Vale, Anouk et Françoise

Tristement*, this month marked the passing of two legendary French performers. First, hugely successful French pop star and fashionista Françoise Hardy at 80 after a long battle with cancer. Closely followed by New Wave cinema icon Anouk Aimée at 92 years old.

Releasing her first single at 18 in 1962, Hardy became a key player in the French yé-yé style – a response to rock ‘n’ roll (and British bands’ ubiquitous chant of “yeah.”). In 2023, she was named in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 200 greatest singers of all time – the only French artist to make the cut.

With striking looks and signature French cool style, Hardy became a muse to designers including Yves Saint Laurent and Paco Rabanne. However, in her later years, after decades of treatment for lymphatic cancer, she was perhaps best known as an advocate for euthanasia – illegal under (“inhuman”) French law. 

A darling of some of Europe’s most celebrated directors, including Italy’s Federico Fellini and France’s Claude Lelouch and Jacques Demy, celebrated actress Anouk Aimée rose to international acclaim in Fellini’s 1960 masterpiece, La Dolce Vita.

With a cool, sophisticated allure, the four-times-married Aimée had her biggest breakthrough when nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award in the 1966 Oscar-winning film, Un Homme et une Femme (A Man and a Woman).

Whether you’re un(e) admirateur/trice* or new to her work, ce film* is a must-watch (or rewatch) for any lover of French cinema.

*Sadly| *a fan | *this film

Classic French Films: La Règle du jeu

Now the nights are cool, is there any better activity than settling in with a French film (and, *peut-être, *un verre de vin)? We think not – and we have a classic recommendation well worth hunting down. Directed by cinema icon Jean Renoir (son of the Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste), the 1939 film "La Règle du jeu" (The Rules of the Game) is a cornerstone of French cinema that once courted significant controversy. 

Starring Marcel Dalio, Nora Gregor, Paulette Dubost, and Renoir *lui-même, this satirical masterpiece delves into the complex social dynamics of the French upper class just before World War II, as the rich meet up at a French chateau with their help in tow. 

According to a BFI synopsis, "It's an upstairs-downstairs world where servants and masters become enmeshed in a tangle of desire, a jumble of motivations in which, in the film’s famous phrase, 'Everyone has their reasons'. At the film’s centre is the amiable Octave (played by Renoir), whose best intentions lead to tragedy."

You can watch *la bande-annonce, with English subtitles, here :

Upon its release, "La Règle du jeu" faced significant backlash for skewering the French aristocracy and bourgeoisie, leading to its ban by the French government in October 1939. The ban and censorship lasted until the mid-1950s (a heavily edited, unpopular version was released during the ban) when the film started to gain recognition as a cinematic tour de force. 

Today, "La Règle du jeu" tops every list of best French films, hailed for its intricate narrative, technical innovation and camera work, and timeless critique of human behaviour. 

*Le film is unfortunately unavailable for streaming in Australia. However, more advanced students might like to watch it with French subtitles on YouTube. Or, you can purchase a DVD with English subtitles on eBay. 

*perhaps | *a glass of wine | *himself | *the preview | *the film

10 Romantic French Movies

Whether célibataire ou en couple*, with Saint-Valentin* upon us, what better time to enjoy a French romance film? From Truffaut’s 1962 cult classic Jules et Jim to the quirky charm of Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain (Amélie), there’s something for everyone in this list of the 10 most romantic French movies ever made.

Enjoy!

*single or in a couple | *Valentine’s Day

Stream it Now: The New Look (Dior)

Lovers of la mode* will undoubtedly devour new period drama, The New Look, which documents legendary designer Christian Dior’s rise after World War II. And, bien sûr*, his infamous rivalry with the equally iconic Coco Chanel.

Landing on Apple TV+ on February 14th, the first series comprises 10 episodes, with our own Ben Mendelsohn and France’s Juliette Binoche playing the feuding fashionistas.

