I think I fell in love with this film before even watching it. The initial concept was just so brilliant 18 stories by 18 directors set in 18 arrondissements of Paris, worshipping it in all its glory and triumph. It was so unique and fresh, different from all the films I have previously seen. And being the Francophile I am, I knew I had to watch it immediately. As I lovingly unwrapped the DVD cover (even that was designed with great consideration - the splash of red on Miranda Richardson's trench-coat is both bold and understated at the same time), I knew I was going to be in for an enjoyable, and distinctly Gallic ride.
And it fails to disappoint. Well, mostly. The over-arching theme can of course only be love, considering that all of the stories are set in the most romantic city in the world. But each writer/director approached the subject from their own perspective, following the "rules" as strictly or as loosely as they desired. Some set out to send a message to the audience; some wanted the capture the raw emotion of the characters; and some just decided to be funny. It's not a film that you want to be watching with a mob of people, but is a film that you'll want to discuss intimately with your loved ones afterwards. Everyone will have their favourites and least favourites, and exploring those instincts with others is by far one of the most enjoyable experiences that the film brings to the table.
Each story lasts around five minutes. For some, it is the perfect length and for others, you yearn to learn more about the characters. The cast is superb and none of them threatens to overshadow the others. Pierre Adenot does a fantastic job with scoring the film quaint little set pieces and decidedly French, like quiet musings to the soul. It is a shame that two arrondissements fell through, I would've loved to see what Raphael Nadjari and Christoffer Boe would have done with Popincourt et Vaugirard. But since each story can be viewed as a masterpiece in its own right, the film does not feel incomplete.
And it fails to disappoint. Well, mostly. The over-arching theme can of course only be love, considering that all of the stories are set in the most romantic city in the world. But each writer/director approached the subject from their own perspective, following the "rules" as strictly or as loosely as they desired. Some set out to send a message to the audience; some wanted the capture the raw emotion of the characters; and some just decided to be funny. It's not a film that you want to be watching with a mob of people, but is a film that you'll want to discuss intimately with your loved ones afterwards. Everyone will have their favourites and least favourites, and exploring those instincts with others is by far one of the most enjoyable experiences that the film brings to the table.
Each story lasts around five minutes. For some, it is the perfect length and for others, you yearn to learn more about the characters. The cast is superb and none of them threatens to overshadow the others. Pierre Adenot does a fantastic job with scoring the film quaint little set pieces and decidedly French, like quiet musings to the soul. It is a shame that two arrondissements fell through, I would've loved to see what Raphael Nadjari and Christoffer Boe would have done with Popincourt et Vaugirard. But since each story can be viewed as a masterpiece in its own right, the film does not feel incomplete.