penidoanna

More a drama than a comedy, the strength of the film is the performance of Mathilde Seigner, who plays here a very ordinary middle class woman devoted to family and work who hides the abusiveness of her drunk husband. Her character portrays the situation of many women who stoically stand above troubled waters hiding the truth as they lack self esteem. But suddenly she is stricken by luck and all her fears come to surface. She has the chance to change her life but she hesitates. the film raises a good reflection about the opportunities that most of us let go because we doubt if we truly deserve a better life. Specially touching is the list of her very modest desires ( title of the film) that she notes down on her diary at the end of another day of work. Almost like an exercise for courage. Another interesting character is her daughter Nadine, who is a very mature child who seems to perceive reality way better than her mother does. Unfortunately the performance of Marc Levoine, who plays Jocelyne's husband was stereotypical and not at all convincing. Other films of the same genre like Shirley Valentine were a huge success because they were truly a comedy. and the character goes through a major change. Unfortunately this film is too much of a drama and the end is wishy washy.

It's a laugh feast! Satirical, fast-paced, imaginative, savvy, wonderful performances lead by a director who knows what he is doing. Main character Roberto is a geek, but a talented comics artist, and the film weaves the real-life situations into the black&white comics book he is creating. Through his eyes real-life events are exaggerated and surreal, like when he wonders through a mall feeling a huge heart-ache for Cristina and all he sees at every step are young couples glued to each other kissing. Scenes with depraved grandfather who he adopts as mentor are hilarious. All scenes have an unexpected turn-around. Fine black-humor. A classic not to be missed!