Peut-être

This is a surprisingly clever, sardonic and oddly charming science fiction film that manages to be engaging without the usual big budget special effects. The filmmaker instead achieves more witty, quasi-surrealistic results by moving the narrative forward with quirky unanticipated plot twists reminiscent of films such as "Being John Malkovich" (1999). Less is more -- entertaining, that is. Leave it to the French to create a disturbingly plausible future that envisions the outcome of a wasteful disregard of the planet, while simultaneously maintaining a touch of romantic energy and charm. Actor Jean Paul Belmondo looks great for his age and contributes some sage presence to the story. This is a nifty and imaginative French film that should have received a theatrical release in the U.S. for American art house cinema audiences but, alas, somehow never did. It's a surprisingly entertaining little gem of a movie.

funny. charming. time travel and advice for present. same Romain Duris. another Belmondo. a story about values, price of life, fears, roots of facts, role of present as brick of future and responsibilities. a SF, a comedy, a good occasion to make a lot of questions. and nostalgic crumbs. slices of Stars War, ingredients of travels in time, another story about 2000 year - expectations, parties and scenario - a love story and the search of way far from responsibilities. a profound drawing of society. few moralistic drops,easy style but seductive as a trip in yourself. in fact, only a little problem - what is answer to future situations ? how honest reasons are parts of our life ? a man. is it an isle ? is it a continent ? or just a seed.

This film is surprisingly good, if you let yourself be drawn in by it. Just sit back, relax and turn up the volume a bit, because the soundtrack is really brilliant: if you're a music lover, you'll love this strange tale with great musical timing....

It was the first New Year's Day of the millennium and an old son disappearing tried to convince his young Dad to correct the time- line.

Well, you don't dream: it's indeed a French movie with a lot of good things: an old icon (Belmondo), my favorite French actress (Geraldine) and actor (Romain) together, under the direction of the most innovative of French filmmakers (Clapish). Unfortunately, the result is rather bad.

I don't know if it's deliberate or due to the lack of money but the movie is the all-time number one for hideous costumes and make-up: the 1999 party is bleak and the people from the future are bleaker! Compare Tatoine and you will have a brighter Tunisian landscape! Beyond, the story seems lost in sands because it's never emotional: It's a pity because there was a pit of good ideas: parenthood, Paris under sand, excavating the basement for antiques!

Ironically, the movie has become what it depicts: a small hope of unknown in a desert of French production (always about comedies or drama) but quickly drowned under a sandstorm

Arthur is not yet sure that he wants to become a father, but his girlfriend, Lucie, is desperately wants a child. On New Years Eve 1999, Arthur is forced to experience his future and see what the consequences will be like if he does not have children now. He meets his son, Ako who reveals the situation and what he must do. Transported to the year 2070 we expect to find the typical mise-en-scène for a sci-fi film, however, to our great surprise it appears that human life has taken several steps backward and Paris is now completely 'ensablé' - covered sand. There is no time-capsule either; a simple loft-hatch is the portal to a very different Paris. Images of Hausmann style rooftops just sticking above ground level and the Eiffel Tower behind sand dunes is very thought provoking. The costumes are more medieval than 21st century. Thus this film not deals with the issues of relationships and the fate of individuals it gives a shocking reminder of the possible effects of man's mishandling of the environment. It also makes us think of the personal decisions we make and how that can affect the lives of others. In terms of cinematography this film is also impressive with the use of various camera angles and shots and the special effects necessary to create such surreal scenes.

The beginning of the film is well contrived to trick the viewer for a few moments. Nevertheless, the plot remains quite uneventful after the first ten minutes and the ending is very predictable. The film tries to show too many scenes and characters and does not allow the main three characters to be developed fully. We struggle to see whether the film is mainly a thought-provoking sci-fi, comedy or romantic film. Apart from Arthur the degree to which he characters are not surprised by the events is absurd. Any romance between Arhur and Lucie is also marred by the interruptions of feeble sexual humour. The sound track in the film, however, is actually well constructed and employed to provide links between present and future times. The abrupt stops in music provide suspense for the viewer and the tracks are taken from both contemporary French and English language music.

Overall you will be disappointed by this film if you were expecting more than a light drama but it is still reasonably entertaining and a very original piece of cinema.