Luc Besson Puts A Latest Meaning to French Filmmaking

Last night when I was browsing through my DVD collection, which to my astoundment has reached over a 100, I came across this DVD of "The Professional." Then I remembered purchasing the DVD when my inquisitiveness 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 showed the magnificent French actor Jean Reno and the then 12-year old Natalie Portman. I decided to watch the movie, and again caught myself thrilled with how Besson makes his films. The magnificent movie looked like a fantastic 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 numerous French movie fans-- on one side are fans praising 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 immediate for one to conclude that these movies had all the makings 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 theory, without being controlled by public opinion and cultural tradition. Besson, I believe, was able to create films that were adored not only by the French, but by anyone who generally appreciates movies.

A Representation Of Royal Dominance And Revolutionary Success

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

In comparison to other prisons of the time, the cells were actually rather calm. By far, as a place of imprisonment, the Bastille was relatively mild and, contrasting other prisons during the time 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 madness and despotism of the French king, who sent innumerable political and religious dissidents to the place. At a time when the king seemed preoccupied with wasteful parties and costly errors, 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 legacy stays. Remembered by many as the first shot fired in the French Revolution, the fall of the loathed detainment facility would become, in time, the herald to the removal from power of many other monarchs and, in a way, a catalyst for improvements across the governments of Europe.

Dining with Class at the Great Rue de Paris

For no clear reason at all, I find myself romantically enthralled with the Eiffel Tower, especially at night when it suddenly glimmers into a magnificent sight. It is located right at the center of Paris, and this also where my heart throbbed for sure romance after having dinner with a special buddy. Just beneath the well-known Eiffel Tower, we had a delicious dinner at Rue de Paris.

The classic elegance of this well-known restaurant is truly to die for, with great fine serving of French cuisine like "Escargot de Bourguignon," best served in this intimate place. This recipe is among the finest I've had in Paris with mouthwatering flavors to spice up my evening delight. What's also special about this place is the soothing ambiance that inspires a splendid mood for a dialog. In the most romantic place in the world, Rue de Paris also has good facilities with private booths and murals of outstanding Parisian artistry.

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

My Incredible Vacation in France

A French friend of mine invited me last holiday season to vacation France and live with her family for a moment. She would pay for the ticket expenses, so I right away agreed with this fabulous idea. On the day of my arrival, my friend informed me that she and her long-time, attractive French fiance had split up and so, she wanted me to be by her side. According to her, she was the one who initiated for the break-up because she caught this philandering fiance with another lass.

So there, I was invited to be a confidante, and it was all right with me, especially when I saw her engaging 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 airy and well-designed 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 dazzling colors emanate energy and life, so one will often find an original French house in white, floral, or light colors.

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

Dramatic Views from the Mythical Hotel L'Amandier

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

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

The rooms at Hotel L'Amadier come in three varied types namely the single, the double, and the triple versions, and each one of these has its own set of attractions. Typically, though, some of the more ordinary 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 pleasure. As an added attraction, many of the rooms offer dramatic 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 pleasant time in this hotel, not to mention the fact that you can also request for a journey arrangement to make your French visit a more comfortable and pleasurable one.