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Starring Romain Duris, Juliette Binoche
Directed by Cedric Klapisch
“Paris. No one’s ever happy. We enjoy that.” A not unfamiliar complaint of urban dwellers in Klapisch’s likeable comedy, a multi-layered exploration of love, loss and relationships, Gallic style.
Elise is a frumpy single mother taking care of her brother Pierre who has received the worst news possible.
Their story forms the backbone to a fractured storyline that draws tension and purpose from unexpected corners.
While death hangs heavily, not only with Pierre’s life-threatening condition but in other, less obvious ways, Paris is not a morbid film.
Despite the tough, somewhat sad, occasionally pathetic, subject matter, it remains surprisingly uplifting. A myriad of apparent sub-plots build to a coherent whole that is both fresh and funny.
Notable is one between a lecturer – Fabrice Luchini in fine comic form – and his young student, a girl who is also the subject of Pierre’s house-bound lust. And throughout, the rewarding backdrop of Paris itself loiters.
Although Klapisch finds little that’s new or profound to say, he says it well. Crisp lensing and editing compresses the long runtime to ensure Paris doesn’t overstay its welcome.
Fans of the city and the anguish of relationships will not be disappointed.
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