Gerard Depardieu is something of a miracle!  How can someone who looks so ungainly, not so handsome at all, and not as young as he used to be, still appear so charming and engaging?  This is one of his most pleasingly accessible films – and suggests that he could have an alternate career as a singer.

This is very French in story, characters and relationships.  He is still a band leader and singer in these days of karaoke.  She is a somewhat repressed estate agent with a son.  He falls for her.  She takes quite some time and then we are not always certain whether she falls for him.  In between there are many songs and musical interludes, a lot of looking at prospective houses for him, some moodiness on the part of each, the prospect of a big concert gig – as well as a bout of vocal chord inflammation and other expected ingredients.

But, it all works nicely.  Depardieu will consolidate his fan club and Cecile de France is a striking screen presence.

 It is the kind of story that Hollywood likes – a remake with Nick Nolte and Cate Blanchett?

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