Like a busy airport, modern lives move at the speed of light. Six characters are examined closely in this light comedy that was shown recently on a French international channel. The film marks the directorial debut of Amanda Sthers, who has written for the theater. It is a comedy that was probably targeted for audiences seeking a pleasant time at the theater.
We meet Julia, a violinist, coming out of a pharmacy where she has gotten a prescription filled with a medicine to treat her cancer. By all indications she is far from being terminal, and yet, she wants to escape France to find refuge in a rural setting in Canada where she feels at ease in her bucolic surroundings. She has two daughters, one is expecting and the other is a lesbian working at a bar.
Meeting Marcel Hanri, a writer, arranging his own books to be in the front of all categories in the stands, is too much for Julia to watch. Recognizing him, she asks him to recommend a novel to read during her trip. Sadly, they part after they share some intimate moments at the cafe. She is leaving for an uncertain future while Marcel, who is experiencing writer's block, feels inspired by their meeting. Had Julia stayed behind, would they have had a chance? One wonders.
The other situation belongs to Max, a psychiatrist, who longs to be reunited with his long lost love, Fanny, who is on her way to Paris to meet him. Both are past their prime, but there seems to be a powerful attraction between them, even at this stage of their lives. Fanny has second thoughts about the meeting once she arrives.
The third encounter involves Lila, a school teacher for toddlers, now on her way to Canada where she decides to try her fortune. Marcel, a book editor, seeing his young daughter, who is flying as an unaccompanied minor, has some nice time with the girl. Marcel was asked to wear one of the pouches young children wear around their necks. Seeing her off, he catches Lila's eyes. She likes what she sees. In a hilarious scene, Lila makes a public announcement asking to meet the stranger.
Multiple events are at the root of this film, which is made better by its solid cast. The gorgeous Carole Bouquet is seen as the melancholic Julia, saying good bye to her past and the life she had in France. We all feel her pain as she wants to spend whatever time she has alone, sparing her daughters the pain of watching her fade. Pierre Arditi is excellent, as usual with his Marcel. He is a man who can do better, but has been stuck in a rut, writing things he did not feel.
Michael Lonsdale is Max, the shrink, with an unfinished history of his own. It is a treat to watch this great actor get ready to meet the love of this life. Monique Chaumette's Fanny is more reserved once she decided to agreeing to meet Max, perhaps doubting their future together. The sunny Anne Marivin has some tender moments in the film. Patrick Mille is the subject of her interest.
The film is fast. Shot in great parts at the international airport, the film catches people as they are. Regis Blondeau photographed the production in vivid colors. The music is by Keren Ann.
We meet Julia, a violinist, coming out of a pharmacy where she has gotten a prescription filled with a medicine to treat her cancer. By all indications she is far from being terminal, and yet, she wants to escape France to find refuge in a rural setting in Canada where she feels at ease in her bucolic surroundings. She has two daughters, one is expecting and the other is a lesbian working at a bar.
Meeting Marcel Hanri, a writer, arranging his own books to be in the front of all categories in the stands, is too much for Julia to watch. Recognizing him, she asks him to recommend a novel to read during her trip. Sadly, they part after they share some intimate moments at the cafe. She is leaving for an uncertain future while Marcel, who is experiencing writer's block, feels inspired by their meeting. Had Julia stayed behind, would they have had a chance? One wonders.
The other situation belongs to Max, a psychiatrist, who longs to be reunited with his long lost love, Fanny, who is on her way to Paris to meet him. Both are past their prime, but there seems to be a powerful attraction between them, even at this stage of their lives. Fanny has second thoughts about the meeting once she arrives.
The third encounter involves Lila, a school teacher for toddlers, now on her way to Canada where she decides to try her fortune. Marcel, a book editor, seeing his young daughter, who is flying as an unaccompanied minor, has some nice time with the girl. Marcel was asked to wear one of the pouches young children wear around their necks. Seeing her off, he catches Lila's eyes. She likes what she sees. In a hilarious scene, Lila makes a public announcement asking to meet the stranger.
Multiple events are at the root of this film, which is made better by its solid cast. The gorgeous Carole Bouquet is seen as the melancholic Julia, saying good bye to her past and the life she had in France. We all feel her pain as she wants to spend whatever time she has alone, sparing her daughters the pain of watching her fade. Pierre Arditi is excellent, as usual with his Marcel. He is a man who can do better, but has been stuck in a rut, writing things he did not feel.
Michael Lonsdale is Max, the shrink, with an unfinished history of his own. It is a treat to watch this great actor get ready to meet the love of this life. Monique Chaumette's Fanny is more reserved once she decided to agreeing to meet Max, perhaps doubting their future together. The sunny Anne Marivin has some tender moments in the film. Patrick Mille is the subject of her interest.
The film is fast. Shot in great parts at the international airport, the film catches people as they are. Regis Blondeau photographed the production in vivid colors. The music is by Keren Ann.