Stream it here or read all about it. And, if you become hooked, don’t despair. A second series is currently in production!

*fashion| *of course

8 Festive French Christmas Movies

‘Tis the season to watch cosy Christmas movies – and why not improve your French at the same time?

From the classic to the contemporary, and even an animated flick for les petits*, this list of ‘8 French Christmas Movies To Boost Your Holiday Cheer’ has quelque chose* for everyone. So, pop on the aircon, make some popcorn and a Kir Royal, and sink your teeth into these festive treats.

*the little ones | *something

Learn French with Arsène Lupin

We recently received a tip from one of our chouchous* about one of his favourite ways to learn French – along with everyone’s favourite gentleman-cambrioleur*, Arsène Lupin!

Learn French with Arsène Lupin Gentleman-Thief is the original version of Maurice Leblanc’s famous novel (now adapted into the Netflix series many of our students love) with a word-for-word interlinear translation of the French text.

If you find yourself frustrated at having to look up every fifth word when attempting to read en francais*, this might be the book for you.

Learn how it can help improve your French vocab and purchase a copy here. 

*teacher’s pets | *thief | *in French 

Écoute: 3 Fun French Podcasts

Do you ever listen to podcasts on your commute to work, during your afternoon walk or as you do *le ménage? Then *pourquoi pas try one of the many great French language pods on offer? 

There’s a series for every skill level and interest. And it’s an excellent way to improve your listening comprehension and boost your vocab while being entertained. 

Here are three of our current favourites to get you started. 

Bite-sized (beginner level): Louis French Lessons

With an average episode length of 5 minutes, Louis French Lessons is a great option for beginners. Or anyone wanting to snack on some bite-sized French content throughout the day. Narrated by French native Louis, these regular episodes feature short dialogues which are then broken down and explained using a mix of French and English.

Real-life stories (intermediate): Duolingo

Many Lingua Franca students use the Duolingo app to complement in-class learning – and the Duolingo podcast series is another brilliant resource. Each 20-odd-minute episode usually focuses on a real-life story – giving you a fascinating insight into different aspects of French culture. Told in French, with a small amount of English as needed to add context, the stories are diverse, and the dialogue is not too speedy. Well worth a listen. 

For fashionistas (intermediate-advanced): Chiffon

For lovers of fashion, Chiffon is a must. Hosted by journalist Valérie Tribes, this podcast series analysing our relationship with fashion and *les vêtements features in-depth interviews with stylish men and women from around the globe. Aimed at francophones, the episodes are all in French (you’d be amazed what you pick up!) and vary in length from around 20-30 minutes. 

*the housework | *why not | *clothes

Funny French Series: Shambles

Searching for a new series and fancy something funny and low commitment? Then we have it on good authority that Shambles (Désordres) is worth a watch. Starring (and written, directed and produced by) celebrated French comedian Florence Foresti, the semi-autobiographical series follows the life of Florence – a comedian and single mother – dealing with les admirateurs*, family and the ups and downs of life.  

The best bit? With only eight episodes of just under 30 minutes, it’s a snack-sized offering perfect for your next binge.

Stream it on SBS on Demand. Or read this interview with the creator.

*fans

The Cheesemonger Olympics exists (and, yes, we're drooling)

Paris 2024 might fast be approaching, but there’s another lesser-known (yet equally illustrious) event we were recently obsessed with – the Cheesemonger Olympics! Taking place from 10-12 September in Tours, France, Le Mondial du Fromage pitted 16 competitors against each other to determine who was the big cheese, so to speak, of cheesemongering.

Fromage* aficionados from near and far applied to take part in the competition, with Brisbane’s very own Stephanie Stevenson, from Le Fromage Yard in Morningside, making the cut. Félicitations*, Steph!

At the event, the world’s best cheesemongers completed a multiple-choice test, took part in a blind tasting, were judged on their cutting accuracy, prepared the ultimate cheese plate, and delivered a 5-minute presentation on a cheese of their choice – among other challenges.

