Happy Bastille Day! A Blend of History, Music, and Cinematic Adventure

byFrankB-1

6.5K followers

Updated 1 year ago

(Title Image: Bastille Day in Lyon, France, July 14th)

Hi, WA Friends!

Hello, Bonjour, and a very Happy Bastille Day to you all! Today, we're diving into the heart of French culture and history, commemorating a day that's as vibrant and dynamic as France itself. So, grab your beret and baguette, and let's get started!

A Little History

Bastille Day, known as "La Fête Nationale" in France, is celebrated every year on July 14th. This day marks a pivotal moment in French history - the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a symbol of the monarchy's absolute and arbitrary power.

This event sparked the French Revolution, leading to the fall of the Bourbon monarchy and the rise of modern France. It's a day that embodies the spirit of liberty, equality, and fraternity - the core values of the French Republic.

How To Celebrate Bastille Day

Now, let's talk about how to celebrate this day with a "joie de vivre" that would make any French citizen proud.

1. Attend a Parade: The military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris is a must-see. It's the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe. But don't worry if you can't make it to Paris; local parades are held in towns and cities across France.
2. Enjoy Fireworks: Fireworks are a staple of Bastille Day celebrations. The most famous display takes place at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, but you'll find spectacular shows all over the country.
3. Join a Public Dance: Known as the "Bals des Pompiers," these public dances are hosted by local fire stations on the eve of Bastille Day. It's a fun and festive way to kick off the celebrations.
4. Indulge in French Cuisine: From croissants and escargot to coq au vin and crème brûlée, Bastille Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in French gastronomy.

You can celebrate Bastille Day your way, no matter where you live in the world!

How About A Movie Or Two?

Now, what's a celebration without some good movies? Here are a few French films to watch that capture the spirit of Bastille Day, courtesy of our chatty AI friend:

1. 'Les Misérables' (2012): Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel set in the backdrop of post-revolutionary France, this film offers a poignant look at the struggles of various characters seeking redemption and revolution. It's a must-watch for its powerful storytelling and memorable musical numbers.
2. 'La Révolution Française' (1989): This two-part film provides a comprehensive and dramatic portrayal of the French Revolution. It's a great way to understand the historical significance of Bastille Day.
3. 'The Fall of the American Empire' (2018): While not directly related to Bastille Day, this French-Canadian film explores themes of social inequality and justice, echoing the revolutionary spirit of the holiday
4. 'A Tale of Two Cities' (1935): Based on Charles Dickens's novel, this film tells the story of the French Revolution through the eyes of two men who look remarkably alike. It's a tale of love, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom.
5. 'Marie Antoinette' (2006): This Sofia Coppola film offers a modern take on the life of France's infamous queen, Marie Antoinette. While it doesn't focus on the Revolution itself, it provides insight into the excesses of the monarchy that led to the uprising.
6. 'Ridicule' (1996): Set in the 18th-century Versailles court of Louis XVI, this film explores the power of wit and the dangerous game of manipulation and deceit. It's a fascinating look at the social dynamics that preceded the Revolution.
7. 'Danton' (1983): This film focuses on the conflict between two key figures of the French Revolution - Georges Danton and Maximilien Robespierre. It's a gripping portrayal of political power struggles during a time of great upheaval.
8. 'Farewell, My Queen' (2012): This film offers a unique perspective on the French Revolution, focusing on the relationship between Marie Antoinette and one of her readers during the first days of the revolution. It's a compelling exploration of loyalty and betrayal amidst the chaos of change.

Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the events, characters, and social dynamics of the French Revolution, helping to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Bastille Day. Enjoy your cinematic journey through French history!

Perhaps Something A Bit More Entertaining

If you're like me, you need something a little more lively, although I wouldn't mind seeing Les Mis or A Tale Of Two Cities.

Here's a list of ten fun and exciting films that are set in France or have a strong French connection but are not directly related to Bastille Day.

1. 'Amélie' (2001): This whimsical and heartwarming film follows the life of Amélie, a young woman who takes pleasure in doing good deeds for others while exploring the streets of Paris.
2. 'Ratatouille' (2007): An animated film about a rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef and tries to achieve his goal by forming an alliance with a Parisian restaurant's garbage boy.
3. 'The Da Vinci Code' (2006): Based on Dan Brown's best-selling novel, this thriller takes you on a gripping journey through Paris as symbologist Robert Langdon uncovers a conspiracy within the Catholic Church.
4. 'Midnight in Paris' (2011): A romantic comedy about a nostalgic screenwriter who finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.
5. 'The Intouchables' (2011): A heartwarming French film about the unlikely friendship between a wealthy quadriplegic and his street-smart ex-con caretaker.
6. 'A Very Long Engagement' (2004): A romantic war film about a young woman's relentless search for her fiancé, who has disappeared from the trenches of the Somme during World War One.
7. 'The Artist' (2011): A silent film about a silent movie star who meets a young dancer, but the arrival of talking pictures sends their careers in opposite directions.
8. 'La Vie en Rose' (2007): A biographical musical film about the life of French singer Édith Piaf.
9. 'The Hundred-Foot Journey' (2014): A culinary drama where an Indian family opens a restaurant in the south of France, across the street from a Michelin-starred French restaurant.
10. 'Chocolat' (2000): A romantic drama about a woman and her daughter who open a chocolate shop in a small French village, shaking up the rigid morality of the community.

These films span a variety of genres and themes, but they all share a common thread of French culture, history, or setting.

I love Ratatouille, all three movies in the Da Vinci Code series, and Chocolat!

My Plans For The Day

Although I'm Italian through and through, anyone can add some excitement to their day by embracing a celebratory spirit, regardless of their nationality. My wife has some French ancestry, which adds a touch of authenticity to our day.

We have our usual cookout with plenty of food, drink, music, and movies with family and friends! One of my physician colleagues brings his ukelele and sings French songs. I usually join him with an acoustic guitar and might even sing a few verses. My singing ability never fails to clear people off the patio! Lol

When the sky darkens, we shoot off fireworks that are left over from the 4th of July. By then, everyone is in a great mood and enjoys the visual spectacle to the max!

So, What Are You Waiting For?

So, there you have it - a day filled with history, celebration, music, and cinema. Bastille Day is more than just a national holiday; it's a celebration of French culture and the enduring spirit of revolution.

Whether you're in France or anywhere else in the world, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate. So, let's raise a glass of champagne or your favorite beverage and say, "Vive la France!"

Tell me your plans for a little holiday fun in the comments!

Happy Bastille Day! 🇫🇷 😎

Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