Review - Café de Flore

Originally posted on www.moviemuser.co.uk

Café de Flore tells the tale of two unrelated stories set in both the present day Montreal and Paris during the 1960s, which sees a deep exploration into love looking at its ups and downs, heartache, happiness and the guilt within most love stories.

The film is both interesting and at the same time a little drawn out and boring. It’s sad to say this because the premise of the film is very interesting looking at love in two different ways in two completely separate time frames, and the way they connect is both intriguing and great, yet at the same time some parts of the film just become a little bit too lacklustre.

The film does have its positive points and is shot brilliantly, with its almost indie film feel and the way they’ve shot 1960s Paris makes it intriguing and beautiful and sad all at the same time. Also given the films constant theme of music throughout, with the lead male character Antoine (Kevin Parent) playing a DJ and the same song springing up between the 60s and the present day, the soundtrack is brilliant and is probably one of the best parts of the film as it evokes several emotions and gives the film a sultry, sinister, happy and dark undertone.

The acting in the film however has to be celebrated with Vanessa Paradis giving an outstanding performance as Jacqueline, a mother raising a disabled child in a very unforgiving and intolerant time, and you can feel her anger and determination as she raises her child alone in the hope of him becoming more than he’s expected to be. Kevin Parent also gives a great performance as Antoine whose regrets, anguish and guilt makes you feel sorrow and anger for his character.

Overall the film is good and will make you feel a bit teary eyed from time to time, and in some cases make your recognise yourself in the characters. But it also falls flat in places as the pace goes a little slow. However overall this is a good film and a definite must watch.