Jean-Paul Mantegna, the owner of a hotel in Nice, finds himself financially strapped to keep the place going. He is at the end of his rope trying to secure a loan to tidy him over, but losing the hotel is almost inevitable. Jean-Paul's father, Raphael, a former Italian boxer, who settled in France, is now in a hospital where he is being treated for a heart condition. Jean-Paul's two siblings have parted ways with the old man and they live away from home.
As a way to get back on his feet, Jean-Paul goes to see his brother Philippe who has prospered in Milan. Philippe is not ecstatic to see his brother again, the man who seduced his wife, Anna Maria. The other brother Francis, lives not far from Nice. Francis left home as Raphael realized he was gay. He is willing to help his brother, but alas, just not enough. Anna Maria reappears bringing money to Jean-Paul, who reluctantly agrees.
Something has always bothered Jean-Paul about the way he was always favored by Raphael over the other two sons. He gets to get to the bottom of a family secret that Raphael kept from him and the reason why he was always what appeared to be the favorite son.
Under the direction of Nicole Garcia, herself an actress who worked extensively in the French cinema, this entry was disappointing because it does not feel real. The screenplay was a collaboration by Ms. Garcia and Francois Dupeyron and Jacques Fieschi. It is hard for the viewer to identify with any of the characters in the story. One of the basic flaws about why the film does not work lies in a miscast Gerard Lanvin, who does not show anything close to an emotion throughout the story.
Bernard Giraudeau who went to establish himself as one good presence in France's cinema, has some opportunities to show his talent. Italian actress Margherita Buy graces the production in a minor role as Anna Maria. Jean-Marc Barr is seen as Philippe. A young Karin Viard shows up in a minor role.
As a way to get back on his feet, Jean-Paul goes to see his brother Philippe who has prospered in Milan. Philippe is not ecstatic to see his brother again, the man who seduced his wife, Anna Maria. The other brother Francis, lives not far from Nice. Francis left home as Raphael realized he was gay. He is willing to help his brother, but alas, just not enough. Anna Maria reappears bringing money to Jean-Paul, who reluctantly agrees.
Something has always bothered Jean-Paul about the way he was always favored by Raphael over the other two sons. He gets to get to the bottom of a family secret that Raphael kept from him and the reason why he was always what appeared to be the favorite son.
Under the direction of Nicole Garcia, herself an actress who worked extensively in the French cinema, this entry was disappointing because it does not feel real. The screenplay was a collaboration by Ms. Garcia and Francois Dupeyron and Jacques Fieschi. It is hard for the viewer to identify with any of the characters in the story. One of the basic flaws about why the film does not work lies in a miscast Gerard Lanvin, who does not show anything close to an emotion throughout the story.
Bernard Giraudeau who went to establish himself as one good presence in France's cinema, has some opportunities to show his talent. Italian actress Margherita Buy graces the production in a minor role as Anna Maria. Jean-Marc Barr is seen as Philippe. A young Karin Viard shows up in a minor role.