Golpe de suerte

Bored young trophy wife Fanny is happily married (so she thinks) to the soporific, possessive, but wealthy businessman Jean, her second husband who spoils her like a princess as they live the high life in uptown Paris. By chance she runs into old school friend Alain, a divorced writer who, by his own admission, has always carried a torch for her. Things begin innocently enough, but her eventual infidelity calls into question her fulfillment with Jean. The fiftieth yet first official foreign language film from Woody Allen has a storyline that's pretty basic, but slightly elevated by some interesting characters, a fresh-faced cast of French actors, and of course some wonderful scenery, but even with the shock value the finale still isn't very satisfying. **½

With "Cantaloupe Island", by Herbie Hancock, as background music, and the wonderful photography by Vittorio Storaro, Woody Allen pays homage to French filmmakers of the 1950s and 1960s, such as Claude Chabrol, Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, in his latest film COUP DE CHANCE (2023). As the title indicates, 15 films after MATCH POINT (2005), Woody Allen returns to exploring the theme of luck and chance, now giving us the reverse of the coin.

COUP DE CHANCE (2023) is based on the premise that even the most fortuitous events can have profound and lasting consequences, showing how the characters' lives are shaped by a series of coincidences and unforeseen events.

Ironically, the only character who thinks he is making his own luck ends up succumbing to the whims of fate, becoming a victim of luck, or the lack of it, and his own Machiavellian design, which leads us to ponder the illusory nature of total control of our lives.

When comparing COUP DE CHANCE with MATCH POINT, we can observe an interesting dialogue between the two. If in MATCH POINT, we see a character who escapes justice due to a twist of fate, in COUP DE CHANCE this theme is inverted, presenting a character who believes he has everything under control, not counting on external elements that may eventually influence in his plans. This inversion offers an intriguing perspective on how luck and chance can condition the course of events, regardless of each character's beliefs or actions.

Thus, by presenting a subversion in relation to MATCH POINT, COUP DE CHANCE broadens the viewer's understanding of the role of luck and chance in our lives, and invites us to reflect on the complexity and unpredictability of human destiny. This time, the tennis ball lands on the less favorable side of the net.

Being a fan of Woody Allen's films, I couldn't expect a mediocre film shot in Paris. Paris is the European muse for Allen and some of his most enjoyable films are shot there.

Many have found resemblance to "Match Point" but I disagree: "Coup de Chance" is a wonderful hommage to Claude Chabrol's oeuvre. Here's why; There's a corrupt rich husband with a murky past, a depressed wife longing for romance, and an old friend who storms into her life to spark 'illegal' passion with all that follows.... Need I say more?

But what Allen knows better is to provoke the sympathy for the people who try to follow their heart and change their life to the better and at the end of the day we can all realize that no one knows what the future might bring in life.

Coup de Chance is also a great comment to those arrogant wealthy people who think they control everything and everyone around them until they meet their own Nemesis!

We were very lucky to attend an advance screening of Woody Allen's latest movie, "Coup de Chance" (Stroke of Luck) almost a whole month ahead of its Australian release. While it may not stand as his greatest work, the film is undeniably well-made and thoroughly entertaining. Set against the backdrop of Paris in the autumn, the cinematography captures the city's beauty, adding an extra layer of charm to the narrative.

The film boasts decent acting performances, with the cast delivering their roles competently. However, it's hard to ignore the sense of déjà vu, especially if you've seen "Matchpoint." It's like Allen's taken a stroll down memory lane, rehashing some of his earlier ideas. While the familiarity may give a sense of nostalgia for longtime fans, it also left me yearning for something new from the seasoned filmmaker. Despite these echoes, "Coup de Chance" manages to create a compelling story, keeping the audience engaged with its well-paced plot and witty dialogue. In the end, Allen once again demonstrates his ability to craft an enjoyable cinematic experience, even if the shadows of his past successes loom in the background.

I really miss the typical humor of Woody Allen because of the language barrier. When I watch his movies, it's not just about comedy; it's like you can almost picture Woody Allen standing there, finding the humor in human mistakes and laughing along with us. "Coup de Chance" isn't a huge departure from his usual style, but it's more lively and enjoyable than his recent films. The cast is sharp and energetic, showing that he can direct well in French. Everyone looks like they're having a great time in this light-hearted comedy that unexpectedly takes a darker turn. Woody Allen tells a funny story in a simple way, mixing detective-style drama with city romance. The outcome is a clever and amusing spoof created in a laid-back manner.