The world of French cinema comes alive with the sensational arrival of “The Most Precious of Goods”.
This animated film, signed by the Oscar-winning director Michel Hazanaviciushas been talked about since its theatrical release.
The box office figures demonstrate a certain public enthusiasm for this work which combines poetry and emotion.
With a dazzling start and enthusiastic feedback, “The Most Precious of Goods” is establishing itself as the cinematic phenomenon of the start of 2024. Let’s dive behind the scenes of this unexpected success which is revitalizing the landscape of French animation.
A roaring start for “The Most Precious of Goods”
The first week of operation of “The Most Precious of Goods” exceeded all expectations. The film was able to attract a large audience, as evidenced by the impressive box office figures:
- 132,000 spectators were won over from the first week
- The film was screened in 255 rooms across France
- A 4th place in the national ranking of entries
- An even more remarkable performance in Paris, where the film reached 2nd place du box-office local
These results place “The Most Precious of Goods” among the most successful releases at the start of the year. The film seems to have found its audience, brilliantly combining the art of animation and captivating storytelling.
Comparison to other recent animated hits
To better understand the extent of the success of “The Most Precious of Goods”, it is interesting to compare it to other animated films that have recently been talked about:
“Flow, the cat who was no longer afraid of water”: an encouraging precedent
“Flow, the cat who was no longer afraid of water” is another French animated film which has enjoyed notable success in recent months. Here are some points of comparison:
- “Flow” has accumulated 368 000 entrées to date
- Projections indicate that the film could exceed 500 000 entrées
- The start of “The Most Precious of Goods” is comparable to that of “Flow”
This comparison suggests a promising future for Michel Hazanavicius’ film. If “The Most Precious of Goods” follows a similar trajectory, it could well become one of the great French animation successes of the year 2024.
The forces behind the success of “The Most Precious of Goods”
A renowned production
The success of a film is not only based on its content, but also on the teams behind it. “The Most Precious of Goods” benefits from the support of producers recognized in the film industry:
- Out of Nothing : an independent production company known for its arthouse films
- The Companions of Cinema : a structure that supports innovative projects
- StudioCanal : a giant of European production and distribution
- The River Films : the production company of the Dardenne brothers, renowned for its committed films
- France 3 Cinema : the cinema subsidiary of France Télévisions, a guarantee of quality and visibility
This collaboration between major players in French and European cinema undoubtedly contributed to the quality and visibility of the film, partly explaining its initial success.
The Michel Hazanavicius effect
The name of Michel Hazanavicius is no stranger to the success of the film. Oscar-winning director for “The Artist” in 2012, he brings his touch and his fame to “The Most Precious of Commodities”. His experience in making successful films, combined with his artistic sensibilities, likely played a crucial role in attracting audiences to this new animated project.
A favorable context for French animation
The success of “The Most Precious of Goods” is part of a broader context of renewal in French animation. In recent years, several French productions have won over audiences and critics, demonstrating the vitality and creativity of this sector.
This positive trend could be explained by several factors:
- Constant improvement of animation techniques
- More daring and original scenarios
- An audience increasingly receptive to animated works also aimed at adults
- Increased investments in the French animation sector
“The Most Precious of Goods” therefore seems to be riding this favorable wave, while making its unique contribution.
Comparison with other recent releases
To better appreciate the performance of “The Most Precious of Goods”, it is interesting to put it into perspective with other recent releases at the French box office:
More modest starts
Certain films, despite apparent strengths, have not met with the same success:
- “Le Panache”, with José Garcia:
- Only 95,000 spectators for the first week
- However wide distribution in 499 cinemas
- “Prodigious”, a biopic:
- 47 000 entrées for its start
- Projected in 367 rooms
These figures highlight the remarkable performance of “The Most Precious of Goods”, which was able to attract more spectators with fewer theaters.
Box office heavyweights
Other films continue to dominate the entry rankings:
- « Gladiator 2 » de Ridley Scott :
- Leading with 1.83 million tickets sold
- An expected success for this highly anticipated sequel
- “Phew Love”:
- Positioned in second place
- A romantic comedy that appeals to French audiences
- “Juror #2” by Clint Eastwood:
- Occupies third place on the podium
- Legendary director’s latest film draws crowds
Although “The Most Precious of Goods” is not yet at the level of these blockbusters, its fourth place in the national ranking is very encouraging for a French animated film.
Other notable box office successes
The French cinematographic landscape at the start of 2024 is rich in varied successes. Besides “The Most Precious of Goods”, other films have found their audience:
- « The Substance » :
- 417 000 entrées cumulative
- A scientific thriller that intrigues spectators
- « Louise Violet » :
- 520,000 spectators conquered
- An intimate drama that touches the hearts of the audience
- “Anora” :
- 500 000 entrées on the counter
- A fantastic adventure that appeals to young and old
These figures demonstrate a diversity in the tastes of the French public, capable of appreciating international blockbusters as well as more intimate local productions.
Future prospects for “The Most Precious of Goods”
Given its promising start, what are the prospects for “The Most Precious of Goods” in the weeks to come?
Positive word of mouth
The warm reception from the public suggests good word of mouth, a crucial element for the longevity of a film in theaters. If spectators continue to recommend the film to those around them, “The Most Precious of Goods” could well see its attendance maintain, or even increase, in the coming weeks.
The effect of school holidays
The next school holidays could work in the film’s favor. Families looking for cultural outings are often attracted by quality animated films. “The Most Precious of Goods” could thus benefit from renewed interest during this period.
The potential rewards
With an Oscar-winning director at the helm, “The Most Valuable Commodity” could well be in the running for various awards at upcoming film festivals. Critical recognition would strengthen the film’s appeal among audiences and could extend its theatrical life.
The impact on the French animation industry
The success of “The Most Precious of Goods” could have positive repercussions on the entire French animation industry:
- Encourage investment in ambitious new animation projects
- Drawing international attention to French know-how in animation
- Inspiring a new generation of directors and animators
- Strengthen distributors’ confidence in French animation productions
If the film continues its momentum, it could well become an example to follow and a catalyst for the French animation industry.
A promising future for French animated cinema
The success of “The Most Precious of Goods” is part of a positive dynamic for French animated cinema. With quality productions attracting an ever-wider audience, the future seems bright for this creative sector.
The next few months will be crucial to confirm this trend. If other French animated films manage to reproduce the success of “The Most Precious of Goods”, we could well witness a true golden age of French animation. Eyes are now turned to the next releases, in the hope of seeing new masterpieces emerge that will mark the history of French animated cinema.
