Rosalie Blum (2015) Film Review

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Vincent(Kyan Khojandi) lives a life stuck in a rut – he runs the hairdressing salon that he inherited from his father, takes care of his needy mother, Simone(Anemone), and has a long-distance relationship with a girl who keeps cancelling their visits. Then he sees Rosalie Blum (Noemie Lvovsky) in a grocery store outside of his usual routine and recognises her. He cannot place her, but becomes obsessed with trying to recall why she is so familiar. Things are not as they seem, however, and when Aude(Alice Isaaz) comes onto the scene, everything changes.

It’s a delightful French film. Somehow, even the kind of creepy stalking parts have an innocent charm to them. And people are raving about this film. Yet.. I wanted to like it, but just didn’t. It seems like the type of film I absolutely should love. The characters are great, the setting is beautiful, the story is quirky and fun with a hidden depth. But I just didn’t really like it. I still recommend it – I think most people will enjoy it more than I did. The guy behind me in the cinema loved it!

 

The Intouchables (2011) Film Review

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Phillippe (Francois Cluzet) is an extremely rich man who has become a complete quadraplegic in a paragliding accident. Interviewing for a  new carer, he meets Driss (Omar Sy) a young, black man who just wants his papers signed so he can receive benefits. Instead, he hires Driss and an unlikely friendship takes place.

There was nothing very unexpected in this film, but it was just wonderful. The characters are totally engaging, from the two main characters to the other staff who keep Phillippe’s empire running. The story is believable but just so much fun. It is no wonder that the film was nominated for and won a slew of awards across the world.

The Intouchables was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film.