Although experience has taught me that the French are absolutely hopeless at making romantic and passionate films, I had been hoping, when setting out to view this one, that this would be the "exception that confirms the rule" so to speak ! Alas, such was not to be the case, this film indeed confirms the rule but it is no better than the rest of them. I absolutely adore Nathalie Baye but even she could not carry this film single-handed. The other actors/actresses were unknown and completely unconvincing, especially she who plays Bruel's betrothed. As to Bruel himself, he has never been a great actor, though I did enjoy him in "L'Union Sacrée" though somewhat less in "La Maison Assassinée". In this film, he comes over as soft and undecided and not passionate about either of his ladies. The closest we get to romanticism here is the trip to Tuscany and the ride on the scooter but even that seems rather tame and leaves the spectator hoping for something stronger. As to the end, that Bruel should rule out Nathalie Baye (at the airport) and choose to remain with the other lady seems almost unbelievable and too stupid for words ! But as my friends who accompanied me to the movie in Paris, so rightly said, "it's French, so don't expect too much ! It wasn't made in Hollywood ! How true they spoke. I would therefore refrain from recommending this film to any one who is looking for romance and passion, even those people who can put up with sad endings. For here, not only is the ending pathetic ( it's not even heart-tearing ), the rest of the film is pretty soporific as well with pretty uninspired acting ( except, of course for Baye herself ). What a shame for a wasted opportunity.
Review of Une vie à t'attendre
Une vie à t'attendre
(2004)
Wishy-washy and Soporific - to be avoided - prefer Hollywood !
4 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers