Une Femme Est Une Femme: Netflix Edition

Netflix: though great for watching Dawson's Creek and catching up on Gossip Girl (both of which I have done,) is also home to a lot of wonderful movies that are often overlooked.  

Until now, that is.

Here with the first installment of my weekly post, I have once again come to the rescue.  Rising up from the ashes of my MacBook Pro and the stale pita chip crumbs that have been collecting in my bed, I am coming to save you from the black hole of American teen dramas.

Together, we will rise above.

Now, getting to the point.

A Woman Is a Woman (Une Femme Est Une Femme) is a 1961 French comedy directed by Jean-Luc Godard and starring Anna Karina, Jean-Paul Belmondo, and Jean-Claude Brialy.  The film was considered by many as a tribute to - and interrogation of - the American musical comedy.  Now, it is more often associated with the French New Wave (click the link for more information!)

The film follows the relationship between exotic dancer Angela (Karina) and her lover Emile (Brialy.)  Angela decides she wants to have a child.  However, Emile feels he is not ready, and refuses Angela's advances.  Though Emile is stubborn, Angela continues her pursuit.

However, the movie does not end there: cue somewhat dramatic plot twist!  Emile's best friend Alfred (Belmondo) confesses his love for Angela, and tirelessly pursues her.  Growing tired of begging Emile for a child, Angela turns her interests elsewhere and finally decides to give in to Alfred's pursuits.  She eventually sleeps with him, knowing it will get her what she wants

Anna Karina as Angela

Angela (Karina) and Alfred (Belmondo)

Now, I don't want to give a way too much of the movie, since the point of the post is to convince to watch the movie.  But since I do appreciate your readership, I will provide you with some lovely pictures.

Even if you've never been into subtitles, I highly suggest you watch A Woman Is a Woman.  It's accompanied by a fantastic score, and is endlessly charming and witty.  Also, it's fantastic on a rainy day.


If you do watch A Woman Is a Woman and find yourself wanting more, check out Breathless - another Godard film.  Though not available on Netflix, it is fairly easy to find online.


However, if you're looking for something on Netflix - but still a Godard - check out his latest film Film Socialisme.

You can also view the trailer for the film here.

Enjoy!