Le nombril du monde (1993)

Alternately titled I, Bajou, the atmospheric French-Tunisian period drama Le Nombril du monde (1993) unfolds during the tumultuous period between the two World Wars. Michel Boujenah stars as Bajou, a Jewish sharecropper whose combination of talent and ruthless ambition allows him to gain a foothold in Tunisia’s high society. When WWII breaks, Bajou joins the resistance movement with his pugnacious cousin (Thomas Langmann), a development that brings him into contact with the love of his life (Delphine Forest). Ariel Zeitoun’s film is full of fiery conflict and lyrical poeticism, but all of that pales next to the sparks that fly whenever Forest saunters onscreen. Don’t miss the raven-haired Parisian as she bares all during a taboo sex scene.