Latest news with #FrenchRevolution
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Groundbreaking movie with 100% rating is 'has warning for us all'
Three Colours: Red is the final film in the critically acclaimed Three Colours trilogy, which explores the core values of the French Revolution - Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity The concluding chapter of a captivating trilogy, this film has left an indelible mark on audiences, exploring powerful themes of politics, social matters and human connections. Three Colours: Red serves as the finale to the Three Colours trilogy, following Blue and White, with each examining the fundamental principles of the French Revolution - Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. Released in 1994, this groundbreaking psychological mystery represents the work of a single creative vision, written, directed and produced by filmmaker Krzysztof Kieślowski. Admirers of arthouse cinema have been thoroughly captivated by the feature, awarding it a perfect 100 per cent rating on review platform Rotten Tomatoes. The film's exploration of intimate bonds and the way people's destinies become intricately woven together has resonated deeply with audiences, who have penned glowing testimonials, reports the Express. One viewer declared: "The greatest accomplishment in cinema of the 1990s. You must see all three films in the trilogy: White, Blue, then Red, and watch them in that order. They are amazing, the masterwork of a genius who died shortly after completing the trilogy." The visual palette of each instalment reflects its titular hue, enhancing the artistic brilliance of this exceptional cinema, as numerous critics have observed. Another review proclaimed: "This is a gorgeously shot film. The story is very different and unique in its tone and characters, so well written and acted by some amazing performers. This is a must-see." Another commented: "It is a warning of what may come if we isolate ourselves from others and cut off communication." Since its debut, Three Colours: Red has been hailed as the crowning achievement of the trilogy, earning its place among the finest French language films ever crafted. The film garnered industry-wide acclaim, securing three prestigious Academy Award nominations, including Best Director for the late Kielowski. The narrative follows Valentine, a University of Geneva student who moonlights as a model and finds herself trapped in a controlling relationship with her boyfriend. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally injures a dog belonging to a retired judge, leading to an unlikely friendship despite their apparent differences. Red delves into themes of destiny, interconnectedness, and the intricate web of human relationships. One review praised: "The cinematography and camera angles used were very intriguing, and the use of colour was interesting. The colour red was used to signify the important characters in the movie and to highlight important things. What a great movie and what a lovely actress. Very cute and charming." Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Serving as the concluding chapter of the series, Red represents the final piece of Kielowski's cinematic puzzle. Following this film, Kielowski declared his departure from the world of filmmaking. Tragically, just two years later, he passed away unexpectedly, leaving Red as a testament to his remarkable cinematic legacy.
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
France Celebrates Bastille Day with Elegance
This day marks the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison, which triggered the French Revolution – a powerful symbol of freedom and the fight for equality that continues to resonate worldwide. The Embassy of France hosted an elegant reception, complete with French wine, champagne, fresh oysters, an exquisite cheese spread, and delicate macarons. The evening perfectly captured the essence of French sophistication and culinary excellence. France remains synonymous with fashion, with Paris universally regarded as the 'Fashion Capital of the World.' As the birthplace of haute couture, it was fitting that guests were treated to a visual spectacle featuring spectacular shows from Fabrosanz and Renaissance Design, showcasing exceptional local talent alongside French aesthetic sensibilities. The fashion industry represents one of France's most significant and profitable sectors, contributing substantially to the country's robust economy and global cultural influence. In a significant announcement for travel enthusiasts, Ambassador David Martin of France revealed that 'in four months, Air France will permanently open a direct flight from Paris to Johannesburg.' This development promises to strengthen ties between the two nations and facilitate easier travel for both business and leisure. The French Consulate General in Johannesburg has processed more than 31,000 visas for South Africans eager to experience France over the past year, demonstrating the strong appetite for Franco-South African exchange. Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts of Fisheries, Forestry and Environmental Affairs congratulated France on this auspicious occasion, reflecting the warm diplomatic relations between the two countries. The celebration embodied a perfect blend of history, patriotism, and festive spirit, honoring both French heritage and the enduring friendship between France and South Africa.
Wall Street Journal
4 days ago
- Wall Street Journal
To Avoid the Day-Trippers at the Palace of Versailles, Book a Night in Town
I arrived in Versailles just after midnight and, stepping out of a taxi, I looked up at the eerily quiet palace at the town's heart. It could have been a night in 1789 during the French Revolution, after a Parisian mob had escorted the royal family off the palace grounds. Across the street, I entered Les Lumières, a pair of 17th-century mansions converted into a boutique hotel. A doorman whisked my bag through splendid hallways, past a grand staircase and beneath glittering chandeliers to an ornate chamber. It was a suitably theatrical introduction to a stay in Versailles, known to most travelers for the extraordinary Palace of Versailles. Years before, I'd joined the armies of day-trippers on the 15-minute train ride from Paris, and fought alongside them through the 2,300-room estate, which sees almost as many visitors as the Louvre. But, recently, a friend from Versailles, a community of around 83,000 people, had suggested I stay overnight for a calmer, more immersive experience.
