Romuald et Juliette

There's nothing wrong with a movie that doesn't attempt to be deep and meaningful. Sometimes, you just want a nice "pick-me-up" to brighten your day. This movie doesn't exactly bring rainbows to your life, but it's not a waste of time either. I don't see the point in trying to bring up a deep-rooted psychological undertone when in fact, the movie is less racist for it's frank and casual attitude about the subject as pertains to the two characters. When He says "why?" to Her, She replies "because you're white, you're selfish, you're ..." and goes on to list a host of personal traits that the man definitely carries. Being White is one of his problems but her characterization of him BEYOND that one fact illuminates her view that his race is only a problem because he embodies all the negative aspects of that. Yes, she's a "lowly" but the fact is that that's reality - many minorities are stuck in low-end jobs living on the "lesser" end of life. The unfairness of this situation is mildly underscored in this movie - she is obviously intelligent, wise and kind. Because she is black, this somehow means that the idea of her entanglement with him is racist? I enjoyed the fact that this movie added race (or allowed to, perhaps the original script didn't include that aspect) to the mix to further dichotomize their differences. The point is that their differences aren't as wide as it seems; she extols his flaws and makes a conscious decision to change those flaws. What could be sweeter than watching a man make himself over for the love of a good woman?

I say anyone who thinks this story has racist elements either missed the point of the movie or they think minorities should never be portrayed as they are globally: trapped in low-end jobs, struggling to live decently and often clashing with the well-to-do who understand nothing of what it's like to live so "miserably". If you think adding a dash of reality in a movie is racist, then you're living in a dream world. I found this movie to be entirely believable mostly because IF such a thing were going to happen in real life, THIS is how it would most likely go down: subtly, spasticly, awkwardly and romantically.

There's nothing wrong with a nice romance movie now and then. All movies don't have to change your life.

I don't know how I came across this film, but I think it was because of Daniel Auteuil, an actor I had not encountered before I first saw this film in the early 90s. I've since bought the video and have watched it many times. The sweet story of a myopic French executive and his black office cleaning lady is not at all racist as someone previously posted here. And it's refreshing to see a love story starring a woman with a Junoesque figure. Fermine Richard is a splendid, sexy presence, and the scene where her son is let out of prison and her greeting to him is hilarious. Daniel Auteuil, as the clueless executive whose eyes are finally opened is a sensational actor and he's actually handsome in this film. Usually he's submerged in some character, and you forget that he can be an effortless leading man. The children--his and hers--are delightful, as is Romuald's ex-wife and bumbling underlings who seek to oust Romuald from his position as the CEO of a successful yogurt company, play their absurd parts with winks and nods.

Again it is the masterly hand of Coline Sereau who lets this warm comedy unfold with grace and sweetness that make for a delightful time. I had heard the film was optioned for an American version with Richard Dreyfus in the part of Romauld. Sounds awful. Watch the masterly original instead!

This is a very sweet film. While it has its humorous moments, I wouldn't really bill it as a comedy, but perhaps it's funnier if you're French. But I really loved the characters and the story. Firmine Richard is a real beauty (I'm going to look up more of her films), and I too fell in love with Juliette. I saw "Le Placard" last week, which was my first exposure to Daniel Auteuil; I didn't know he was in this film until I started watching it. There are a lot of great French actors that Americans are too unaware of. Expand your horizons folks -- watch foreign films. There are some real gems out there. Go to your library and check out a few.

Now, this 10-line-minimum rule is really starting to get annoying. I think my comment above is quite adequate, but the system still won't allow me to submit it. You folks really need to change that.

i was glad that this movie did without all the supposed depth of all too many pseudo-serious interracial movies. race was one issue, yes, but so was class...and loyalty...and honesty, etc.

i also loved the idea that the love affair wasn't couched solely in the 'decorative' aspects of either character's appearance. aren't our divorce courts (on both sides of the Atlantic, i daresay!) filled now with enough couples who thought 'looking good. together.' is all it takes to make a solid marriage? in any case, the tenderness and sensuality of both characters was thick enough to cut in love scenes that would have brought a rainbow to any dreary day! in other words, a light-hearted movie that's by no means a light-weight!

This is one of my favorite French films of all time. Juliet is an French African cleaning woman, mother of five (all with different fathers) and she works hard at a yogurt factory. I love Daniel Auteuil who plays Romauld. Anyway, Romauld is screwed at his job when the yogurt goes bad but it's Juliet who saves the day for him. She takes him in to her already crowded home and of course, they fall in love eventually. They are a mismatched couple in everything but they say opposites attract at least on celluloid they do. I still love Auteuil and think he is one of the best French actors around. Sorry Depardieu, I love you too but Daniel is just sexier. Anyway, the film is worth viewing for sheer enjoyment.