Ensemble, c'est tout

What a pleasant surprise this film turned out to be! After about 25 mins, i was totally hooked into this quartet of terrific, subtly drawn characters. What could have been a fairly stock- standard, 'everyone-comes-together-in-Paris' type of comedy-drama, is elevated by great performances (the always gorgeous Audrey Tautou and the impressive Guilliame Canet in particular), considered production design & a script that doesn't take the easy way out and continually defies your expectations.

Wholly charming, this is a great romantic fable, hugely fun, and should appeal to anyone who wants a thoughtful yet enjoyable trip to the cinema.

I have just seen the movie in Sydney and enjoyed it very much. My last movie was "conversation with a gardener" which I enjoyed equally. I was French for 27 years and movies that can bring me back to what I missed the most are indeed pleasing. Not that I could really identify with any of the characters but simply their actions and the settings in which they happened brought back vivid memories. One can philosophy as much as one wishes to. But I feel actors very heart of their vocation is to make the audience enjoy the reality of their acting. And this reality will affect any normal sophisticated or unsophisticated person if that person is not too busy playing the critic or demanding a particular agenda. Our life experience is something we can't deny, no matter whom we may be. So these 3 then 4 characters are just doing that following their dreams in a too human way, and the only way they know how to do it. I'm not too well versed in directors trends or particular project, I just manage to retain some actors'name, Tatou is now one of them, yet it's her characters that interests me. I'm simply feeling good, bad or indifferent with movies. Just like wine, I don't drink label, but hope to enjoy the taste. Why "Hunting and Gathering"? I certainly understand better "Ensemble, C'est tout". Am I missing something here? Just the same I'll have to agree - togetherness, even if a pain at times, is yet preferable to loneliness.

From beginning to end, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Every member of the cast was excellent but I particularly loved Guillaume Canet. I first saw him in Jeux d'enfants and fell in love with him (who wouldn't?). As for Audrey Tautou, I finally saw what all the fuss was about. I have seen Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, but I didn't care for it at all.

I only wish that this film had been longer so that we could have been better acquainted with Philibert since he was such an interesting character.

I also loved Françoise Bertin's performance as it was very touching. I identified with the struggle that many of us face in trying to care for someone and trying to earn a living.

All in all, a very commendable film.

Ensemble, c'est tout is an enjoyable romantic movie. The basic premise is of romantic comedy, but the treatment is different. There are lot of dramatic elements thrown in and the characters are given a long time to establish themselves in their given roles.

Audrey Tautou is one of my favorite actresses and she has done a wonderful job as always. But her performance is very similar to what she has done in other films and frankly I am getting a little bit tired of it. I mean it is wonderful but I would like to see her do something else too. She has been doing the Amelie act for a long time now.

Nothing is really new in the movie but execution is different, which kept me hooked. All in all, a very enjoyable movie.

I liked the film. Though it differs from the novel by Anna Gavalda. I imagined a bit another Franck, but Guillaume Canet is so charming, and I must admit that he perfectly fits his part. Audrey Tautou isn't the best Camille... but I'm used to her being the "prima ballerina" of the French cinema... I reckon that are Philibert (Laurent Stocker) and Franck (Guillaume Canet) who make the whole film worth watching. And of course I must admit Tautou's good acting. All the actors beautified the film. It's no use retelling the plot. It's not a detective story with millions of turns up. This film speaks about life. And you know, read the book first. That's my advice. The film isn't as good as its original. But nothing's perfect! And if you want to form your own opinion (not the director's one) about Camille, Franck, Philibert, Paulette...... both read and watch.