Die schönen Tage

I did not click with this movie or this movie did not click with me. As much as I like French movies, this one disappointed me. The performances were good,Fanny Ardant is beautiful, but...nothing new in here and everything is so predictable. In my opinion, in this film was no connection on any level (physical or emotional) between two main characters . At least I did not notice. Fanny Ardant' character, so self- conscious of her age, so insecure, so needy of assurances or clarifications of what is next, of knowing how she is going to be "dropped", looked rather pathetic and out of place. It also did not show why the young man was attracted to her in the first place. It is usually class and self-assurance that attracts younger men to older women; this movie is silent about it. Love scenes were rather dismal. Overall, the film did not convey what the book it was based on might have done. I did not read the book.

If you're going to have a May/December affair with a woman in her mid 60's..Fanny is definitely the one you want to have it with. And even should you be same age or older, don't think you'd believe her to be an off choice. As for her performance in this film, it's once again pure Fanny Ardant.. she just makes it all look so relaxed and easy. She is (and has been for most her entire career) in a league all her own. It's a great cast overall, there are no weak performances. The script is straightforward, but again is so well done you do not realize how good it is until it's all over. And should you be fortunate enough in life to have experienced somewhat a similar circumstance.. all the more poignant.

"Bright Days Ahead" is an odd sort of film for me to review. On one hand, I adore foreign films--particularly French ones. But, on the other, I am hopelessly conservative when it comes to marriage and relationships. I am happy I married my first and only love...even after nearly 30 years. Because of this, some of the themes in the film don't resonate with me at all...though I will still admit that I thought the film was well made and worth a look.

Caroline (Fanny Ardant) is going through a major transition in her life. Her best friend recently died and Caroline has just retired from her dental practice. Figuring out what to do and who she wants to be is the subject of this unusual film about aging. When the film begins, she's going to a local senior center to take some classes...hoping that something will pique her interest. However, her first several attempts are not particularly satisfying and she's very tentative. But, in the process, she ends up finding something she did enjoy...another man. And, he's a much younger and handsome man. While this isn't usually a serious problem, Caroline is married and having an affair could ruin her marriage or bring on other unforeseen consequences. Not surprisingly, she eventually does have an affair--though the consequences on her and her marriage are probably not what you might expect.

I liked some aspects of a film quite a bit. As a retired guy, I can relate to how difficult it might be making some huge life changes. In my case, it worked out well--but it IS a major change and is a bit like a loss. The old you is dead and you need to create a new you. I also appreciate that the film shows a 60-something woman as a very sexual and sensual being. Too often, films seem to be giving us the message that sex and love pretty much end by middle age. While this isn't overtly said in films, think about how often movies, particularly big-budget Hollywood films, have older folks in sexual relationships--unless it is perhaps a comedy. And, how many show these older people as vibrant, real and sexy? Well, "Bright Days Ahead" does...and this is something I really appreciated.

On the other hand, as I mentioned above, am very traditional. Because of this, the notion that affairs are okay or even good is something that troubled me--especially since I have known folks who were seriously harmed by their partner cheating on them. I would have enjoyed it more had the film shown these negative consequences or had Caroline been single. Instead, the film left me feeling uncomfortable...and why I cannot recommend it without some reservations.

Setting aside my misgivings for a moment, I cannot ignore that the film is well made and interesting. The acting is quite nice and the film does make you think. Worth seeing...just don't believe in its message too much--especially since people so often get hurt.

The french like to depict in most of their films. their favorite lifestyle which is usually middle to upper class. Sitting around a table drinking wine, eating food and pondering about politics and relationships. A bit later we will see some passionate sex and the story start to unfold, if the characters are on their 20's it has political overtones, if the characters are in their mid 30's it is about the coming of age, in this film is about the taboo of having an affair with a much younger partner and the predicament it accompanies such a decision.Nicely photographed, uplifting location near the sea can not to save this clichéd and bland film.It seems to me that a lot of french films suffer from trying to RE-invent love, which is fine but it becomes to be predictable and boring.

I am a fan of Ardent and certainly of French cinema.

But this film is unforgivably bland and flat.

Now, OK, the French simply cannot make a film without adultery. I get it. It is apparently some French law. And usually a one with good results. But it is one of several utterly forced aspects and plot lines thrown into this slightly droll "Lifetime channel" "made-for-TV" quality film that make the entire experience seem artificial. It doesn't shock, excite, enlightening, add drama, sadness or happiness. It is just a has to be there because it is the only thing the writers could think of.

The rest of the film is predictable and cliché. No usual French subtleties, simply nothing at all of interest