This is a masterful film that captures two days in the lives of an old British couple, Nick and Meg, who head for a weekend to Paris to beat the blues of their staid lives, layered with anxieties of old age, fag end careers and unfulfilled dreams. They feel that Paris, where they once spent their honeymoon, will awaken memories of good old times, and renew their spirits. And sure it does, even if only towards the end.
The plot is narrow but there is plenty of drama, the kind that sparkles in shifting moods and conversations of a couple dealing with many 'what could've beens', and fighting loneliness of being alone and together. Drama is also added with the entry of an old friend of Nick's, whose, unabashedly successful life, offers a contrast and forces within them a reflection of how, despite the frustrations, there is still much to cherish and keep together. The brief speech at the dinner table by Nick and the last scene is a gem. The film is endearing and funny, with great performances by the lead cast, especially by Jim Broadbent. If you like films with rich dialogue such as Leigh's 'Another Year' or the 'Before...' series by Richard Linklater, this film will appeal to you.
The plot is narrow but there is plenty of drama, the kind that sparkles in shifting moods and conversations of a couple dealing with many 'what could've beens', and fighting loneliness of being alone and together. Drama is also added with the entry of an old friend of Nick's, whose, unabashedly successful life, offers a contrast and forces within them a reflection of how, despite the frustrations, there is still much to cherish and keep together. The brief speech at the dinner table by Nick and the last scene is a gem. The film is endearing and funny, with great performances by the lead cast, especially by Jim Broadbent. If you like films with rich dialogue such as Leigh's 'Another Year' or the 'Before...' series by Richard Linklater, this film will appeal to you.