After the best books on Massalia, it’s time for the 7th Art. Because yes, Marseille also shines in cinema. Featured in numerous films of various genres, Marseille Secrète has decided to highlight cinematic works in which the Phocaean city takes center stage. Silence, we’re rolling!
Marius, Fanny, and César: Marcel Pagnol’s Must-See Films
What would this list be without Marcel Pagnol’s films ? Nicknamed the “Marseille Trilogy,” the films Marius, Fanny, and César are an ode to Marseille, the South, the lilting local dialect, and places long gone. In these feature films, shot in 1931, 1933, and 1936 respectively, we can indeed see the Café de la Marine and the transporter bridge. To this day, Marcel Pagnol—born in Aubagne in 1895—remains the greatest ambassador for Marseille.
The film “Stillwater” by American director Tom McCarthy
Marseille is even a hit across the Atlantic! For this second film, we take a leap through time and space. Released in 2021 and screened at the Cannes Film Festival, the American film“Stillwater”is set in Marseille. We see Matt Damon ( none other than him) arrive in our city to try to free his daughter, who has been unjustly imprisoned for murder at Les Baumettes. From the northern neighborhoods to the Mediterranean landscapes, Marseille becomes the setting for a gripping investigation.
William Friedkin’s “French Connection”
Another thriller, same vibe. Could the city of Marseille be a source of inspiration for crime film directors? The highly acclaimed 1971 film“The French Connection”might be proof of that. In it, Marseille is portrayed as a hub for drug trafficking between the Panier, the Vallon des Auffes, the Old Port, and the Château d’If. With suspense, action, and intense emotions, the film still won five Oscars, proving that it is a must-see in our Marseille film library.
The “Taxi” films by Gérard Pirès and Gérard Krawczyk
It’s impossible to talk about Marseille cinema without mentioning Taxi. Between frantic car chases and improbable journeys through the city streets, Marseille becomes a veritable playground for Daniel and his Peugeot 406 as it speeds along. From the Old Port to the boulevards of downtown, the Phocaean city is everywhere: bright, lively, and a bit chaotic, just like in real life.
“One, Two, Three, Sun” by Bertrand Blier
In fourth place on this list is Bertrand Blier’s film“One, Two, Three, Sun.”Far from drug trafficking and violence, this film tells a family story. How does one love, and what life lessons can be learned when living in a housing project? Far from clichés and preconceived notions, director Bertrand Blier offers an honest and sometimes harsh portrait of life in the suburbs of Marseille.
Alexandre Dumas’s “The Count of Monte Cristo”
Alexandre Dumas is certainly one of the most famous authors to have chosen Marseille as the setting for his novel The Count of Monte Cristo. This story recounts a young man’s quest for revenge after being unjustly accused of treason and imprisoned for 14 years in the dungeons of the Château d’If. We invite you to discover the film adaptation of this story, released in 2024, starring Pierre Niney as the Count—magnificent landscapes await you!
The film “Venus and Flower” by Emmanuel Mouret
In cinema, Marseille can also be synonymous with freedom and carefree living. In“Vénus et Fleur,”released in 2004, we witness the encounter between a Parisian woman and a Russian woman who are complete opposites. With summer romances and hot days, this film, available on Arte.Tv, is your perfect companion for summer evenings.
The film “Army of Shadows” by Jean-Pierre Melville
In 1969, the Franco-Italian film“Army of Shadows”by Parisian director and screenwriter Jean-Pierre Melville was released. Melville’s signature film, it is inspired by a novel by Joseph Kessel. It tells the story of the character Philippe Gerbier, played by Lino Ventura. Arrested for “Gaullist sympathies,” he is detained by the Vichy police. Gerbier manages to escape with the help of a Resistance fighter and a barber who appears to be a Pétainist. From there, he returns to Marseille, where he leads a network of Resistance fighters.
The crime thriller “BAC Nord” by Cédric Jimenez
In this recent film released in 2020, Cédric Jimenez shows us the northern neighborhoods of Marseille through the eyes of a team from the Anti-Crime Brigade. Greg, Yassine, and Antoine are three officers from the BAC Nord who have lost all hope in the usefulness of their work. A negative portrayal of the housing projects? Taking sides with the police? While the director defends himself against these accusations, the fact remains that this film has sparked controversy.
The film “Chercher le garçon” by Dorothée Sebbagh
Marseille, City of Love! In this 2012 film by Dorothée Sebbagh, Marseille transforms into a romantic setting. “Chercher le garçon” tells the story of Émilie, searching for true love with the ideal man. A lighthearted comedy, this film—which wasn’t a box-office hit—nevertheless paints a beautiful portrait of Marseille.
Robert Guédiguian’s film “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”
Released in 2011, this film is set in Marseille. It tells the story of Michel, a welder and union representative who draws his own name during a lottery to determine layoffs at his struggling company. Some time later, during a burglary at his home, one of the thieves is identified as Christophe, a former colleague who had been laid off. Drama, tenderness, twists and turns… The film *Les Neiges du Kilimandjaro*is inspired by Victor Hugo’s poem *Les Pauvres Gens*.
The film “Shéhérazade” by Jean-Bernard Marlin
Here is the synopsis of this 2018 film: inspired by a true story, Jean-Bernard Marlin tells the love story of two young outcasts. Set against the backdrop of the streets of Marseille, we discover the story of Zachary, a 17-year-old just released from prison for rape, and Shéhérazade, a young prostitute who takes him in. In 2019, Jean-Bernard Marlin won the César Award for Best First Film for “Shéhérazade .”
Richard Curtis’s film “Love Actually”
Even London romances can have a touch of the South! In certain scenes shot in Marseille, the city appears as a breath of light and Mediterranean warmth. Strolls through the Old Port, lively cafés, and sun-drenched alleyways: Marseille makes a discreet appearance in this cult film, adding a charming backdrop to the story of love and chance encounters.
The short film “Au bain des dames” by Margaux Fournier
Every morning, it’s the same ritual on Bain des Dames Beach: Joëlle and her friends spread out their towels and umbrellas, amid bursts of laughter and shared secrets. Margaux Fournier films these moments as if we were right there, feet in the sand, the salty wind in our hair. Here, there is no spectacular plot, just life passing by , generations crossing paths, and the freedom of bodies and ages. A luminous short documentary, where Marseille is felt in the warm air, the scents of the sea, and knowing glances.
The film “Bonne mère” by Hafsia Herzi
Nora is in her fifties and works as a housekeeper, but above all, she is a mother who watches over her family with energy and tenderness. Her eldest son is going through a difficult time, and she does everything she can to support him day to day. Hafsia Herzi crafts a sensitive and vibrant portrait , where Marseille comes alive in the neighborhood alleys, the bustling shops, and the gestures of daily life. The city is presented as a living backdrop that accompanies the stories of its residents.
The film “Les femmes au balcon” by Noémie Merlant
Three women, an apartment in the midst of a heatwave, and a mysterious neighbor who sets hearts racing… and turns heads! In this wild thriller, Marseille is everywhere yet discreet—you can sense it in the buildings, the alleyways, and the city’s sounds drifting up to the balcony. The heroines juggle fantasies and fears in their quest for freedom. The film plays with suspense and the absurd, transforming a simple Marseille apartment into the setting for totally unpredictable stories !
After this 100% Marseille-themed selection, it’s hard not to want to catch a screening! And if the Printemps du Cinéma is already over, don’t panic—there are still great deals to enjoy discounts on your tickets, with up to 20% off at certain theaters. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover (or rediscover) these films that bring the City of Marseille to life… right on the big screen. So, movie night tonight?
