British films have a certain flavor of sophistication even when they are dealing with stories about Brits in their long time foes - the French! Aschlin Ditta came up with this little story that is subtle, thought provoking, and warmly humorous as directed by Jackie Oudney and acted by a superb cast - a film that engages the audience's own life and relationships.
Jed (Hugh Bonneville) has been in a ten year relationship with Cheryl (Victoria Hamilton), plans to marry her, but discover they don't love each other after all. Jed is a magazine feature writer who, as the movie opens, is grumbling about his upcoming interview with a fatuous French cineaste and love guru Thierry Grimaldi (ex-soccer player Eric Cantona) whose theories about love Hugh finds ludicrous...and overly 'French'. Jed's best friend Marcus (Douglas Henshall) madly loves his girlfriend Sophie (Anne-Marie Duff), or so he says, before a chance encounter with his first love of 20 years before. Marcus wants to run off to Paris to marry her, leaving Sophie behind, loveless and forlorn. Of course it all works out for the best, but it is the getting there as acted out by these fine thespians that make the film a joy. Subtlety, innuendos, and halting conversations make this an adult romantic comedy able to carry enough weight to make is significant entertainment.
Grady Harp
Jed (Hugh Bonneville) has been in a ten year relationship with Cheryl (Victoria Hamilton), plans to marry her, but discover they don't love each other after all. Jed is a magazine feature writer who, as the movie opens, is grumbling about his upcoming interview with a fatuous French cineaste and love guru Thierry Grimaldi (ex-soccer player Eric Cantona) whose theories about love Hugh finds ludicrous...and overly 'French'. Jed's best friend Marcus (Douglas Henshall) madly loves his girlfriend Sophie (Anne-Marie Duff), or so he says, before a chance encounter with his first love of 20 years before. Marcus wants to run off to Paris to marry her, leaving Sophie behind, loveless and forlorn. Of course it all works out for the best, but it is the getting there as acted out by these fine thespians that make the film a joy. Subtlety, innuendos, and halting conversations make this an adult romantic comedy able to carry enough weight to make is significant entertainment.
Grady Harp