Apres Vous [DVD] [2005]

This is an easy going gentle comedy from France. The plot is simple but sets up some nice jokes and the film has a satisying finish that is typically french.

Don't expect a gag a minute, this is not that sort of film. It has serious moments, sad moments and funny moments. There are not any outstandingly hilarious moments but the film overall is very affable and a pleasant way to pass the evening.

A funnier alternative is the film Le Placard (aka the closet) - also starring M Auteuil it is a better, funnier film and I highly recommend it. Another to consider is Le Diner de cons, again very funny. Both these films have the same funny/sad/serious elements that are staples of this type of french cinema.

If you are looking for fast action with humour this is not the film for you, instead try Wasabi or Taxi, both hilarious french films with plenty of action.

I admit to being a Daniel Auteuil fan. Few other performers can convincingly project such naive innocence as can Auteuil. That's what enhances the humor of this comedic Parisian love tale.

Convincingly playing a harried maitre d' at a fancy restaurant, Auteuil creates Antoine who is totally dedicated to his position. Throughout the film, Antoine never has enough time for anything because just as he is about to conquor one problem -- on his frantic job or out of breath life -- another one pops up to take its place. And so as the film opens, after bustling through the restaurant ardoitly solving kitchen problems on the run, Antoine literally dashes across the nightime park to fetch a special wine for one of his restaurant's clients (all the while reassuring his fiancee via mobile phone that he'll be with her as soon as he gets THIS problem solved).

Antoine comes upon a burly agitated man about to hang himself from a tree. What to do? Ignore the suicide and get back to his pressing task or stop the suicide? Given Antoine's character, he has no choice other than to not only rescue Louis (Jose Garcia) but to virtually adopt him. Thereby thickens the plot because Antoine's life is already overcrowded (including his live-in, long suffering fiancee). Amid trying to keep everyone happy (including his demanding boss -- a frantic widow), Antoine sets out to try solving the intensely neurotic Louis' failed romance with the willowly Blanche, played by Sandrine Kiberlain who imparts to the character an ephemeral detachment.

Of course, comedy derives from the impossible complexity of Antoine's life -- which he keeps making more complicated by impossible acts of kindness. To keep an eye on Louis, Antoine hires him as a sommelier (wine steward) over the objections of the owner. This too adds to the complexity because Louis doesn't know anything about wine.

This is not great comedy (or farce), but rather a charming French love and life story filled with impossible twists and turns. Yet, the actors play their characters so well that suspending disbelief comes quite easily.

You'll not laugh your head off from the comedy. Rather, the amusing antics of Antoine, Louis and Blanche will produce light entertainment accompanied by an occasional giggle.

Again I have been purchasin loads of French films so that French A level student can get used to hearing the French speaking French! It was surprising how much I myuself understood even though its some 30+ years since I did French at school. The story is enjoyable, pleasant and easy to follow even if your french is limited. I recommend.