Find out more about the Mondial du Fromage in the video below.

Malheureusement*, Steph didn’t make it onto the winners’ podium, with Frenchman Vincent PHILIPPE taking out the top prize. Mais nous sommes toujours très impressionnés*!

Here’s what Stephanie had to say when we caught up with her just before she jetted off… 

CONGRATS ON BEING CHOSEN TO COMPETE IN THE ‘CHEESEMONGER OLYMPICS’! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?

I had to complete several tasks for the application process. Part of the criteria is to work a minimum number of years in the industry, create a 10-cheese plate with a detailed description on each, a one-page writeup of a cheese from Australia (mine was on Granny's Blue from Prom Country) and a few other bits and pieces. In all honesty, I didn't think I would get in, haha. 

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN OBSESSED WITH CHEESE?

For as long as I can remember, there was always a cheese and charcuterie plate at my family dinners, but it wasn't till I moved overseas that I really went a little crazy. This was often acknowledged by my husband and his family in France. 

HOW DID LE FROMAGE YARD COME ABOUT?

I had an idea of sharing my overseas experience and was lucky enough that my husband was keen to support a crazy hunch and be involved. Le Fromage Yard technically started before we even landed in Australia. We were still overseas and contacting distributors here until we thought, 'Why not just source the products ourselves?', and shifted our view to exporting in France.

Le Fromage Yard was established in 2015 (literally within 6 months of arriving back in Australia) and we attended markets around the Gold Coast and Brisbane. We now have a fromagerie in Morningside and still attend the Powerhouse Markets every 2nd and 4th Saturday and Manly on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. 

DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC CHEESE-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS?

In all honesty, I started with no skills, qualifications, or any formal training. However, hard work can achieve great things. I read information online, I ate, I looked for changes in the cheeses and tried to make connections as to what was happening. It has only been in the last two years I have undertaken formal online study in the UK.

It appears that dedicated cheesemonger training has only just arrived in Australia through the same UK program. I hope that more support will be given, and it will turn into more serious qualifications and evolve into an apprenticeship. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF CHEESEMONGERING?

There are so many cheeses out there that you can never get bored! There is always something new and interesting to try. I would also have to say a huge part of enjoying the job is our customers (we are so lucky with how amazing they are) and being a part of so many significant milestones in their lives (birthdays, weddings, family get-togethers, anniversaries, proposals etc). It is pretty special to be trusted in helping them create a memorable day! 

PART OF THE COMPETITION INVOLVES CREATING A CHEESEBOARD. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR THE BUDDING HOST? 

My first tip for creating the ultimate cheese board is to chat with your local cheesemonger – they will question you and find what you are looking for. I cannot say how enjoyable it is when someone trusts you to help them create something delicious! When in doubt, keep it simple – a soft, hard, and blue option. Ask your cheesemonger what the popular options are. Feeling more adventurous? Ask what is eating well or ripe! 

WHAT CHEESE ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?  

A new goat's milk camembert! It is a lot more subtle than the traditional French chevre, but its gooey, supple texture is to die for, and it still has the incredible zesty, acidity many goat cheeses have. We visited the farm last trip to France, and I think I am just as obsessed with their agricultural ethos as I am with the cheese.

I'm also LOVING Ironbark from Long Paddock. We are proudly the first to stock their products in QLD and they have just started their raw milk production of Ironbark, which is just incredible! 

SO HOW ARE YOU FEELING IN THE LEAD-UP TO THE COMPETITION?

Extremely nervous and very out of my league! However, I believe sitting in your comfort zone does not develop your skills or knowledge, so I figure there is nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

WHAT DOES THE COMPETITION INVOLVE?

The competition runs over an entire day, and we will be expected to complete a number of tasks within a designated amount of time. I will complete a multiple-choice test, blind tasting where I need to identify the cheese, age, milk variety, manufacturing technique and age, a presentation on a cheese, accurately cutting 4 x 250g cuts of cheese, a single person platter, an appetizer, a cheese preparation, a large 1m X 1m cheese platter on a theme and cheese carving/artistic presentation. 

