fausse accusation le jour de son mariage, Edmond Dantès passe plusieurs années dans le château d’If, sa prison. Ce personnage est joué par Pierre Niney, un comédien dynamique qui est connu pour son rôle Yves Saint Laurent. Éventuellement, Dantès s’échappe et il commence à trouver et à éliminer les trois hommes ce qui l’ont trahi. Après avoir perdu sa fiancée, il consacre sa vie à la vengeance. Sa performance dans ce film est vraiment émouvant.
De plus, la relation entre Anaïs Demoustier (Mercédès) et Pierre Niney (Edmond) est croyable et authentique. Leur amour se reflète dans celui de Haydee et d’Albert, le fils de Mercedes, et a été parfaitement joué par des jeunes comédiens talentueux. Les histoires d’amour dans ce film sont amusantes pour le plaisir des cinéphiles.
De même, cette histoire se passe à la période de la Restauration (1815-1830), notamment à la fin de la période napoléonienne c’est une période importante de l’histoire française, et elle n’est pas exactement connu partout dans le monde. Ce film se déroule dans une époque très intéressante et voir ce film vous permettra de connaitre l’histoire et de vous divertir en même temps.
Même si ce film est vraiment long, vous devriez voir ce film pour améliorer votre français. Chez « Palace Cinemas : Kino », vous pouvez voir les films français avec les sous-titres en anglais. C’est une occasion de s’immerger dans un monde francophone grâce aux films français.
En conclusion, ce film ne ressemble à aucun autre, et l’histoire captivant, le drame, l’horreur, et la fin est tout aussi magnifique. Je vous recommande l’expérience du visionnage à Kino Cinéma car ils ont un intérêt particulier pour le cinéma français et la salle était très confortable. Je note ce film à 4/5, une note rare si vous me connaissez !
À la prochaine.
The Count of Monte-Cristo
★★★★☆
4/5
By Heidi Junge
26th March 2025
This book to film adaptation tells the story of a young sailor, wrongfully imprisoned on his wedding day. The iconic story was written by Alexandre Dumas in 1846, but this film, which comes out in cinemas April 2025, has attracted a new attention to the unmissable story. The whole family will love this film, as it’s full of action, heartbreaking scenes, and themes of sacrifice.
This action film takes place in the 1800s during the reign of Louis Phillipe. The film is quite long, about 2 hours and 58 minutes, but you will never be bored because the story is so captivating. After his false accusation on his wedding day, Edmond Dantes spends many years in the Chateau d’If, a prison. This character is played by Pierre Niney, a dynamic actor known for his role as Yves Saint Laurent. Eventually, Dantes escapes et starts to find and eliminate the three men who betrayed him. After having lost his fiancé, he decides to lead a life of revenge. His performance in this film is really moving.
Moreover, the relationship between Anais Demoustier (who plays Mercedes), and Pierre Niney (who plays Edmond), is believable and authentically portrayed. Their love is mirrored in the relationship of Haydee and Albert, Mercedes’ son, and has been perfectly played by the talented young actors. The love stories in this film are entertaining for cinema lovers to enjoy.
Similarly, it’s an important snapshot of French history during the Restoration period (1815-1830). This important history of France isn’t exactly well known around the world. This film takes place in a very interesting period, and seeing this film allows you to discover this part of history and be entertained at the same time.
Even if the film is very long, you should see this film simply to improve your French. At Palace Cinemas: Kino, you can see French Films with English subtitles. It’s an occasion to immerse yourself in a French speaking world, thanks to these French film features.
In conclusion, this film is like no other, and the captivating story, drama, horror, and the ending is all magnificent. I recommend the viewing experience at Kino Cinema, because they have a particular interest in French cinema, and the cinema itself was very comfortable. I am rating this film a 4/5, a rare rating if you know me!
Until next time.