Qatar Tribune
6 days ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
French Embassy in Doha marks National Day with tribute to strong Qatar-France partnership
Ashraf Siddiqui The French Embassy in Doha recently hosted its National Day celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Doha, the event marked Bastille Day celebrated annually on July 14 to commemorate the 1789 storming of the Bastille, a pivotal event in the French Revolution, as well as the 1790 Fête de la Fédération symbolising national unity. Present on the occasion were Minister of Transport of the State of Qatar HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani; the Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo; members of the diplomatic corps; dignitaries; and representatives of the French community in Qatar. Patrick Poinsot, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of France in Qatar, in his welcoming address on the occasion highlighted the strong and wide-ranging cooperation between Qatar and France across sectors including politics, trade, investment, defence, culture, and education. He pointed to significant cross-investments in key areas such as energy transition, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and health. He also commended the contribution of approximately 200 French companies operating in Qatar, recognised for leadership in their respective fields. Poinsot expressed France's gratitude for Qatar's security support during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, noting that Qatar's deployment of over 100 officers made it the fourth largest contributor among foreign security forces. In cultural cooperation, he highlighted the April visit of the French Minister of Culture to Qatar, which resulted in the signing of seven cultural and museum partnership agreements. He also praised Qatar's commitment to promoting the French language, which is increasingly taught in local schools, and noted recent joint participation in the Permanent Council of La Francophonie. Acknowledging Qatar's diplomatic role, Poinsot praised its mediation in humanitarian crises, including facilitating the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, and its participation in the June 15 Peace Summit on Ukraine. He also commended Qatar's efforts that led to the return of dozens of children to their families. Addressing the situation in Gaza, he reiterated France's alignment with Qatar in advocating for unconditional humanitarian access, the release of hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and progress toward a two-state solution. He also noted both countries' solidarity with Lebanon and Syria, supporting reconstruction, security, accountability, and inclusive political transition since 2011. Poinsot further mentioned that the French community in Qatar now numbers around 6,000 residents, with the Embassy committed to providing high-quality services in close coordination with Qatari authorities. Earlier, a ceremonial cake-cutting ceremony was attended by Minister of Transport, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani; Patrick Poinsot, Chargé d'Affaires at the French embassy; and HE Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Fakhroo, Director of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
How realistic is Macron's perception of threat?
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on July 14, the Bastille Day, marking the outbreak of the 1789 French Revolution, that France will increase its defence spending in the next two years by 6.5 billion euros (3 billion euros in 2026 and 3.5 billion euros in 2027), and in 2027 France's total defence spending would be 64 billion euros, double the amount that it was in 2017. Macron declared in his Bastille Day speech: 'Since 1945, freedom has never been so threatened, and never so seriously. To be free in this world, we must be feared. To be feared, we must be powerful.' He appealed to the people: 'The nation needs you. Every French man and woman must be cognizant of the threat around us. We all need to make sacrifices. Freedom has a price tag.' It is an aggressive speech from the leader of one of the leading democratic countries in Europe. And he is proposing to arm the country because Macron thinks that France is threatened. He has identifies the sources of threat as Russia, terrorism and online attacks. Russian attack on Ukraine is seen by western European democracies like France as a threat to democracy in Europe. It seems to be a rhetorical stance, to justify defence spending. France is not directly threatened by Russia. France chooses to back Ukraine along with other NATO and European Union (EU) countries, and the threat to Ukrainian independence is considered a threat to the rest of Europe of Europe. It is this mindset of collective security that has drawn Europe into two world wars. And the sense of collective security has reappeared on the political horizon of Europe for the first time since the 1930s. The serious question to be asked is whether the perceived Russian threat to Europe is an ideological one or is it a military threat. Russia is not interested in, nor capable of, threatening Europe militarily. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2024 was unjustified but the situation was complex. Russia was feeling threatened by the idea of Ukraine becoming a member of the Western military alliance, NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin should have handled it with tact instead of going to war with Russia. Is France's decision to step up its defence spending massively a response to Russia, or is it a response to the pressure exerted by US President Donald Trump that European members of NATO must spend at least 5 per cent of their national GDP on defence because he felt that America was bearing the financial burden of NATO alone on its shoulders? It seems to be the case that Macron is responding to Trump's pressure, and he has turned it into a grand statement against Russia. The other two sources of threat that Macron has identified are terrorism and online attacks. There have been sporadic terrorist attacks in France by Islamic extremists. But the way to respond to terrorism is not an increase in defence expenditure but to formulate a strategy of isolating the extremist elements in the Muslim expat community in France, most of whom are from north African countries like Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia. Macron does not recognise the fact that the religious extremists from these communities pose a threat to the communities themselves. There is a need to protect the North African communities, majority of whom are Muslims. This needs a social strategy. It would require that these communities should be integrated into French society. The subtle and the not-so-subtle discrimination that exists against the migrants, especially the Muslims, will need to end. It is indeed puzzling that President Macron wants to counter online attacks through billions of euros on defence preparedness. Cyber-attacks have to be countered through technological upgradation and not through guns, tanks and fighter planes.
