Antoine, the head waiter of Chez Jean, an upscale restaurant in Paris, chances upon a man that is preparing to hang himself from a tree, one night he is trying to meet his girlfriend by cutting across a park. Well, the only thing for him to do, since he is a good guy, is to go and save the man's life. In saving the man, Antoine goes into extremes in order to give this man, a second chance in life, but at the same time he is taking on much more than what he bargained for.
Pierre Salvadori's comedy could be considered a black one, or at least, in that genre. Mr. Salvadori seems to be telling us to watch out for those people that will soak up all our energy and good will as they will never be able to repay us for the kindness we extended to them in their hour of need, or so it appears to be the case with this idiotic Louis, the man that Antoine saved.
In the process of trying to do good, Antoine discovers that Louis had been dejected after his girlfriend, the beautiful Blanche, has told him to pack his things up because she's had it with him! That's the reason for his trying to do himself in. Antoine, is kindness personified. He is an atypical Parisian man with a heart of gold and deep pockets to help the nebbish Louis, who obviously doesn't seem to have a clue about what to do with his life. In the process Antoine falls in love for Blanche.
On the last sequence of the film we see Blanche and Antoine being reunited at the Thai restaurant they like, and a suddenly normal Louis is outside, realizes that Antoine has stolen his woman, We see Antone's car demolished by Louis. In a touch of Gallic sophistication, the head waiter presents the couple a bottle of expensive champagne sent by Louis, so they can celebrate their love.
Daniel Auteuil's Antoine is perfect. One of the best things we have seen this actor lately. Sandrine Kilberlain is an elegant Blanche. Jose Garcia is the goofy Louis. Marilyne Canto and Michele Moretti, are seen in minor roles.
This is a comedy that Hollywood would probably try to re interpret in the not too distant future. It has the right elements, but remains basically a delicious French comedy that one hopes is not duplicated by the American cinema.
Pierre Salvadori's comedy could be considered a black one, or at least, in that genre. Mr. Salvadori seems to be telling us to watch out for those people that will soak up all our energy and good will as they will never be able to repay us for the kindness we extended to them in their hour of need, or so it appears to be the case with this idiotic Louis, the man that Antoine saved.
In the process of trying to do good, Antoine discovers that Louis had been dejected after his girlfriend, the beautiful Blanche, has told him to pack his things up because she's had it with him! That's the reason for his trying to do himself in. Antoine, is kindness personified. He is an atypical Parisian man with a heart of gold and deep pockets to help the nebbish Louis, who obviously doesn't seem to have a clue about what to do with his life. In the process Antoine falls in love for Blanche.
On the last sequence of the film we see Blanche and Antoine being reunited at the Thai restaurant they like, and a suddenly normal Louis is outside, realizes that Antoine has stolen his woman, We see Antone's car demolished by Louis. In a touch of Gallic sophistication, the head waiter presents the couple a bottle of expensive champagne sent by Louis, so they can celebrate their love.
Daniel Auteuil's Antoine is perfect. One of the best things we have seen this actor lately. Sandrine Kilberlain is an elegant Blanche. Jose Garcia is the goofy Louis. Marilyne Canto and Michele Moretti, are seen in minor roles.
This is a comedy that Hollywood would probably try to re interpret in the not too distant future. It has the right elements, but remains basically a delicious French comedy that one hopes is not duplicated by the American cinema.