A spasso con Madeleine

It's not the destination, it's the journey" Ralph Waldo Emerson. Philosopher.

Review Xanthe OConnor

With a opening mise en scene, that establishes the psychology turmoil of Taxi driver Charles, in true French style, because all he needs now is to drive across to the other side of Paris to pick up a fare, on arrival his passenger is no where to be seen, suddenly his dark mood is broken by the cutting feisty tones of the elderly (92 yrs old) Magdalene, who is moving into a retirement home.

Not a great start for both, as Charles dreads the return journey back across Paris. And Magdalene tries to postpone her move to the nursing home. However, this is the beginning of a beautiful bitter sweet journey. Which draws out a bonding respect and mutual compassion for both During the journey Magdalene prises open the all too closed grumpy Charles, by her candour and strength, as she unveils the incredible under current of her own life story. This last taxi ride for her, is a last grasp to resolve moments in her past Its the juxtaposition of the shared stories which bridge ages of the two, giving each other the insight and understanding to bring a shared tenderness and compassion.

Throughout the journey we visit flash backs of situations and the places of Magdalene past, which is elevated by the enticing glimpses of Paris. From the taxi window. Charles once blinded to it's beauty, begins to open his eyes as re evaluates the preciousness of his family and in life.

The cinematography and editing is seamless, music creates a flowing ambience and direction holds a tender nugget of emotion.

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.

92 year-old Madeleine is leaving her suburban home to enter an aged-care facility on the other side of Paris. Charles, a taxi driver, knows it will be a good fare and comes to pick her up. She is in no hurry to reach her new home and asks him to go via various places which have been significant in her life. As the journey goes on, she shares some of the events of her incredible life with him, as well as wisdom that is useful for his rather jaded existence. There are some flashbacks which show the changing times, including some interesting courtroom scenes. Charles, the cabdriver, in turn becomes increasingly interested, kind and generous.

On this, Madeleine's last lap of Paris, naturally the city stars with its landmarks, restaurants and general life, including separated bikelanes... if they can do it there... And all of this is set to some great songs of the 1940s.

The famous actors are superb, of course, as Madeleine, Liné Renaud (who is 94 and whose film credits go back to the 1940s) and as the cabbie, French star, Dany Boon. The story is well-paced, nicely filmed and quite a touching little gem, somewhat reminiscent of the fine Australian taxi-ride drama, 'Damage' (2022).

Yes, the story has a predictable ending. It doesn't take very long into the movie to have some idea of how it's going to end, but that's the point.

Why watch a movie that's pretty transparent about the ending? Because the characters are so well written, it's beautifully acted and before long you feel for the characters emotionally.

There were moments where I felt tense, my jaw clenched in anger because of how close to these characters I felt.

It was like I was drawn in to be a relative or a friend. I rode the knocks, felt the laughter and their sorry. They were perfectly relatable.

In a place where movies strive to grab your attention with explosions, or by trying to tick every box in a politically correct smorgasbord, this movie was stripped back to a couple of characters, their rapport and a story.

Truly moving. I'd happily see it again.

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!