La belle époque

I adored this romantic and retrò movie! I think that many people can recognize themselves in the situation of the protagonists, especially couples who have been married for a long time. Through the past that comes back and becomes true, they find a new light in their life and love. The idea to create a set in which anyone could experience the era that he most likes is brilliant and I would be the first client if this would be really possible. The idea is smart and original. Many intense moments bring with them some tears, but also laughs and passion. It is definitely a movie to watch!

Just saw this film at the VIFF. The opening scene is worth the price of admission and the fast-paced dialogue had me engaged throughout the film. Lots of witty lines and funny gags had the audience laughing. The acting was superb, especially Margot, who had to play her real life role as the director's girl friend and her acting role as Victor's wife in the past. Victor also was excellent playing the down and out jilted husband seeking connection to his past. Overall the tight script and flawless acting makes it one of my favourite movies of the year.

I really enjoyed watching this movie. It's fresh and keeps the viewers well connected with the characters. Exceptional acting. It makes the viewer appreciate the true power of performing a movie within a movie. A clever script, in my oppinion, with a blend of old and new to match. For me, though, it would've been even more gripping if the reenactment had taken place at Marianne's request, rather than Victor's choice. That way, he could've been unaware of everything going on behind the scene, so they can relive their happiest moments, as an attempt to save their marriage. Too cliche? Maybe. Anyway, that's just a thought. I like it all the same.

My own personal 'Belle Époque' would have been my student days in the late 60s, most especially '69, when I fell amazingly in love, so I was 5 years ahead of Victor, but I can so much identify with the nostalgia, and the desire to go back. Indeed, I often visit those days in my dreams, with the sort of distortion of events that only dreams can do. So if I could pay to be magically transformed completely to 1969, to live its fabulous intensity all over again, only my bank balance would hold me back. To return to relive a time when the world lay ahead of me, everything seemed possible, and I was not old and cynical, now wouldn't that be marvellous? It is so refreshing to watch a movie that involves genuine acting, and Daniel Auteuil is magnificent, as always, his eyes alone capable of expressing so much emotion. And it sets 21st century and possibly futuristic technology against a backdrop of 1974, when life really was all so much simpler. The movie does at times become dream-like in its depiction of Victor's recreation of his youthful journey, and most certainly surreal, definitely bewildering in places for him, and the whole story is cleverly handled with wit and elegance. Well worth seeing, and I will give it a faultless 10/10

Aging Victor is down on his luck: he's unemployed and he has been kicked out of his own home as his wife has left him for his former boss, the man who fired him. Then he is offered a chance to recreate a moment in time and he chooses the moment in 1974 when he and his wife first met.

An interesting, entertaining and emotional film. Great in its application of nostalgia and our desires to relive our fondest moments. The central plot is quite basic and ends fairly predictably, though emotionally. However, some of the sub-plots are quite interesting, especially the Antoine-Margot-Victor relationship. There's also some very funny moments: the assistant director gets some great scenes and one-liners.

Not always engaging though. The plot does seem unfocused at times and some scenes and sub-plots go nowhere.

Can't fault the casting: the big names, Daniel Auteuil and Fanny Ardant, are great and nobody puts a foot wrong. Doria Tillier, as Margot, steals the show though.