There's always so much at stake when trying to film novels. So many people have to be pleased, that some will, unfortunately, be left on the outside. But the idea is to remain faithful to the book and make the right choices when casting. If it were to be ideal, the script should cover more ground than the dialogs from within the book, and the director's vision should merge with the contents and atmosphere of the novel. I dare say, "Monsieur Ibrahim" comes very close in all these regards.
As a matter of fact it remains nearly 100% faithful to the source: Momo, a young boy living in Paris, neglected by his father, discovers the world around him through women, love and Monsieur Ibrahim, the grocer from the other side of the street. It's a charming and, at times, moving story, mainly because of its innocence. Remaining innocent is always hard. The movie's feel is amazing, as it will probably ease anyone's transcend into Paris of the sixties.
Yet, as the end came near, I remained with the regret that the story wasn't improved on...but maybe improve isn't the perfect word. It's a matter of extrapolation, of a greater perspective. A little bit of something more for those who read the book, some kind of innovation.
The movie's end is all that doesn't abide by the book and while I do not consider the choice taken as appropriate, it is arguably good enough to pass. It comes down to stressing some ideas.
There's little...fundamentalism to be found in "Monsieur Ibrahim". And that's what makes it even more beautiful.
As a matter of fact it remains nearly 100% faithful to the source: Momo, a young boy living in Paris, neglected by his father, discovers the world around him through women, love and Monsieur Ibrahim, the grocer from the other side of the street. It's a charming and, at times, moving story, mainly because of its innocence. Remaining innocent is always hard. The movie's feel is amazing, as it will probably ease anyone's transcend into Paris of the sixties.
Yet, as the end came near, I remained with the regret that the story wasn't improved on...but maybe improve isn't the perfect word. It's a matter of extrapolation, of a greater perspective. A little bit of something more for those who read the book, some kind of innovation.
The movie's end is all that doesn't abide by the book and while I do not consider the choice taken as appropriate, it is arguably good enough to pass. It comes down to stressing some ideas.
There's little...fundamentalism to be found in "Monsieur Ibrahim". And that's what makes it even more beautiful.