Little White Lies (Les petits mouchoirs) (2010)
Strong sexual references and coarse language
| Director: | Guillaume Canet |
| Actors: | Marion Cotillard, Francois Cluzet, Benoit Magimel, Gilles Lellouche, Jean Dujardin, Anne Marivin, Louise Monot, Laurent Lafitte, Valérie Bonneton, Pascale Arbillot |
Guillaume Canet has assembled an outstanding cast of some of France's finest actors - headed by Academy Award-winning Marion Cotillard - to make an entertaining and acutely observed drama of manners. A group gathering is hosted every year by a couple at their beautiful beach house where they kick-off their summer vacation by celebrating the birthday of one of the gang. Fun, fine wine and seafood mix with sun and sand as they all leave their city stresses and inhibitions behind. But this year is different. One of them is badly injured in a serious motorcycle accident just as they are about to leave Paris for their seaside reunion. His friends flock to his bedside, where their unconscious pal is still alive but in intensive care. What to do? Stay in Paris to be by his side, or leave for their vacation having been assured that there is nothing they can do? By the time they return he should be conscious and up for visitors. After some intense discussion, they decide to head off for enjoyment and relaxation. Over the course of the next week, all the tensions within this group erupt into full daylight. Through a succession of incidents, the group is pulled apart and dragged together by their ties of loyalty and marriage. Their relationships, convictions, sense of guilt and friendship are sorely tested. They are finally forced to own up to the little white lies they have been telling each other.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 154mins |
| Origin: | FRANCE |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (26)
26 Member
Reviews
TJ
says
Love a good French film but this was a little slow for my liking
Jumbuck
says
An abysmal effort - a gab-fest par excellence - all for a puny moral at the end - AVOID
Bron
says
My husband & I watched this French (sub-titled) movie and we found it frustrating yet oddly compelling viewing. Essentially it's about a group of friends who go away together every summer and face the dilemma of to do so again when one of their group is critically injured in a motorcycle accident. They make the decision to go away despite their friend's very severe injuries and throughout the movie I kept asking myself "Why?". The answer becomes obvious as the movie progresses - they are self-indulgent, self-centred, shallow, pleasure-seeking people - and I found it hard to like them at times. I thought some of the characters were a little OTT, but Marion Cottillard did a fine job of her role. By the end of the movie, it becomes apparent that all the characters are flawed despite outward appearances and they are all lying to each other and hiding the truth about their less-than-perfect lives. Not one of the best French movies I've seen - it's akin to watching a car crash, you don't want to watch but you can't help yourself.
Bavin
says
A group of friends gather in the same place each year for a holiday. This movie is about their interactions and personal lives but it takes too long to get going, doesn't introduce the characters very well, and drags on and on. Then the characters over-react to every tiny thing that happens. There is a lot of drama about not very much. This movie is a wannabe Big Chill but doesn't even get close.
delbos
says
Highly engrossing drama with some memorable performances.
says
Great cast but old idea and the characters just did not come alive for me. Far too long and became disengaged half an hour in. Loved the boat!
FionaB
says
Like a French version of the Big Chill a group of friends with complicated relationships gather for an annual holiday but one is missing. Great soundtrack
nic
says
how bizarre a french version of the big chill funny thing is the yanks for once did it better. If you haven't seen the big chill dont waste your time with this pale overlong copy get the original its an all time classic
Gregory
says
Sadly to say this well intended movie just did not hit the spot for me. The characters I could not emphasize and I really hate to say it I was bored witless which I feel ashamed to say it could have been a lot shorter, maybe I was not in the right mood. Similar format to "Big Chill" or "Michael's Friends".
says
beautiful movie but way too long
tere
says
Boring movie
Janet L
says
This film is no masterpiece but I thought there was plenty to keep you entertained and it has a GREAT soundtrack. It went on too long and some elements of the plot were hard to swallow, but overall a good offering.
alistair c
says
This almost worked, but some irritating characters detracted from the enjoyment. Some good scenes but also a few over the top ones. A bit of a dogs breakfast I guess! But it was quite an enjoyable and funny in parts story. Lacked credibility however when we are supposed to believe everyone idolised a person who was a womanising, drunk, crackhead. French women are attractive though!!
paul o
says
As much as I love french films,in some parts there was over acting.
Didn't quite live up to the pre release hype.
Sil
says
An interesting movie looking at all the mingled relationships. Superb acting.
Helen
says
Didnt realise I had to read subtitles, no where does it say in discription it is in another language very disappointed.
E N
says
long but a good film, fascinating dynamics between the characters and quite emotional too.
deb
says
thought it was really well acted and the story was complex and interesting
PeterJH
says
I expected more from this. Essentailly a group of middle-aged friends with (a far too long) history to their lives get together for a weekend where old issues re-surface. This storyline has been done (much better) and this offered little new material. It provided far too many cliches to fill the space. Some of the characters were reasonably engaging but there's a point where excess boorish behaviour brings down a movie. A pity.
Valerie
says
A movie with subtitles!!!??? Didn't watch it, or should I say read it.
Nikola
says
Good, little bit long & reminiscent of the Big Chill just in France.
nath
says
a bit flat and slow but enjoyable
William C
says
French domestic drama at a high standard - good music too
Eveliene
says
I absolutely loved it. This film had my laughing out loud, screaming in surprise and had me in tears. It is a great depiction of a couple of friends and how they live through life as it hits them. Highly recommendable!
leigh
says
Great Movie!
s skrzelinski
says
not enough character development or story development. Too superficial