The Vidals (Catherine Frot, Vincent Lindon) become witnesses to the beating of a prostitute (Rachida Brakni), but choose not to interfere; riddled with guilt, Hélène Vidal subsequently helps the victim recover. Director Coline Serreau doesn’t mind portraying every woman as good and wise and every man as bad and stupid, but this admittedly unpredictable story is surprisingly easy to take to. It moves fast and some of the material is actually quite funny; when we learn more about the prostitute, the story turns earnest and gripping. The acting also compensates for the annoying music.
2001-France. Color. 109 min. Written and directed by Coline Serreau. Cast: Catherine Frot (Hélène Vidal), Vincent Lindon (Paul Vidal), Rachida Brakni (Noémie Totka), Line Renaud, Aurélien Wiik, Ivan Franek.
