Jacques Audiard is a highly regarded French film director who has made several acclaimed and award-winning films. Here are some of his best movies, ranked in no particular order:
“A Prophet” (2009) – This crime drama follows a young man of Arab descent who is sent to a French prison and becomes embroiled in a violent struggle for power within the prison’s criminal underworld.
“The Beat That My Heart Skipped” (2005) – This drama is about a man who is torn between his passion for playing the piano and his involvement in his father’s real estate business.
The film won the César Award for Best Film in 2006.
“Rust and Bone” (2012) – This drama stars Marion Cotillard as a whale trainer who loses her legs in an accident and forms a relationship with a struggling single father played by Matthias Schoenaerts.
“Dheepan” (2015) – This drama follows a Tamil Tiger soldier who escapes Sri Lanka and poses as a family man to seek asylum in France.
The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2015.
“Read My Lips” (2001) – This crime thriller stars Emmanuelle Devos as a hearing-impaired office worker who hires an ex-convict played by Vincent Cassel to help her with a job, leading to a dangerous game of deception.
“The Sisters Brothers” (2018) – This western film follows two assassin brothers played by John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix as they track down a gold prospector in 1850s Oregon.
Best Jacques Audiard Films
Jacques Audiard’s films often explore themes of violence, crime, and personal struggles, and are known for their strong performances, compelling storytelling, and atmospheric direction.
Best Jacques Audiard Films Introduction
Jacques Audiard is a French film director known for his emotionally powerful and visually stunning works. Here are some of his best films:
“A Prophet” (2009): This critically acclaimed film follows a young Arab man who rises to power within a French prison.
The film won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.
“The Beat That My Heart Skipped” (2005): This intense and stylish film tells the story of a young man torn between a life of crime and his dream of becoming a concert pianist.
The film won the BAFTA Award for Best Film not in the English Language.
“Rust and Bone” (2012): This emotionally charged film follows the relationship between a troubled boxer and a woman who has lost her legs in a tragic accident.
The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Dheepan” (2015): This film tells the story of a Tamil warrior who flees Sri Lanka and ends up in a Parisian housing project.
The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and strong performances.
“Read My Lips” (2001): This film follows the relationship between a hearing-impaired secretary and a recently paroled ex-con.
The film was well-received for its suspenseful plot and unique portrayal of its characters.
If you like Jacques Audiard’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.
Overall, Jacques Audiard’s films are known for their powerful storytelling, strong performances, and stunning visuals. His films often explore the themes of crime, identity, and personal transformation, and are a must-see for fans of thought-provoking and emotionally engaging cinema.
1. Rust and Bone (2012)
“Rust and Bone” is a 2012 French-Belgian drama film directed by Jacques Audiard.
The film tells the story of two unlikely individuals, Stephanie (Marion Cotillard), a killer whale trainer who suffers a devastating accident that results in the amputation of both her legs, and Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts), a single father struggling to make ends meet, who fall in love and help each other through their respective challenges.
The film is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the power of connection, with stunning performances from Cotillard and Schoenaerts.
It deals with difficult themes such as disability, poverty, and personal transformation, but ultimately delivers a message of hope and resilience.
“Rust and Bone” has been praised for its raw emotional power, gripping performances, and beautiful cinematography.
It is a deeply human film that explores the depths of human experience and the unexpected connections that can change our lives.
Overall, “Rust and Bone” is a must-watch for fans of powerful, emotionally charged dramas that are grounded in reality and explore complex themes with nuance and sensitivity.
![Rust and Bone [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ukvJacSHL.jpg)
- Factory sealed DVD
- Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Armand Verdure (Actors)
- Jacques Audiard (Director)
- English, French (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
2. A Prophet (2009)
“A Prophet” is a 2009 crime drama film directed by Jacques Audiard. The film follows a young man of Arab descent named Malik El Djebena (Tahar Rahim) who is sent to a French prison for six years for a minor crime.
While there, he becomes embroiled in the violent and dangerous world of prison gangs, and must navigate a complex web of alliances and betrayals to survive and thrive.
One of the main characteristics of “A Prophet” is its powerful and realistic portrayal of life in a French prison.
The film is gritty, violent, and at times brutal, but it also has moments of tenderness and humanity.
The film’s attention to detail and sense of authenticity create a vivid and immersive atmosphere that draws viewers into Malik’s world.
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Niels Arestrup as César Luciani, a Corsican mobster who becomes Malik’s mentor and ally.
The dynamic between Malik and César is one of the film’s most compelling aspects, as the two men develop a complicated relationship based on mutual respect, loyalty, and self-interest.
Overall, “A Prophet” is a gripping and powerful crime drama that explores themes of identity, survival, and morality. It is a well-crafted and intense film that is both emotionally resonant and visually striking.
- Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup (Actors)
- Jacques Audiard (Director)
- English, Portuguese, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
3. Dheepan (2015)
“Dheepan” is a 2015 film directed by Jacques Audiard, which tells the story of a Sri Lankan Tamil warrior who poses as a family with a woman and a young girl in order to flee to France as refugees. Here are three reasons why you should watch “Dheepan”:
A compelling and timely story: “Dheepan” tackles issues that are highly relevant to our current global situation, including immigration, displacement, and cultural identity.
The film explores the challenges faced by refugees who must navigate a new and often hostile environment, while also trying to preserve their own sense of cultural identity and connection to their past.
Authentic performances: The film features strong performances from its lead actors, Antonythasan Jesuthasan, Kalieaswari Srinivasan, and Claudine Vinasithamby.
The actors bring a sense of authenticity to their roles, portraying the complex emotions and struggles faced by refugees in a powerful and nuanced way.
Masterful direction: “Dheepan” is directed by Jacques Audiard, known for his powerful and emotionally charged films.
