"Funny" would be a word that comes to mind naturally for describing this very retro-looking French comedy (in black and white and small screen) that is at once witty and idiotic, both. Four separate stories (of varying lengths, from 20 to 40 minutes) are loosely linked to a motif-serving cafeteria on the outskirts of Paris. We first see a witless robber wannabe trying to hold up the cafeteria ending up in a conversation with a sensuous waitress who turns out to be his kind of people. The brief flashback of her story is actually shot in the traditional silent movie mode, complete with captions. Following this short first "chapter" is the story of two kidnappers who have the heart of a Boy Scout leader. The teenage girl they have kidnapped turns out to be suicidal, being neglected by her father and also perhaps simply because it is fashionable. The brief connection with the cafeteria is that its parking lot is the venue where they are to receive the ransom from the father, who never show up. While they wait, there is a very brief (but outrageously hilarious) link back to the first story, if you had been paying attention.
The third story is a chance encounter, in the same night, of two pop band leaders both stopping for coffee at the cafeteria en route to Paris. While the band members sit at the counter, the two find themselves a quiet corner to chat. During a very engaging (and extremely well-acted conversation), we discover gradually what had happened between them some years ago. The final story starts with four old timers looking up a patient in a hospital with the intention of murdering him, which must reminds you of The Godfather (when the Don is in hospital). When it comes to light that this is all a misunderstanding, the five reminiscent on the good old days and head out to look for their old hide out which stores for them so much treasured memory. You've got it the hideout, or where it used to be, is the cafeteria. While they are enjoying a beer there, they decide to do just one more job, for old time's sake. They choose a bank that they have robbed 3 times before, thinking that it would be a cinch, only to find that this place is now something else.
In full circle we come to an epilogue, back to a continuation of the first story, learning more about the would-be robber and the waitress. What's more, they are made for each other. The end credit rolls while we follow a continuous long take of them, from the back, walking side by side along the highway. They didn't hold hands but their shoulders occasionally brush each other. That is so sweet. So is the five old timers' reminiscing.
An enchanting gem, this movie is.
The third story is a chance encounter, in the same night, of two pop band leaders both stopping for coffee at the cafeteria en route to Paris. While the band members sit at the counter, the two find themselves a quiet corner to chat. During a very engaging (and extremely well-acted conversation), we discover gradually what had happened between them some years ago. The final story starts with four old timers looking up a patient in a hospital with the intention of murdering him, which must reminds you of The Godfather (when the Don is in hospital). When it comes to light that this is all a misunderstanding, the five reminiscent on the good old days and head out to look for their old hide out which stores for them so much treasured memory. You've got it the hideout, or where it used to be, is the cafeteria. While they are enjoying a beer there, they decide to do just one more job, for old time's sake. They choose a bank that they have robbed 3 times before, thinking that it would be a cinch, only to find that this place is now something else.
In full circle we come to an epilogue, back to a continuation of the first story, learning more about the would-be robber and the waitress. What's more, they are made for each other. The end credit rolls while we follow a continuous long take of them, from the back, walking side by side along the highway. They didn't hold hands but their shoulders occasionally brush each other. That is so sweet. So is the five old timers' reminiscing.
An enchanting gem, this movie is.