Les marmottes

Elie Chouraqui isn't a remarkable figure in the French cinema. After, a little convincing attempt in the comedy with "Paroles et Musique" (1984) and a failed incursion in the thriller with "Man on Fire" (1987) which made the object of an American remake in 2004, he chose to tell the story of a family with numerous members drowned in their sentimental problems. Through the presented topic, the director was inspired by Claude Lelouch's cinema (Chouraqui has earned his spurs as an assistant producer with the latter). As a matter of fact, "les marmottes" is especially worth for its band of actors. From Daniel Gélin to Virginie Ledoyen (it was one of her first major roles) through Gérard Lanvin, Chouraqui invited a concentrate of well-known actors coming from different generations. Their talent is sufficient to make up the characters' lack of depth and the director's impersonal style.

If you are a fan of Lelouch's and Sautet's cinema, that is to say if you are fond of sentimental movies, try this film. Otherwise, skip it.

A big family is filled with various problems,but these things are all about love.Winter vacation is coming,all of them will go to skiing.Maybe it's a chance to solve all matters...

In the end of this film,all problems are solved or solving,the point is mentioned in the letter by someone's mother---Life's a miracle. Yes,"life is a miracle,we gotta make the most of the passing moment,Gotta do our best,there'll be time enough to rest.Tell someone U love them--there always a way,and if the dead could speak I know what they would say to U & me--don't waste another day..." quoted Prefab Sprout' song--Life's a miracle.

This French film isn't very famous even though U can see many famous stars,some of my favourite French star--Gerard Lavin who acted a gloomy husband ,Jean-Hugues Anglade who acted a hysterical man,Virginie Ledoyen & Christopher Thompson who acted a teenage lovers.They are really gorgeous in this film. Eight out of ten!!

This movie by Elie Chouraqi deeply resonates in me with all the various "love and hate" situations between characters, the back and fourths, and replicas happening during a family gathering in the alps.