It is a romantic comedy. No, it is a drama of class conflict. No, it is a crime thriller. No, it is a chick flick all the men are either brutes or comically clueless while strong women bond. But wait! It is all of these and more! At first thought, one might well jump to the conclusion that such a mixing of tones is a sure recipe for
well
chaos. But writer/director Coline Serreau blends all the elements perfectly into a funny, suspenseful, and uplifting film. It begins with a professional couple (Catherine Frot and Vincent Lindon) rushing out of their apartment, late for a dinner engagement. On the way there, a woman, obviously a prostitute, who is being pursued by three men, runs toward their car yelling for help. Lindon locks the doors. The woman is caught and is being savagely beaten as the couple drives away. Lindon doesn't want to be involved, but Frot finds the woman unconscious in a public hospital and becomes her major caregiver and protector. Frot is excellent. Rachida Brakni, who plays the young woman forced into prostitution but trying to break away, is a terrific new talent. Can a guy fall in love with two women at the same time? I did while watching this movie. This just in! Director Serreau did such great work that she has landed the job of directing the inevitable Hollywood remake of her own film, due in '06. It looks like Meryl Streep will take the role played by Catherine Frot. Some days I think I must go mad.
