Most of comedy movies are just movies whose plots aim nothing but people's laughs. But "Je ne suis pas un homme facile" is a funny movie, excellent for making you laugh, have fun, chill and to make you "wear the woman's shoes" by making men to play their social roles and "vice versa".
109 Reviews
Gender role reversal - thought-provoking, but flawed
richard-fieldhouse8 May 2018
Damien is a male chauvinist pig of the first order - boorish, inconsiderate, all the trimmings... So it's no great surprise that Alexandra, his author friend's PR assistant has no time for Damien at all. Then after a bang on the head, Damien finds himself in a world where everyone's roles are subtly changed and the women wear the trousers. In this world, Alexandra is the famous author and she picks out Damien whose weird views she thinks might make a useful subject for her next book.
At each turn, the film begs the question, if the tables were turned, would the people respond in this or that way? The gender roles they depict are sometimes a bit extreme and the focus on the one topic is at times a bit relentless, but it does make you think. The tone of the piece is light and though it might be meant as a comedy, it's not laugh-out-loud funny.
The film is dubbed into English (from the original Parisian setting) which is a pity, but it has been done quite well so you soon stop noticing. Vincent Elbaz and particularly Marie-Sophie Ferndale put in strong performances in the lead parts and carry the film despite its weaknesses.
At each turn, the film begs the question, if the tables were turned, would the people respond in this or that way? The gender roles they depict are sometimes a bit extreme and the focus on the one topic is at times a bit relentless, but it does make you think. The tone of the piece is light and though it might be meant as a comedy, it's not laugh-out-loud funny.
The film is dubbed into English (from the original Parisian setting) which is a pity, but it has been done quite well so you soon stop noticing. Vincent Elbaz and particularly Marie-Sophie Ferndale put in strong performances in the lead parts and carry the film despite its weaknesses.
SHould be an eye opener for the society
Jithindurden20 August 2018
Adaptation of the director's own short film of 2010 the concept of a world where gender roles are reversed. A 2015 Indian web series Man's World did the same concept with average results. The main problems with that series were that the guy accepted the world too soon and the role reversals were not very thoughtful as to how it should reflect the society and patriarchy, it kind of replaced the roles in a way that it gives room to think that each world is working the way it should and didn't give enough perspectives. That's where this film works, the reversals are thought-provoking rather than just funny and flipped. Different perspectives are given and many things make sense in that world reflecting the problems of our world. The ending is also quite good in changing the focus o the other character which reinstates the importance of the concept.
A great movie with a terrible ending
robert-20-9308614 April 2020
Missed opportunity
julillo2328 December 2018
An eye opener!
markhorvus4 November 2018
An interesting idea to have men reflect but I´m a bit confused in the end
zengesther27 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler
To be honest, I expected more in this movie. I know there´s a lack of sex equality in modern society, but the reality is no as bad as what is shown in the movie. It exaggerates the differences.
The details are funny when it comes to how to attract the "dominant" sex through appearances. The change of attair of men, the shaving, ect,. But the perspective could have been deeper.
About the relationship between Alexandra, her marriage came from no where, her dubbing their conversations has no clear impact. The ending for me is quite confusing. What the hidden marriage can do at the very last 5 min but adding some anti-climax into the movie? The taping coversations revealing should have come much earlier. Those conflicts all thrush in the very last minute, overwhelming, but are left with no conclusions.
What Damien will do when he knows, apart from hiding a marriage from him, that their conversations have been taped. If she is a famous writer, how could her newly release didn´t come to Damien? It could be much more interesting if all the passionate love and sex scenes chould be given to solve this conflict. When Danmien realised he´s been taped.
Again, what is the purpose of the hidden marriage? The more I think about it, the more confusing I get. So, I´m just gonna to bring down my original 7 to a 6.
The perspective is innovative, but I don´t think it´s thought provoking enough. A lot of loose ends. At least, they are not that obvious to me.
What Damien will do when he knows, apart from hiding a marriage from him, that their conversations have been taped. If she is a famous writer, how could her newly release didn´t come to Damien? It could be much more interesting if all the passionate love and sex scenes chould be given to solve this conflict. When Danmien realised he´s been taped.
Again, what is the purpose of the hidden marriage? The more I think about it, the more confusing I get. So, I´m just gonna to bring down my original 7 to a 6.