BONNE CHANCE*! WILL YOU BE EXTENDING YOUR STAY PAST THE COMPETITION?

I think I struck gold as Slow Food is in Italy the week after my competition! This was something I have been dying to attend, so it was a no-brainer to stay for another week. We will be staying near Alba in Piedmont and attending some cheese classes and the cheese festival and sampling some delicious wine from the region! 

*Cheese | *Congratulations |*Unfortunately | *But we are still very impressed! |*Good luck

Stephanie and her husband Pierre

Le Festival is Back!

After a three-year break, Brisbane’s beloved festival of French culture, food, entertainment and, bien sûr*, vin* est de retour*. That’s right – Le Festival is back! And by all reports, it promises to be bigger and better than ever.

This year, the weekend of French frivolity will take place on 21-23 July in a new location at Victoria Park (Barrambin). And while we’re taking une petite pause* from exhibiting, you’ll be sure to spot us browsing the wares at the French market and chatting with our francophone pals.  

What’s on la carte* for Le Festival 2023? The official program is yet to be released, but you’ll be able to shop the best of French homewares and lifestyle products and sample delicious crêpes and cuisine at the French Market and Artists & Artisans’ tent, enjoy live entertainment on the Main Stage and catch up with vos amis* over du Champagne*.

Sound good?

Best bag(uette) yourself a discount by purchasing tickets en avance*. Early Bird tickets are $12, or you’ll pay 15 at the gate. Under 12s are free. Secure your spot here.  

You can also keep track of all Festival-related updates on Instagram and Facebook. See you there!

*of course | *wine | *is back | *a small break | *the menu | *your friends | *some champagne | *in advance/ early

New Series: Liaison

With winter here, you might be looking for a new French series to dig into on those chilly(ish) nights in. Well, tu as de la chance* because Apple TV has delivered Liaison. With the star power of Vincent Cassel and Eva Green, this glossy, 6-part thriller has received somewhat mixed reviews. However, one of our chouchous* insists it’s worth a binge. 

Filmed in French and English, Liaison features Green and Cassel as agents and former lovers working together to combat international cyberattacks threatening the UK. And, unlike many hard-to-follow films, the French parts are relatively clear and easy to understand. 

Intrigued? Have a look at la bande annonce* here and see if it’s ton truc*.  

*you’re in luck | *preview | *your thing

Bisoubye x

Tu connais* Paul Taylor? If so, you may have been lucky enough to catch the Paris-based British comedian in Brisbane last month. He was in town touring his third bilingual show, ‘Bisoubye x’, following on from the success of his previous offerings, ‘#FRANGLAIS’ and ‘So British Ou Presque’.

Known for his good-natured (and potty-mouthed) skewering of French culture, including the head-scratching politics around (language warning!) La Bise, Taylor conducts his comedy shows in a mix of French and English. And he’s loved by francophone and English-speaking audiences alike.  

If you’re unfamiliar with his work, this Frenchly article gives a good synopsis. Or, encore mieux*, our own office manager Fiona Berrocal, whom many of you know and love, interviewed the man himself recently on radio 4EB as part of L’Heure Francophone. Take a listen here from 40:20 mins.

If you’re now kicking yourself that you missed out, you have two options. The first is to jump on un vol* and catch him in France from October (or at one of his other international shows), and the second is to watch his previous shows from the comfort of your home*. Then make sure tu es prêt* when the next tour is announced. Nous serons!

* Definitely not suitable for work

*Do you know? | *even better | *a flight | *you are ready | *We will be!

Tout va bien

Do you ever struggle with the verb pouvoir*? This song by Ezéchiel Pailhès will help you remember the negative, first-person conjugation, je ne peux pas*, for good. Simple and repetitive, it’s a bit of an ear worm. Go on and have a listen – we think you’ll be surprised how much tu comprends*. (But we’ve also included the translated lyrics, au cas où*.)

