Robert Joyner
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
devikamenon
This 2011 offering has Audrey Tautou in it. Need one say more? Ever since I watched her as "Amelie" in 2001 I've been entranced, like the rest of the world. In the airy and whimsical "La delicatesse" she plays Nathalie Kerr, an essentially joyful soul who is suddenly widowed one fine day when her beloved husband dies in an accident. She loses herself in grief and takes recourse in her work, and only her work. A few years pass before something unexpected happens. This something takes the shape of a tall, blond, endearing, sensitive and all-round decent (Swedish) guy named Markus Lundell who happens to be her co- worker. Nathalie and Markus play off each other's fears, in a way: she is under the shadow of her grief still, and he is so swept off his feet by his feelings for her that he is actually afraid of moving forward lest he hurt himself. Their back-and-forth is awkward, even clumsy; yet lighthearted enough to prise a smile out of the most jaded viewer.More here: http://devikamenon.blogspot.com/2016/06/french-movie- Friday-la-delicatesse.html
Rich Wright
Funny thing, falling in love with a slob. You might think he's the bee's knees, but your family and friends may feel differently... and some may be more eager to display their disapproval than others. Here, an attractive young French lady is married to Mr Perfect, but becomes a widow at an early age when he goes out for a bike ride. As soon as he put them headphones on, after declaring undying affection for his wife, I knew he was a goner. You get a sixth sense for these kind of things, when you've seen as many movies as I have.Instead of mourning, she spends the next four years concentrating solely on work... and it's there, one day, she randomly kisses a Swede called Markus. She has no idea why she did it, but thanks to her unprovoked actions, Markus is now besotted with her. And so, now begins a strange romance, between a gorgeous career girl and a kind, but rather scruffy bearded older chap. Their interactions are frequently endearing, and we want them to get together... regardless of what anyone else says.It lacks the wit and pizazz to be a truly memorable romcom, but at the end of the day, all you need in a film like this is a sympathetic central couple, and a few relatable parts which will provoke nods of recognition and smiles from any watching lovebirds. Plus of course, being set in Paris, a scene at night with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the background. Has there ever been a flick of the genre, Funny thing, falling in love with a slob. You might think he's the bee's knees, but your family and friends may feel differently... and some may be more eager to display their disapproval than others. Here, an attractive young French lady is married to Mr Perfect, but becomes a widow at an early age when he goes out for a bike ride. As soon as he put them headphones on, after declaring undying affection for his wife, I knew he was a goner. You get a sixth sense for these kind of things, when you've seen as many movies as I have.Instead of mourning, she spends the next four years concentrating solely on work... and it's there, one day, she randomly kisses a Swede called Markus. She has no idea why she did it, but thanks to her unprovoked actions, Markus is now besotted with her. And so, now begins a strange romance, between a gorgeous career girl and a kind, but rather scruffy bearded older chap. Their interactions are frequently endearing, and we want them to get together... regardless of what anyone else says.It lacks the wit and pizazz to be a truly memorable romcom, but at the end of the day, all you need in a film like this is a sympathetic central couple, and a few relatable parts which will provoke nods of recognition and smiles from any watching lovebirds. Plus of course, being set in Paris, a scene at night with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the background. Has there ever been a flick of the genre, set at this location, that hasn't? 6/10 6/10
Tom McLoughlin
I am not a fan of emotional nuanced, indeed French, movies. So why the big score? Went with my girlfriend who was tired after a busy day at work. I was skeptical already. We loved it.Female lead was whippet like, not the usual Hollywood cookie cutter looks. Her emotional range in subtle fashion was very good. The whole movie reaches an emotional climax at the end and I love the surreal nature of that, always been a sucker for the spiritual/metaphysical/surreal imagery.The male lead was goofy but as you look you see a dignity, a certain honor, and pointed wit. This man is lovable and credible as such.The music was fantastic no doubt because it was written for real life loss by Emilie Simon. My friend is Budhist and the bells in the signature tune were perfect. Any movie with excellent music (compare Thin Red Line) will lift and indeed soar.The movie is just released in Australia and probably there are a lot of multicultural 'mismatched' couples who commit to each other attracted by difference. Australia is the most successful multicultural country IN THE WORLD. When I was in France I saw the pathetic xenophobia with due contempt felt by me (it was a subway situation in Paris).The French style in the urban and rural landscapes were very stylish for those with an eye to detail, but perhaps not for knuckleheads (other reviewers?).The French history is sub textual - Norsemen naming Normandy and making a marriage of Vikings and French some 1,000 years ago. The above-mentioned highly metaphorical rural landscape of yellow and green is notable for those with eyes to see. Even dialog about a cold day being like summer gives the clue to this ancient subtext.these themes of multicultural tolerance and deeper humanity, especially in the shadow of madman Anders Behring Breivik, was a superbly timed contribution to popular culture. Bring on the Love as the antidote to the hate.9 out of 10. I stand by that.
writers_reign
In retrospect Amelie was probably something of a mixed blessing in the career of Audrey Tautou. Prior to that breakthrough role she was getting decent roles in quality movies such as Tonie Marshall's Venus Beaute where she could coast in the wake of a heavy hitter like Nathalie Baye and let her carry the movie. After Amalie it was of course Tautou herself who had to pick up the ball and run with it and the results have been mixed at best and along the way she has had to watch as others - Isobel Carre for example, in Romantics Anonymous - have excelled in roles tailor-made for Tautou. Delicacy helps restore the balance and despite the inexperience of a first-time director there is still sufficient charm on hand to lift it out of the run-of-the-mill and it does no harm at all to have Ariane Ascaride along for the ride albeit wasted and underused at one and the same time. As time-passers go and antidotes to the cgi fodder this is as good as any and better than most.