The perspective is innovative, but I don´t think it´s thought provoking enough. A lot of loose ends. At least, they are not that obvious to me.
Interesting premise, poor execution
safergus17 September 2018
The film portrays a world where gender roles are reversed. All well and good, but it lacks any subtlety or nuance. Reversed means reversed - 180 degrees. Women wear suits and pee standing up - they basically are men, but with higher voices. Sure, it highlights just how gross men can behave, but it could have achieved greater impact by showing an alternative world where eomen are on top, but without resorting to gross behaviour. The result is a film where the two main characters are totally unsympathetic, and our interest and commitment soon wane.
A wasted opportunity, sadly.
Brilliant and hilarious!
aseelchehade28 November 2018
I've never written or rated a movie, but felt that the average rating on IMDb did the movie a great injustice that I had to write this.
It's a real shame that the majority of those who rated it poorly failed to see the point of the film. The film focuses on exaggerating every single character and detail, from the chauvnistic male lead, to the 180° world reversal. Though neither world is necessarily one that we currently live in, most men fail to see their own behaviour or sense of entitlement until it's exaggerated in the form of a film like this. Even then, so many men come in here, angrily ranting this is not their nature. If you're not, great, good for you. But the truth is, just like the issue of being born into a certain "superior" race, those living a privileged life fail to realize just how good they have it! The same holds true for gender privilege.
Damien is the epitome of chauvinistic men. I, as a woman who looks/dresses a certain type of way, deal with this on a daily basis. This movie is meant to give men a taste of their own medicine. The exaggerations, such as women dressing in suits/driving loud sports cars, are spot on. A lot of reviewers have rated the movie negatively because of this. They fail to see that these acts have been oversimplified, because how can we possibly begin to address things like job inequality, women in executive positions etc, when we still live in a world where men can catcall women on a daily basis, and we just "deal with it".
Whatever mindset you're coming from, give this movie a watch. It's very eye-opening, from both a male and female presepective (watched this with a male friend myself). It made me realize how I've adjusted my own way of life, in a sense, to deal with certain situations I come across on a daily basis!
It's a real shame that the majority of those who rated it poorly failed to see the point of the film. The film focuses on exaggerating every single character and detail, from the chauvnistic male lead, to the 180° world reversal. Though neither world is necessarily one that we currently live in, most men fail to see their own behaviour or sense of entitlement until it's exaggerated in the form of a film like this. Even then, so many men come in here, angrily ranting this is not their nature. If you're not, great, good for you. But the truth is, just like the issue of being born into a certain "superior" race, those living a privileged life fail to realize just how good they have it! The same holds true for gender privilege.
Damien is the epitome of chauvinistic men. I, as a woman who looks/dresses a certain type of way, deal with this on a daily basis. This movie is meant to give men a taste of their own medicine. The exaggerations, such as women dressing in suits/driving loud sports cars, are spot on. A lot of reviewers have rated the movie negatively because of this. They fail to see that these acts have been oversimplified, because how can we possibly begin to address things like job inequality, women in executive positions etc, when we still live in a world where men can catcall women on a daily basis, and we just "deal with it".
Whatever mindset you're coming from, give this movie a watch. It's very eye-opening, from both a male and female presepective (watched this with a male friend myself). It made me realize how I've adjusted my own way of life, in a sense, to deal with certain situations I come across on a daily basis!
Valuable to watch to see the extent of gender roles in our everyday life
pauljlmatusz31 October 2021
We all know the chauvinist playboy type, and the culture that still to this day often surrounds them. Here the roles are reversed, as other say, in quite a relentless way. But the movie does use this caricature to bring our attention to how many aspects of our everyday's life are patriatrchy-laden. I thought that the movie would have been a tad more interesting if the traditional female characteristics, rather than male ones, were the utmost values the world: caring, sensitivity, etc. Instead we get a picture of, at times, effeminised men. It gets boring a bit quickly, but I understand the idea behind it. I didn't appreciate the ending though, it could've 'hit the nail on the head' but to me it was a miss.
Meh
arthur85127 April 2018
An awfully simplistic perspective of what it would be like to change genders. This movie is built around the idea that all it would take to understand the other sex and become more cognizant of gender equality is to simply exchange stereotypical manners.
That if a woman wore pants, wore her hair up, that men wore shorts and heels, suddenly whoever lived in this altered world would understand the roots of injustice.