Audiard’s direction brings a sense of urgency and intensity to the film, capturing the tension and uncertainty of the refugee experience.
His skillful use of visual language and pacing creates a deeply immersive experience for the viewer.
Overall, “Dheepan” is a poignant and deeply moving film that provides a powerful commentary on the refugee experience.
The film’s compelling story, authentic performances, and masterful direction combine to create a memorable and emotionally charged viewing experience.
If you are interested in films that tackle important social issues with skill and sensitivity, “Dheepan” is definitely worth watching.
- French (Subtitle)
4. Paris, 13th District (2021)
“Paris, 13th District” (also known as “Les Olympiades”) is a 2021 French film directed by Jacques Audiard.
The film follows the lives of several young people living in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, exploring their relationships, aspirations, and struggles in a rapidly changing world.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Noémie Merlant, Lucie Zhang, and Jehnny Beth, and is notable for its use of visual style and music to create a dreamlike, poetic atmosphere.
The film’s themes include love, desire, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that can be both beautiful and cruel.
“Paris, 13th District” has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who have praised its bold approach to storytelling, its striking visual style, and its ability to capture the zeitgeist of contemporary Parisian life.
The film is a must-see for anyone interested in French cinema, and for those who appreciate films that explore the complexities of modern urban life.
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5. The Sisters Brothers (2018)
“The Sisters Brothers” is a 2018 western film directed by Jacques Audiard, a prominent French filmmaker.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by Patrick deWitt and follows the story of two brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, who are hired to kill a prospector in the American West during the Gold Rush.
The film is known for its stunning cinematography, gripping storytelling, and outstanding performances by its cast, including John C. Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix, and Jake Gyllenhaal.
“The Sisters Brothers” is a unique and genre-defying film that blends elements of comedy, drama, and action into a captivating and unforgettable story.
Overall, “The Sisters Brothers” is a must-see for fans of westerns, as well as anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of wealth and power.
It is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a unique and insightful commentary on the American West and the human condition.
- deWitt, Patrick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 336 Pages - 02/14/2012 (Publication Date) - Ecco (Publisher)
3 Characteristics of Jacques Audiard Films
Jacques Audiard’s films are known for their unique style, powerful storytelling, and deep exploration of complex themes. Here are three characteristics that can be found in many of his films:
Intense and layered characters: Audiard’s films often feature characters that are complex, multi-dimensional, and flawed.
He is skilled at creating compelling protagonists who face challenges and struggles that force them to grow and change over the course of the film.
These characters are often struggling with issues related to identity, violence, and redemption.
Stylish and inventive visuals: Audiard is known for his distinctive visual style, which often features dynamic camera work, vivid colors, and a mix of realism and surrealism.
His films are visually stunning, with memorable shots and unique framing that add to the emotional impact of the story.
Exploration of social issues: Many of Audiard’s films deal with social issues such as immigration, crime, and poverty.
He is known for his nuanced and complex portrayals of these issues, which often challenge viewers to think deeply about the world around them.
His films are unflinching in their examination of social problems, but also offer hope and a sense of humanity in the face of adversity.
3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Jacques Audiard Films
Jacques Audiard is a highly regarded French film director known for his emotionally charged and visually stunning films. Here are three reasons why you should watch his films:
Compelling, multi-dimensional characters: Audiard is known for creating complex, fully realized characters who feel like real people.
Whether it’s a hardened criminal trying to go straight in “A Prophet,” a killer whale trainer dealing with disability in “Rust and Bone,” or a Parisian man grappling with his identity in “The Beat That My Heart Skipped,” his characters are always richly drawn and deeply human.
A powerful blend of realism and stylization: Audiard is a master of blending gritty realism with a striking visual style.
His films often feature gritty urban landscapes, but he is not afraid to experiment with unusual camera angles, dreamlike sequences, and poetic imagery.
This creates a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Provocative exploration of complex themes: Audiard’s films often explore complex themes such as identity, violence, redemption, and the struggle to find meaning in life.
He does not shy away from difficult subject matter, but he always approaches it with nuance and sensitivity, creating films that are both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful.
Overall, Jacques Audiard is a master filmmaker who creates powerful, thought-provoking films that are both visually stunning and emotionally charged.
Whether you’re a fan of intense dramas or just appreciate excellent filmmaking, his films are definitely worth checking out.
Best Jacques Audiard Films – Wrapping Up
Here is a list of some of the best Jacques Audiard films, in no particular order:
“A Prophet” (2009) – This gripping crime drama follows a young man’s journey through the violent and dangerous world of prison gangs, and his transformation from a naive and vulnerable prisoner to a powerful criminal leader.
“The Beat That My Heart Skipped” (2005) – This character-driven drama is about a young man torn between his passion for playing the piano and his involvement in his father’s real estate business. The film won the César Award for Best Film in 2006.
“Dheepan” (2015) – This socially conscious film follows a Sri Lankan Tamil refugee who poses as a family man to seek asylum in France, and his struggles to adapt to a new and unfamiliar environment.
“Read My Lips” (2001) – This tense and suspenseful crime thriller follows a hearing-impaired office worker who hires an ex-convict to help her with a job, leading to a dangerous game of deception and violence.
“Rust and Bone” (2012) – This emotional drama follows the relationship between a whale trainer who loses her legs in an accident and a struggling single father who becomes her lover and caretaker.
“The Sisters Brothers” (2018) – This offbeat western film follows two assassin brothers as they track down a gold prospector in 1850s Oregon.
Audiard’s films often explore themes of violence, crime, and personal struggles, and are known for their strong performances, compelling storytelling, and atmospheric direction.
Whether exploring the gritty world of prison gangs or the struggles of refugees adapting to new cultures, Audiard’s films are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
