Luc Besson Adds A Recent Meaning to French Filmmaking

Last night when I was reviewing my DVD collection, which to my stupefecation has reached over a 100, I came across this DVD of "The Professional." Then I remembered taking the DVD when my eagernes about French film director Luc Besson started in the late 1990 with the release of "Joan of Arc." Besson, by the way, is the director of "The Professional," which espoused the superb French actor Jean Reno and the then 12-year old Natalie Portman. I decided to watch the movie, and again witnessed myself stimulated with how Besson makes his films. The beautiful movie looked like a masterful Hollywood blockbuster, totally different from the indie-type of French art films that we usually see.

However, Besson's way of filmmaking has over the years divided plenty of French movie fans-- on one side are fans commending his talent while on the other side are critics calling Besson's work a complete sell-out of the French film tradition. If you will look at Besson's other works, like "The Fifth Element" and "Le Femme Nikita," it would be quick for one to conclude that these movies had all the basics of a Hollywood action flick.

But in my personal opinion, I believe that Besson has every right to make movies according to his personal artistic thinking, without being manipulated by public opinion and cultural tradition. Besson, I believe, was able to create films that were enjoyed not only by the French, but by anyone who generally enjoys movies.

A Image Of Royal Control And Revolutionary Success

In the history of Europe, there are only a few places that carry such a powerful memory and arouse such a potent image as the dreaded Bastille. While the structure of the dreaded Bastille de Paris is no more, the effect of the structure and the symbolic meaning of that fateful day in 1789 has persisted not only in the memory of the French, but in other parts of the Europe as well.

In comparison to other prisons of the age, the cells were actually rather peaceable. By far, as a place of detainment, the Bastille was relatively mild and, contrasting other prisons during the dominion of the Bourbon dynasty of France, the conditions can be considered humane. However, what had singled out the place was the fact that the people took the Bastille de Paris as the ever-present symbol of the viciousness and despotism of the French king, who sent various political and religious dissidents to the place. At a time when the king seemed preoccupied with excessive parties and costly indiscretions, the peasants saw the political prisoners in the the Bastille as heroes of the common man.

The hated Bastille, as I've said, is gone, but the spirit remains. Remembered by many as the first shot fired in the French Revolution, the fall of the loathed asylum would become, in time, the herald to the removal from power of many other monarchs and, in a way, a catalyst for revolutions across the governments of Europe.

Dining with Sophistication at the Charming Rue de Paris

For no clear reason at all, I find myself romantically captivated with the Eiffel Tower, especially at night when it suddenly glimmers into a splendid sight. It is located right at the center of Paris, and this also where my heart throbbed for absolute romance after having dinner with a special pal. Just beneath the popular Eiffel Tower, we had a great dinner at Rue de Paris.

The classic elegance of this famed restaurant is truly to die for, with great excellent serving of French cuisine like "Escargot de Bourguignon," best served in this intimate place. This course is among the finest I've had in Paris with delicious flavors to spice up my evening delight. What's also special about this place is the soothing ambiance that inspires a wonderfulmood for a one-on-one. In the most romantic place in the world, Rue de Paris also has superb facilities with private booths and murals of exceptional Parisian artistry.

Overlooking the still, dark skies and gleaming moonlight, I could only enjoy a seasoned variety of garden fresh entrees and seafood recipes. We had "Rack of Lamb with Garlic Crust" and "Scalone," a tasty blend of abalone steak and scallops, while for dessert, I had my guilty pleasure for "Grand Marnier Soufflé" and "Chocolate Almond Torte" as delicious desserts after a fulfilling meal. That night, Rue de Paris witnessed the making of a good couple with outstanding serving of French wine as we toast for the romantic flare.

My Outstanding Stay in France

A French friend of mine invited me last holiday season to stay in France and live with her family for a little time. She would pay for the ticket expenses, so I straight away agreed with this fantastic idea. On the day of my arrival, my friend notified me that she and her long-time, gorgeous French fiance had split up and so, she wanted me to be by her side. According to her, she was the one who suggested for the break-up because she caught this philandering fiance with another lady.

So there, I was invited to be a confidante, and it was nothing with me, especially when I saw her enthralling French house which was very quaint but unique; I could not even help taking pictures of myself in its every nook and cranny. Usually, a French house is with wide space and charming from outside to inside and contains a kitchen near the house's master suite, which has steep ceiling, wide walk-in closet, ample storage rooms, and dual sinks. The French believe that luminous colors give off energy and life, so one will often find an original French house in white, floral, or light colors.

That three-day visit might be short but absolutely unforgettable because of the fantastic house I have lived in even for such a period of time.

Lavish Views from the Fantastic Hotel L'Amandier

They call it the City of Lights, and it is one city that is truly alive, even at nights when the stars are not noticeable. This is Paris, the prominent city of France and visiting it has got to be one of the greatest prizes in life.

Of course, taking sight of the Eiffel Tower and other noted cornerstones in Paris and in the other territories of France is just half of the story. You need to have a place of rest to comfort your tired feet after spending the whole day walking through the city. In this regard, Hotel L'Amandier easily comes to mind, with its warm hotel officers, elegant rooms, and an overall relaxing ambiance.

The rooms at Hotel L'Amadier come in three divergent types namely the single, the double, and the triple versions, and each one of these has its own set of offerings. Typically, though, some of the more regular features in every room is the wardrobe cabinet, a shower room which comes with a jet showerhead, satellite television, toiletries, and large cushions so you can get to read your favorite book or simply watch TV in total solace. As an added attraction, a great number of the rooms offer fantastic views of several French landmarks like parc Andre Malraux, the Arche de la Defense, and the theatre des Amandiers.

Meals are prepared as you wish so you will definitely have a interesting time in this hotel, not to mention the fact that you can also request for a visit arrangement to make your French visit a more comfortable and pleasurable one.