Having admired Cedric Klapish's early work, I waited perhaps a bit long to go see this film, but alas, it didn't stay around too long when it was shown here locally. M. Klapish is never boring, as he has demonstrated before. This new film shows clearly he has a talent and an incredible understanding of young people.
The idea of going abroad to study sounds appealing to a lot of students. It's a marvelous way to start an independent life, away from home. What seems a bit difficult is the idea of setting the action in Barcelona, where the official language is Catalan, a form of Spanish spoken only there. It's a wonder that the multi cultural students attending university in that city will learn anything being taught, when they all speak a basic kind of Spanish!
Aside from that, the film is light. It shows how a group of Europeans, gathered in a seedy apartment, cope with their new surroundings. Xavier is at the center of the action. He is a serious student trying to get a cushy job in Paris after his graduation. As played by Romain Duris, who has worked with Mr. Klapish before, this young man goes through a lot during his year in Barcelona.
The director emphasizes the cultural differences among the group by presenting a series of stereotypical situations, but they are never obnoxious, or in a political incorrect manner. These young people are having the time of their lives.
Aside from M. Duris, who is wonderful, Judith Godreche is a welcome sight as Anne Sophie. Audrey Tautou has the thankless job of portraying Martine, the girlfriend Xavier leaves behind in Paris. Also Cecile de France's Isabelle and Kevin Bishop's William add another dimension to the picture.
Again Mr. Klapish has come out with an interesting take of his own. One wonders what a Hollywood studio would have done with this 'simpatico' comedy!
The idea of going abroad to study sounds appealing to a lot of students. It's a marvelous way to start an independent life, away from home. What seems a bit difficult is the idea of setting the action in Barcelona, where the official language is Catalan, a form of Spanish spoken only there. It's a wonder that the multi cultural students attending university in that city will learn anything being taught, when they all speak a basic kind of Spanish!
Aside from that, the film is light. It shows how a group of Europeans, gathered in a seedy apartment, cope with their new surroundings. Xavier is at the center of the action. He is a serious student trying to get a cushy job in Paris after his graduation. As played by Romain Duris, who has worked with Mr. Klapish before, this young man goes through a lot during his year in Barcelona.
The director emphasizes the cultural differences among the group by presenting a series of stereotypical situations, but they are never obnoxious, or in a political incorrect manner. These young people are having the time of their lives.
Aside from M. Duris, who is wonderful, Judith Godreche is a welcome sight as Anne Sophie. Audrey Tautou has the thankless job of portraying Martine, the girlfriend Xavier leaves behind in Paris. Also Cecile de France's Isabelle and Kevin Bishop's William add another dimension to the picture.
Again Mr. Klapish has come out with an interesting take of his own. One wonders what a Hollywood studio would have done with this 'simpatico' comedy!