Yolande Moreau has a solid body of acting work behind her having appeared in small roles in such diverse films as Horseman On The Roof, Amelie, Bienvenue chez les Rozens, Folle Embellie and Corps a corps and she's just the latest in a long line of French actresses to try her hand at writing and directing, albeit sharing both credits and I'm delighted to say that she pulls it off splendidly. She's opted for a 'small' story but it's none the worse for being a mainly gentle account of performers touring Northern France and falling (two of them at least) in love along the way. For those who don't know Moreau I should perhaps explain that she bears more than a passing resemblance to Josiane Balasko in both facial and physical appearance and it was brave of her to write and direct herself in a scene that called for her to appear topless. This is a film to induce smiles rather than belly laughs and it's permeated with a warmth that reaches out from the screen and envelops the viewer. 8 out of 10.
Review of When the Sea Rises
