Une belle course

A taxi ride across Paris can be one of life's most romantic times, and so it is in Driving Madeleine, a French souffle about a titular 92-year-old (Line Renaud, a famous French singer 95 years old) being taken by court order after a fall to a rest home, perhaps a final journey. Driver Charles (Dany Boon) doesn't realize it, but it is a transforming ride for him as well.

Madeleine, having no family but obvious means, requests along the way side trips to her past, both physical places along the way and memories that turn on love and heartbreak but have a salutary effect on both characters.

From stories of her first kiss during WWII, with Matt's kisses like "honey and oranges," to marriage abuse typical in the 1950's, Madeleine remains positive about being alive and loved. Charles, at 46 almost like a grandson to Madeleine, parries with financial woes but also hymns of love for his daughter. His tales of woe are shared by most working-class blokes.

The lovely background of a road-trip movie by cinematographer Pierre Cottereau, juxtaposed with some searing memories of Madeleine's younger self, comprise a delicate drama of life's ups and downs, from which our protagonists find a solace in living every day. It almost seems writer-director Christian Carion wishes us to smell those roses despite the disappointments that our fates appoint.

I am critical of sentimental movies like this that rely heavily on flash backs, yet here they work successfully to help guide us through her robust Odyssey. Although Driving Madeleine could seem a bon-bon movie trip, it is not.

It is a serio-comic trip with two fascinating characters reliving their lives and better because of it. At a difficult time of year to find good movies, you will have found one as well as a tear or two for this delicate protagonist and an end of life that will toll for all of us in one way or another.

This was a film I didn't at first think would be very interesting, but that was just based on a fleeting glimpse of the basic plot. Boy was I wrong. It turned out to be a sublime, at times gut wrenching and tear-jerking film about an elderly, spirited woman who recalls her life to a world weary (and at first, indifferent) taxi driver, superbly played by Danny Boon. French film-makers in particular seem to have a knack of turning a simple story into a compelling, inspiring drama so full of heart and warmth. Christian Carion has created 90 minutes of magical storytelling whilst taking us on a journey through modern Paris. I didn't want this taxi ride to ever end!

One of the movies that remain in my mind that I enjoyed watching. The beautiful content, the beautiful narrative, the feeling was completely transferred to the viewer, and after the end of the movie, the viewer will definitely connect with his heart and think.

In some parts of the movie, you can imagine yourself in a taxi and be a part of the movie The pains that suffered in life, what time of abuse, who saw his wife and when he was released and lost his son. The taxi driver that was wonderful.

The movie music was great, excellent imaging. An interesting harmony was visible throughout the film.

As with most films premiering on the Gothenburg film festival, you can experience greatness.

As is the case with this masterpiece.

It is just very beautiful in terms of writing, shooting, cinematography and acting.

It is a very clever and well conveyed script that is sure to delight most film fans, and the film is very expertly and interestingly edited.

Overall, an incredible masterpiece that dares to experiment with the visual medium and with bold and interesting writing in ways that are commendable. It is truly a great drama for the ages that should be experienced by any lover of film. Give it a watch!

Greetings again from the darkness. This film surprised me with two clear and valuable reminders. First, with a bit of effort, we can always have a positive impact on others - sometimes to the degree that we change their life. Second, everyone has a life story, and we only learn it if we take the time to ask and listen. Writer-director Christian Carion is known for THE GIRL FROM PARIS (2001) and the superb Oscar nominated JOYEUX NOEL (2005). With co-writer Cyril Gely, Carion delivers a heartfelt story of two people with seemingly nothing in common, crossing paths and making a difference.

Charles (Dany Boon) is a Paris-based taxi driver who feels his life crumbling ever so quickly. His marriage is on the rocks. His financial woes seem insurmountable. He's one more traffic violation from losing his driver's license, which means no driving a taxi, and of course, more money problems. His dispatcher calls and offers him a fare that would take him cross-town. At first Charles balks, but quickly remembers he needs the cash. Extremely annoyed when he arrives, Charles repeatedly honks his horn until an elderly lady assures him that she's ready for the ride. In fact, it's to be Madeleine's (Line Renaud) final ride. A trip to the nursing home to live out her final days.

Appearing years short of her 92-year age, Madeleine requests Charles to drive her through the areas that were key to her life. It's a life that has a shocking past and one that slowly emerges as her charms and warmth thaw Charles' previously irritated demeanor. It's fascinating to watch a bond ... even a friendship ... formed from this unusual day trip around the city. These two should share little common ground, but what we find is that people tend to respond to kindness and listening and sincerity. These two help each other in ways neither could have imagined.

Comparisons to Best Picture Oscar winner DRIVING MISS DAISY (1989) are understandable, yet Madeleine and Charles carve out their own movie niche, and we find ourselves liking each of them. Dany Boone starred in director Carion's history-based JOYEUX NOEL (2005), and although he is best known for his comedic work, that film and this one proves his dramatic chops. Line Renaud began performing in the 1940's and is a well-known singer in France. As a 'sometime' actress, she lights up the screen here as our beloved and spirited Madeleine. The ending may be a bit of a stretch (even though we see it coming), but the real joy here is watching these two connect as flawed human beings.

Progressive theatrical openings on January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024.