Dalle 5 alle 7: Due ore per l'amore

5 to 7 is a smart, endearing, and entertaining film, well interpreted and, while in the course of deftly playing off cultural stereotypes, resonantly manifesting significant character development.

The plot revolves around a romance with repercussions that demonstrate a significant gap between American and French social mores. That very gap becomes the stage for the film's comic zone, where the protagonist and his parents manifest the angst that generates its constant chuckles and a few really good belly-laughs.

The film fits squarely into the Uptown New York awkwardness-generates-witty-repartee pattern that has been so well established by Woody Allen and followed by Whit Stillman. Well crafted dialogue delivered convincingly.

Anton Yelchin turns in a compelling performance as the protagonist, Brian. He interprets a highly endearing character: sensitive, intelligent, thoughtful, driven and respectful. He and each of the principle characters display commendable characteristics that make them all highly likable.

Bérénice Marlohe glows with exuberant kindness and empathy. Lambert Wilson, expertly portraying that which Americans find both typical and impenetrable of the (particularly aristocratic) French, reveals therein universally-recognizable and enviable grace and integrity. The audience at the Miami Jewish Film Festival howled with laughter as Glenn Close and Frank Langella, playing Brian's parents, masterfully interpreted the Jewish martyr-mother and stubborn father, respectively.

Victor Levin's directorial sensitivity enticed each of these actors to interpret stereotypic portrayals in a loving manner, to great comic and dramatic effect. Levin walks the line perfectly without offense. The characters are not caricatures: they are quintessential and highly endearing and human incorporations of their representative communities.

As the plot unfolds, Brian becomes a study in character development. He learns, on all planes, the value of dedication, sacrifice, and a good underlying moral compass. The story is accessible and compelling. It speaks to serendipity and the extent to which life is a sum of our experiences, most markedly seen in relationships. I found a very resonant message that these relationships are best savored with sensitivity to their context and they always be remembered with sweetness. Ain't that the truth!

It's a love story. It's a coming of age story. It's a class-of- cultures story. But to call "5 to 7" a "romantic comedy" is to evoke images of all sorts of rom-com clichés that this film does its best to avoid. There were moments when I expected the movie to go in a predictable direction, and it didn't. I thought this was going to be a movie about a young, sheltered writer who could never achieve success until he stopped writing and started living -- but, while this played some part, it wasn't exactly that, either.

Best of all, I adored every character in this movie. There are no villains. The only villain is life -- the inherent complications in good people's lives that, try as you might, you can't dodge. The two principals, Anton Yelchin and Bérénice Marlohe, were perfect. Frank Langella was hilarious; Glenn Close touching. And the sprinkling of real-life people into the story was handled exactly right.

It's a shame that this movie has had such a limited release. It is truly a wonderful film.

3/16/17. I wanted to watch this because I like Anton Yelchin. The fact he died so young from a tragic accident made me want to catch everything he did. Sadly, Yelchin came off as being somewhat awkward in this somewhat implausible romance. Perhaps people living in such circles act this way, but just seemed a bit unrealistic.

I will admit that the film had me in the first few seconds. That it was no accident made it even more appreciated. That it fulfilled its promise by the end left me thinking, smiling and feeling good. A lot of care, love and thought had gone into making a story about likable people who are complex characters. Please, give me more. The script, the acting, the camera work and the perfect pace, made it all a beautiful pastiche of quiet and quality film-making. Yes please, give me more. But it would be helpful if these gems are not hidden away from the public. Thank God for Netflix. I've searched for some information on the film after watching it and saw that this was a debut for Victor Levin as a director. I am looking forward to more.

I began this movie, knowing little of what awaited me. Many movies you watch in life are movies that just fleet by, without having an impact on your view of life, of love, of what's important to you. This movie was and remains different. It is a movie that will challenge your idea of life and of love foremost. If you are prepared for this, then I strongly advice you to watch this movie. It was gripping without its like. I have never been this moved by a movie, and it will probably take a long time for me to find a movie of its like. 10/10