Culture & Living
7 movies on Amazon Prime Video and Voot that will give you a virtual tour of Paris
Experience the winding streets, vibrant culture and iconic landmarks of the French capital through our recommended watches
Vintage flea markets, quaint streets, monument-lined boulevards and traditional bistros set the tone for a tranquil summer break in Paris. The pandemic, however, has limited us to armchair travels through pop culture and books. While our wanderlust continues to be muted by quarantine, turning to cinema seems to be a promising way to vicariously experience the beauty of the city. Whether it’s Champs Élysées and its spectacular view that absorbs you the most, or the iconic Eiffel Tower, our curated list features movies that will transport you to your preferred Parisian spaces.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Set in the bohemian Paris of 1920s, Midnight in Paris explores the charming, postcard-perfect beauty of the city’s past and present like no other. The story revolves around Gil, a screenwriter who has travelled to the French capital with his fiancée. While we witness the couple’s days being spent soaking in the summer vibe, at midnight—as Gil stumbles upon and hops on a mysterious antique vehicle—we time travel to meet the famous novelists and artists of the era, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Cole Porter and Picasso. The fantastical destination revives his desire to be a novelist, and inspires a deeper connection with his own self. Apart from the surreal, panoramic display of Paris, watch the film for its sophisticated wit.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
Funny Face (1957)
What's better than vintage Parisian beauty is Parisian beauty served with fashion, music and art. In the 1957 musical, New York-based magazine editor Maggie, along with a top fashion photographer Dick, is looking for a new model who is beautiful as well as intellectual. Soon, they meet Jo, played by Audrey Hepburn, who is a bookshop assistant and an amateur philosopher. They take her on for a project and the trio ascends to Paris for the same. And that's when the viewers witness the panoramic beauty of the city, complete with entrancing photoshoots at the Louvre, and much more. Of course, the lively dance numbers take you through the capital's various arrondissements, neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Queen (2013)
Kangana Ranaut-starrer Queen proved that solo travel is no more a niche pursuit. While doing so, it explored the city of Paris through the eyes of a young Punjabi girl who, after getting dumped by her fiancé two days before their wedding, goes on her European honeymoon—alone. She travels across on foot, enabling the audiences to best capture the charm of the city. The film takes you to popular cultural hotspots, classic neighbourhoods, winding streets, and many more picturesque pockets of the city of lights.
Streaming on Voot
Before Sunset (2004)
Jesse and Celine had met by chance in Vienna nine years ago. They had spent a night together, but parted ways soon. Fast forward to 2004, the former is on a book tour to Paris, reading his novel inspired by the duo's encounter almost a decade ago, and happens to meet Celine, who is a French resident. They rekindle their bond traversing the city, and talk about the dissatisfaction with their current lives. The setting of the romantic-drama is an escapist's dream, truly capturing the energy of the French cultural hub.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
Two Days in Paris (2007)
The comedy-drama spotlights the life of a couple who travel to Venice to rekindle their relationship. Returning home with no success, they soon take a night train to Paris for work. Spending two days in the surreal backdrop of the city makes Jack realise that his girlfriend, Marion, has numerous ex-lovers in Paris. As they spend time with Marion's family there, and experience Paris in all its glory, Jack struggles with his insecurities about love and relationships.
Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
Paris, Je T'aime (2006)
Few works have showcased the diversity of Parisian destinations like Paris, Je T'aime (translation: Paris, I Love You). The anthology film consists 18 short movies, each shot in a different arrondissement of the French capital. So in case you want to go beyond the popular landmarks, and explore the city in a more intimate and localised way, this 120-minute feature is what you should stream next.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
An American in Paris (1951)
Interspersed with dance numbers and a welcome comic relief, the 1951 musical is inspired by the 1928 orchestral composition with the same name. Set in Paris, the film was selected for preservation by the United States Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, aesthetically significant". The visuals take you to the jazz age of the roaring twenties of France, and offer a peek inside the ceremonial occasions as well as historical events of the era.
Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video
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