Une vie à t'attendre (2004) User Reviews

Wishy-washy and Soporific - to be avoided - prefer Hollywood !

[nicholas.rhodes · 4/10 · 4 July 2006]

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.

I Can't Wait A Lifetime For Patrick Bruel To See Sense

[writers_reign · 16 April 2004]

Chris Thompson, co-screenwriter here is not only the daughter of Daniele Thompson but also the grandson of Gerard Oury which, to French Cinema buffs - or buffs of French Cinema - is very tasty lineage if anybody asks you. This is only the third screenplay he has worked on and the first two, La Buche and Decolage Horaire, were directed by mum, Daniele, so without her at the helm we can perhaps overlook the fact that at the end of this movie he allows Patrick Bruel to LEAVE Nathalie Baye, or, to put it another way, he invests Bruel's character with terminal idiocy. No ONE, even in a movie, is going to walk away from Nathalie Baye because not only is she one of the lovliest actresses in French cinema she is also one of the wittiest, most stylish, warmest, chicest to run out of adjectives. Nevertheless that's what this cretin does. Go figure. Apart from that this one is out of the right box and it's always great to see Baye - just as it is to see Huppert, Bouquet, Binoche, Kiberlain, Carre, etc - and, for good measure, we have Danielle Darrieux still, in her ninth decade, showing how it's done. Plot? Glad you asked. It's about relationships. It's French. Say no more. 8/10 (11/10 for Baye)

Don't rush: Waiting a life is the exact time you should take before to see this movie (DVD)

[leplatypus · 1/10 · 4 November 2006]

A first movie about an indecisive man in his sentimental choices: if all the actors & actresses deliver an excellent composition, the movie is a long boredom because of its paradoxical story: In my opinion, if you love someone, you are passionate.

In this movie, I can't identify to this belief: First, I don't understand how can Bruel feel more than one love: he seems to need the both women to have one "complete" wife.

Then, he shows no sincere passion for any of them: he keeps on stepping back with them: he will be a father of one but he remains still; he leaves on vacation with the other but they quit without words...

Sure it's hard to build a relationship, but the foundations are always clear & strong: true & sincere feelings and a leap of faith: Maybe I should see this movie like an illustration of the consequences of this lack of commitment but it doesn't mean it should be so dull!!!!

Can older lovers be as foolish as when they were young?

[enkid2 · 7/10 · 28 June 2010]

Being in love can have a powerful, long lasting effect on people. What if the woman/man of your dreams suddenly came back into your life? Would you be willing to give everything up for a second chance at happiness?

So many questions to answer for our two main characters Jeanne (Nathalie Baye) and Alex (Patrick Bruel). The entire supporting cast is also of note, from the interpretation of Alex's brother Julien played by actor Michael Cohen to Alex's current girlfriend Claire (Geraldine Pailhas).

All in all: This is a story of passion and romance set in France, not Hollywood.