This film is a perfect example of those qualities that seem to be impossible in American/British cinema. It has a homeliness and innocence which is believable while being obvious fiction. The acting of Depardieu, Gisele Casadesus and Maurine is superb, in fact none of the cast are anything but excellent. It is not always the case that 'flashback' scenes don't interfere with the continuity but here they work perfectly as the character of Chazes is built up. His relationship with Margueritte, from the initial pigeon naming encounter to the final 'rescue' is beautifully developed. This film is finely worked comedy, painted over a morality which is never syrupy, leaving one with a smile and even a moist eye, at the end.
Review of My Afternoons with Margueritte
