Les Beaux Jours

I am a fan of Ardent and certainly of French cinema.

But this film is unforgivably bland and flat.

Now, OK, the French simply cannot make a film without adultery. I get it. It is apparently some French law. And usually a one with good results. But it is one of several utterly forced aspects and plot lines thrown into this slightly droll "Lifetime channel" "made-for-TV" quality film that make the entire experience seem artificial. It doesn't shock, excite, enlightening, add drama, sadness or happiness. It is just a has to be there because it is the only thing the writers could think of.

The rest of the film is predictable and cliché. No usual French subtleties, simply nothing at all of interest

(37%) A typically French drama looking at an adulterous relationship between a recently retired dentist and her quite a lot younger computer teacher boyfriend. There's plenty of French realism here that's sort of like what a TV soap opera would be like if they were not so poorly made. While the plot is hugely simplistic to the point in which this could have been a 30 minute short and still had the exact same sort of impact. But the performances are decent enough, and there's not a huge amount of romantic movies out there about people in and out of love at the later stages of life. Maybe worth a look for French cinema fans, but I'm certainly never going to watch it again.

I did not click with this movie or this movie did not click with me. As much as I like French movies, this one disappointed me. The performances were good,Fanny Ardant is beautiful, but...nothing new in here and everything is so predictable. In my opinion, in this film was no connection on any level (physical or emotional) between two main characters . At least I did not notice. Fanny Ardant' character, so self- conscious of her age, so insecure, so needy of assurances or clarifications of what is next, of knowing how she is going to be "dropped", looked rather pathetic and out of place. It also did not show why the young man was attracted to her in the first place. It is usually class and self-assurance that attracts younger men to older women; this movie is silent about it. Love scenes were rather dismal. Overall, the film did not convey what the book it was based on might have done. I did not read the book.

"Bright Days Ahead" is an odd sort of film for me to review. On one hand, I adore foreign films--particularly French ones. But, on the other, I am hopelessly conservative when it comes to marriage and relationships. I am happy I married my first and only love...even after nearly 30 years. Because of this, some of the themes in the film don't resonate with me at all...though I will still admit that I thought the film was well made and worth a look.

Caroline (Fanny Ardant) is going through a major transition in her life. Her best friend recently died and Caroline has just retired from her dental practice. Figuring out what to do and who she wants to be is the subject of this unusual film about aging. When the film begins, she's going to a local senior center to take some classes...hoping that something will pique her interest. However, her first several attempts are not particularly satisfying and she's very tentative. But, in the process, she ends up finding something she did enjoy...another man. And, he's a much younger and handsome man. While this isn't usually a serious problem, Caroline is married and having an affair could ruin her marriage or bring on other unforeseen consequences. Not surprisingly, she eventually does have an affair--though the consequences on her and her marriage are probably not what you might expect.

I liked some aspects of a film quite a bit. As a retired guy, I can relate to how difficult it might be making some huge life changes. In my case, it worked out well--but it IS a major change and is a bit like a loss. The old you is dead and you need to create a new you. I also appreciate that the film shows a 60-something woman as a very sexual and sensual being. Too often, films seem to be giving us the message that sex and love pretty much end by middle age. While this isn't overtly said in films, think about how often movies, particularly big-budget Hollywood films, have older folks in sexual relationships--unless it is perhaps a comedy. And, how many show these older people as vibrant, real and sexy? Well, "Bright Days Ahead" does...and this is something I really appreciated.

On the other hand, as I mentioned above, am very traditional. Because of this, the notion that affairs are okay or even good is something that troubled me--especially since I have known folks who were seriously harmed by their partner cheating on them. I would have enjoyed it more had the film shown these negative consequences or had Caroline been single. Instead, the film left me feeling uncomfortable...and why I cannot recommend it without some reservations.

Setting aside my misgivings for a moment, I cannot ignore that the film is well made and interesting. The acting is quite nice and the film does make you think. Worth seeing...just don't believe in its message too much--especially since people so often get hurt.

A 60 year old woman has recently retired, is mourning the death of a close friend and is looking for meaning in her life. She is introduced to a 'seniors' club as a way of meeting people and participating in new activities. She initially shows little interest until the possibility of an affair with one of the organisers begins.

Nice idea for a screenplay, perhaps the screenplay was good, but the end product doesn't realise the potential. The film ultimately plays safe and succeeds only if it was aiming to be 'feel good'. Missed opportunities to become 'interesting' and 'unique' as well as 'bright'.

Some humorous moments but not enough for it to be a comedy. Some investigation of characters but not enough for it to be a drama.