Listen on Spotify.

‘Tout Va Bien’

Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire

Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire
Je ne peux pas dire non, tout va bien
Ce serait mentir, oui, de le dire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Mais ça va, va, va, va, va
Toujours mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux, mieux
Dès le soir
J'oublie tout, tout, tout, tout, tout
C'est bien trop, trop, trop, trop, trop dérisoire

Et en anglais*…

I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so 

I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so 

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so
I can't say no, it's alright
It would be lying, yes, to say so 

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

But it goes, goes, goes, goes, goes
Always better, better, better, better, better
From the evening
I forget everything, everything, everything, everything, everything
It's too, too, too, too, too ridiculous

*to be able to (can) | *I can’t | *you understand | *just in case | *And in English…

AFFFF Playlist

Watching, reading, listening… We all learn in different ways, and many of our students use music to polish up on their French. If that's you, or if you're simply looking for something to listen to en faisant le ménage*, you might be interested in the playlist from this year's Alliance Française French Film Festival. 

Listen here

*while doing the housework

Fancy a French Series?

Au nid*, we’re lucky to receive some great recommendations for French series and films. Whether you’re into crime, medical or period dramas, here are three of our chouchous’* recent favourites. We hope you’ll find some fresh inspiration if tu cherches quelque chose de nouveau à regarder*.

Les Combattantes (Women at War)

France, 1914. As the German troops advance and men leave for the frontlines, four women must grapple with the devastating consequences of war at home.
Starring: Audrey Fleurot, Julie de Bona, Camille Lou
Watch it on: Netflix

Vise Le Cœur (Aim for the Heart)

From childhood antagonists to first loves to fierce enemies, police captain Julia Scola and criminal lawyer Novak Lisica have a long and complicated history that culminated in 20 years of estrangement. When Novak leaves his firm to join the police, he supervises Julia’s squad as the new commissioner, and the two must confront their past relationship as they take on Paris’s most challenging crimes.
Starring: Claire Keim, Lannick Gautry, Noémie Chicheportiche, Zinedine Soualem, Waly Dia, Nicolas Cazalé
Watch it on: SBS On Demand

Hippocrate (Interns)

In this French medical drama, a group of interns are forced to take responsibility when doctors in charge of the intern department find themselves quarantined at home due to drastic preventative health measures in a public hospital. (Apparently, the super squeamish best give this one a miss.)
Starring: Louise Bourgoin, Alice Belaïdi, Karim Leklou, Zacharie Chasseriaud
Watch it on: SBS on Demand

*At the nest | *teacher’s pets’ | *you’re looking for something new to watch  

Classic French Film : La Peau Douce

If you’re a fan of La Nouvelle Vague* movement in French cinema, consider adding this lesser-known Truffaut film to your movie night roster. Released in 1964, La Peau Douce (The Soft Skin) failed to reach the critical and box office succès* of some of the celebrated French director’s previous films. Most notamment* Les 400 Coups* (1959) and the iconic Jules et Jim (1962). 

But don’t let that put you off. Over the years, the romantic drama has improved its standing and is now considered among the best in his oeuvre. 

Centring around an illicit affair, le film* stars Jean Desailly and Françoise Dorléac as the romantic leads. The older sister of Catherine Deneuve, Dorléac – shown in this stunning scene – tragically died in a car accident just two years later at the age of 25. 

Intéressé*? Watch la bande annonce* here. 

*New Wave | *success | *notably | *400 Blows |*the film | *Interested? | *the trailer

Book: France An Adventure History

If you’re searching for the perfect cadeau de Noël* for the history-loving Francophile in your life, we have just le truc*. France: An Adventure History is British writer Graham Robb’s lively and vivid exploration of the key moments, faces and themes of l’histoire française*.