This film does not much more than ask "how would you feel being objectified?", and does very little to explore the question of "why" and encourage against.
That if a woman wore pants, wore her hair up, that men wore shorts and heels, suddenly whoever lived in this altered world would understand the roots of injustice.
This film does not much more than ask "how would you feel being objectified?", and does very little to explore the question of "why" and encourage against.
Please watch this movie!
ashleighharris-2840620 December 2018
People reviewing this movie poorly have missed the point. There is an ending and it is supposed to shock you into realising that this is the way the world actually is for women and how sad it is that this is reality.
I too wondered if they couldn't have made the feminine qualities dominant and masculine submissive but on further reflection, I think the way it was done was just right.
By flipping the gender roles so purely it is a great demonstration of how women live in this society.
I love, love, love the way Women's bodies are shot by the camera, just structurally without any sexualisation, this was very clever!
The film seems silly and fun on the surface but it relays a great message.
After watching this film with my (very straight, very white) father he came to the conclusion that maybe he had been underestimating how hard it is for women in our society (a big deal).
Please share this film with the men in your life and enjoy the sweet feeling of being understood.
Entertaining, satirical
120watts22 January 2023
It was pretty entertaining, I did quite enjoy Marie-Sophie Ferdane's performance as Alexandra Lamour, the woman who satirizes the chauvinist hotshot.
As a guy myself, I really would be most interested to see a take that explores the power of the masculine and feminine in an insightful, delicate way. I think as men and women we have a lot to learn both about how to be comfortable with our own nature, and how to appreciate and, at times, tap into the energy of the other side as well.
This wasn't that movie. It is part of a succession of performances which seek to topple a certain form of stereotypically obnoxious masculinity, without necessarily exploring solutions. In that sense, it can be considered a reactionary lens, possibly a form of escapism.
Although it plays up crude stereotypes, I don't really understand why some people are giving terrible reviews. It's a movie, a piece of satirical art - not a guidebook. I actually did think there were a few scenes that made me reflect on how certain things that would be considered absurd for men are considered normal for women - that frankly do seem kind of antiquated. Anyway, it moved a long at a reasonable clip and had enough clever moments to sustain one's attention.
As a guy myself, I really would be most interested to see a take that explores the power of the masculine and feminine in an insightful, delicate way. I think as men and women we have a lot to learn both about how to be comfortable with our own nature, and how to appreciate and, at times, tap into the energy of the other side as well.
This wasn't that movie. It is part of a succession of performances which seek to topple a certain form of stereotypically obnoxious masculinity, without necessarily exploring solutions. In that sense, it can be considered a reactionary lens, possibly a form of escapism.
Although it plays up crude stereotypes, I don't really understand why some people are giving terrible reviews. It's a movie, a piece of satirical art - not a guidebook. I actually did think there were a few scenes that made me reflect on how certain things that would be considered absurd for men are considered normal for women - that frankly do seem kind of antiquated. Anyway, it moved a long at a reasonable clip and had enough clever moments to sustain one's attention.
One dimensional
arx0024 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A creative and funny start keeps repeating itself and swiftly loses its attraction. It's like repeatedly making the same joke over and over and over and ...
The so-called reverse role-playing may aim to reduce sexism but instead belittles femininity (played by the male actors) since "women" are reduced to playthings. The film totally bypasses the concept of motherhood and limits femininity, played by the the male actor, to waxed legs and mini shorts/skirts.
As a male, I can count so many reasons as to why I think women are superior to men but who will listen? Stereotyped feminists? This film made me see that feminism is based upon an (incorrect) inferiority complex.
The so-called reverse role-playing may aim to reduce sexism but instead belittles femininity (played by the male actors) since "women" are reduced to playthings. The film totally bypasses the concept of motherhood and limits femininity, played by the the male actor, to waxed legs and mini shorts/skirts.
As a male, I can count so many reasons as to why I think women are superior to men but who will listen? Stereotyped feminists? This film made me see that feminism is based upon an (incorrect) inferiority complex.
Surprisingly intelligent script coming from a low quality film market
ersbel16 April 2018
It is nice to see a variation to the pointless long talks with the usual well connected actors. And the idea is excellent. Only it needed a few more rewrites before making it into a feature film. Yes, the question about the pill is invasive, yes it has nothing to do with anything, still the men still don't have to take the pill given the consequences are still supported by the women.
