Francophiles rejoice: three new DVDs this week hail from France -- Cedric Klapsich's charming coming of age comedy "L'Auberge Espagnole," Benoît Jacquot's fascinating look at the infamous Marquis, "Sade," and Jacques Demy's debut feature "Lola."
1. L'Auberge Espagnole
Romain Duris stars and Audrey ("Amelie") Tatou pouts in Cedric Klapsich's charming tale about a young French man who finds his way during a year abroad in Barcelona. An international hit, "L'Auberge Espagnole" won numerous César nominations, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Writing.
2. I Capture The Castle
Tim Fywell's period drama "I Capture The Castle" has all the right ingredients: an eccentric English family, lush countryside, Victorian gowns, a crumbling castle, eligible bachelors, and the wonderful English actress Romolai Garai as the earnest heroine.
3. Sade
Daniel Auteuil is the Marquis De Sade in Benoît Jacquot's drama about the infamous author, philosopher, intellectual, and sexual libertine who preached a gospel of freedom through excess. Isild Le Besco, Marianne Denicourt, Jeanne Balibar, and Gregoire Colin costar.
4. Anything Else
The temptation to give up on Woody Allen is strong, but after recent clunkers "Hollywood Ending" and "The Curse of The Jade Scorpion," Allen is almost back to form. Jason Biggs and Christina Ricci star as young lovers in New York.5. Lola
The 1961 debut feature of Jacques Demy ("The Umbrellas of Cherbourg") is a bittersweet musical without the music. Anouk Aimee stars in the title role as a single mother whose on screen presence in lacy tights, boa, and top hat made her an eternal pin-up.