A wife pressures her husband to solicit work papers from his civil servant father.
An elegant and well-acted piece of French drama.
Bonitzer directs with a pleasingly light touch, and amidst all the playful references to classic Russian literature, Asiatic mores and Freudian theories, there’s a serious critique of how, in Sébastien’s words, “repugnant sectarianism” is undermining the capacity of French society to tolerate difference and cherish diversity amongst its citizens.
Pascal Bonitzer's droll, very French comedy benefits from a wonderful performance from Jean-Pierre Bacri.
The performances are tart and tannic, ensuring the film goes out with a graceful dying fall.
Pascal Bonitzer's good-looking family drama may be conventional but it's extremely well acted.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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