A View From The Other Side - Curated Not So Well
majorcrap-728-76077318 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
A bizarre show. I get the "patriarchy is dead" part and the weird and sometimes amusing ways the alternate settings are - men wearing shorts to show skin, shaving to have a more appealing body, the love for pastels and tight clothing (hmm), just sitting back and letting the women do it all (including fighting), I get it. I don't know how many men can get this part though.
It's refreshing in a way but at the same time, maybe a little too much but hey, all to shape the women-dominated world.
The acting can be tad cringy at some points but the story is strangely palatable. The abrupt ending however, is really.
It's refreshing in a way but at the same time, maybe a little too much but hey, all to shape the women-dominated world.
The acting can be tad cringy at some points but the story is strangely palatable. The abrupt ending however, is really.
Another French cinema beaut!
michaelantonioscott3 September 2018
Full of chliches
imptoxin2 May 2018
OMG - A must watch
sjiana20 April 2018
I actually didn't realize how much of a patriarchal society we live in until the tables were turned entirely like in this film.
This is the first time I've come into rate a movie on iMDb as I was so shocked on many accounts watching this movie. It makes you think how much women have adjusted their behavior, acted accordingly in order to live in a male-dominated society. By seeing women act horribly, but actually very similarly to men in today's society, it re-emphasizes how men still dominate the society we live in today. (Then again not all men are horrible, but some men think it's okay to act in a certain way because they are men.) I think about how I have been conditioned to act a certain way in order to fit into an order that has already been set largely by men. I think about all the men (and women) who enforce certain stereotypes on women. I think about how many rules I have to follow because I am a woman. Anyways, really recommend watching it with both men and women!
A feminist wet dream that will not happen in real life if you do know your biological sciences.
upshot88884 August 2018
A feminist wet dream that will not happen in real life if you do know your biological sciences.
The day this happens which if it does is an evolution of both male and female you will find that when that day happens man will look like women and women will look like men.
But event then you see too many taken for granted or indoctrinated ideal inthe movies that typically will STILL BE DONE BY MALES.
This is nothing but a left wing fantasy movie that show you a funny angle to help you get laid but real life is a very different mother nature and if we screw with her too much both males AND FEMALES has much to lose or to exist.
As it stand so many things female use to do, males are exceeding in them while still exceeding to male dominated stuff...if you are not about getting laid, you will suddenly find, what good use is a female to a male in 2018. We have given you almost all the same rights that you now make yourself male's's competition in everything and just a easy be an enemy....especially the west.
The day this happens which if it does is an evolution of both male and female you will find that when that day happens man will look like women and women will look like men.
But event then you see too many taken for granted or indoctrinated ideal inthe movies that typically will STILL BE DONE BY MALES.
This is nothing but a left wing fantasy movie that show you a funny angle to help you get laid but real life is a very different mother nature and if we screw with her too much both males AND FEMALES has much to lose or to exist.
As it stand so many things female use to do, males are exceeding in them while still exceeding to male dominated stuff...if you are not about getting laid, you will suddenly find, what good use is a female to a male in 2018. We have given you almost all the same rights that you now make yourself male's's competition in everything and just a easy be an enemy....especially the west.
Boring and unintelligent
francis0078 June 2018
The idea could have been funny and there were some good ideas but it very quickly goes nowhere, makes little sense, and most problematic, it's very very boring. The message is simplistic and a little bit out of touch with reality, maybe that's how radical feminists see the world but not how it works. Anyway the main flaw of the movie is not being very good.
Can't see the gender prejudice any clearer!
semerelily4 May 2018
I can see all the unfairness and ridiculousness of being a woman. And it's ugly! It seems natural; but, it had to take a gender role-reverse to see how bad it really is, and how strong women are- going through all the social expectations and s**t. All in a funny way though. I love it. It made me look deep into myself. Great movie!
Good intention with bad story telling!
ilke_aydogmus16 March 2020
This movie has no ending!!
laciendanielle15 June 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has no ending. If you want to be left unsatisfied and pissed off then yes by all means watch this film.
Also I get what they were trying to do with this film, but I wish it was gone about in a different way, like showing femininity as the dominant quality and masculinity as the submissive quality, not just have a woman act like a man. And then have said woman have no character development along with the main guy.
Overall this film was just poorly written and rage inducing at the end.
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