Spanning events from the first century BC to today, it’s ‘A quirky, amused, erudite homage to France... ambitious and original' – according to the Times.

To read more glowing reviews or place your order, suivez le lien*. 

Christmas gift | the thing | French history | follow the link

TV5 Monde Simone Veil

To say Simone Veil was une femme incroyable* is an understatement énorme*. Born in 1927, the Holocaust survivor and former avocate* was the first female President of the European Parliament – and a tireless campaigner for les droits de la femme*. 

Most notamment*, as Health Minister she presented and successfully argued the passing of the Veil Act – the 1975 law legalising abortion in France.

Learn more about the revered political figure in this short TV5MONDE video. C’est inspirant!*

an incredible woman | huge | lawyer | women’s rights | most notably | It’s inspiring!

La Nouvelle Vague

The death of Jean-Luc Godard last month set off une vague d’hommages* for the revolutionary French film maker, often referred to as the godfather of New Wave cinema.

Godard, along with a clutch of other directors, turned cinema on its head in the 60s. A famous quote by Godard encapsulates their approach:

"Toute histoire doit avoir un début, un milieu et une fin mais pas forcément dans cet ordre-là."

“Every story must have a beginning, a middle and an end, though not necessarily in that order.”

So what is La Nouvelle Vague* anyway? Read on…

La Nouvelle Vague is a cinematic movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s which sought to casser les règles* of traditional film-making.

Frustrated with the constraints of la Tradition de qualité* style, which they felt was designed to ‘impress rather than express’, a small group including Godard, François Truffaut, Agnès Varda, Éric Rohmer, Jacques Demy and Claude Chabrol set about revolutionising the art form.

These Parisian writers and critics, possibly the original film geeks, put their money where their mouths were by directing their own films in the style they championed.

La Nouvelle Vague attempted to allow directors to express their ideas and emotions as freely as other artists, such as a painters or writers. Rather than the sanitised version of reality presented by traditional studio films, New Wave films showed the grit and realism of the streets of Paris and allowed their directors to examine social and political issues in ground-breaking ways.

*a wave of tributes | *New Wave | *break the rules | *Tradition of quality

La Nouvelle Vague was the birthplace of modern day independent cinema, and many of today’s directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson owe much to its style. As Scorsese said “The French New Wave has influenced all filmmakers who have worked since, whether they saw the films or not. It submerged cinema like a tidal wave”.

New Wave classics include:

• Les Quatre Cent Coups (François Truffaut)

• Lola (Jacques Démy)

• À Bout de Souffle (Jean-Luc Godard)

• Cléo de 5 à 7 (Agnès Varda)

• Le genou de Claire (Éric Rohmer)

• Jules et Jim (François Truffaut)

• Le Mépris (Jean-Luc Godard)

Definitely worth checking out.

The Other French Revolution

Most of us have heard of La Révolution française*, with its tales of out-of-touch princesses, pantless radicals (les sans-culottes*) and public beheadings by way of guillotine, but how many among us know of a much more recent, and thankfully less violent, uprising?

For the soixante-huitards*, the concerns were of a similar hue to the revolutionaries of 1789: le capitalisme*, le consumerisme* and les institutions traditionnelles.*

Driven by students at the Sorbonne University in Paris, the seven-week period of civil unrest spread throughout France and included manifestations*, general strikes and the occupation of universities and factories. At the height of the troubles, the French economy ground to a halt.

A fascinating topo* below, thanks to TV 5 Monde Plus.

Click image to play video.

*The French Revolution | *without breeches (these commoners not not literally naked from the waist down - they just couldn’t afford the fancy silk knee-breeches worn by the nobility and bourgeoisie of the time, known as ‘culottes’ and had to make do with long cotton pantaloons. I’d rise up against that, too.) | *68ers, or those who took part in the demonstrations and riots | *capitalism | *consumerism | *traditional institutions | *protest marches | *rundown