Un Paseo Con Madeleine

This was a film I didn't at first think would be very interesting, but that was just based on a fleeting glimpse of the basic plot. Boy was I wrong. It turned out to be a sublime, at times gut wrenching and tear-jerking film about an elderly, spirited woman who recalls her life to a world weary (and at first, indifferent) taxi driver, superbly played by Danny Boon. French film-makers in particular seem to have a knack of turning a simple story into a compelling, inspiring drama so full of heart and warmth. Christian Carion has created 90 minutes of magical storytelling whilst taking us on a journey through modern Paris. I didn't want this taxi ride to ever end!

92 year-old Madeleine is leaving her suburban home to enter an aged-care facility on the other side of Paris. Charles, a taxi driver, knows it will be a good fare and comes to pick her up. She is in no hurry to reach her new home and asks him to go via various places which have been significant in her life. As the journey goes on, she shares some of the events of her incredible life with him, as well as wisdom that is useful for his rather jaded existence. There are some flashbacks which show the changing times, including some interesting courtroom scenes. Charles, the cabdriver, in turn becomes increasingly interested, kind and generous.

On this, Madeleine's last lap of Paris, naturally the city stars with its landmarks, restaurants and general life, including separated bikelanes... if they can do it there... And all of this is set to some great songs of the 1940s.

The famous actors are superb, of course, as Madeleine, Liné Renaud (who is 94 and whose film credits go back to the 1940s) and as the cabbie, French star, Dany Boon. The story is well-paced, nicely filmed and quite a touching little gem, somewhat reminiscent of the fine Australian taxi-ride drama, 'Damage' (2022).

Thank you Barbra Streisand for mentioning this beautiful French 🇫🇷 movie Driving Madeleine (French: Une belle course) as you accepted your well deserved SAG Lifetime Achievement Award today.

My Review- Driving Madeleine My Rating 9/10 Streaming on SBS on Demand

This is a 2022 French-Belgian drama film directed by Christian Carion.

It stars Line Renaud who was born on the 2nd of July 1928 now 95 years old she is a French singer, actress and AIDS activist.

Her heartwarming portrayal of a 92 year old woman about to enter a care home and calls a cab to take her there in a very roundabout way is sublime.

Her early reminiscing is played in flashback and beautifully cast with Alice Isaaz .

Dany Boon is perfect as the stressed taxi driver Charles who drives Madeline around Paris as they both relate their life stories .

It's a wonderful movie and well worth the taxi fare as well as being a touching story as Madeleine tells Charles about her long life and Charles gradually lets Madeleine draw him out to relate his life to her we get a free trip through beautiful Paris streets and suburbs as this delightful couple relate to each other.

It's free to watch on SBS on Demand

Highly recommended by Barbra and me .

You'll need a tissue at the conclusion.

It's not the destination, it's the journey" Ralph Waldo Emerson. Philosopher.

Review Xanthe OConnor

With a opening mise en scene, that establishes the psychology turmoil of Taxi driver Charles, in true French style, because all he needs now is to drive across to the other side of Paris to pick up a fare, on arrival his passenger is no where to be seen, suddenly his dark mood is broken by the cutting feisty tones of the elderly (92 yrs old) Magdalene, who is moving into a retirement home.

Not a great start for both, as Charles dreads the return journey back across Paris. And Magdalene tries to postpone her move to the nursing home. However, this is the beginning of a beautiful bitter sweet journey. Which draws out a bonding respect and mutual compassion for both During the journey Magdalene prises open the all too closed grumpy Charles, by her candour and strength, as she unveils the incredible under current of her own life story. This last taxi ride for her, is a last grasp to resolve moments in her past Its the juxtaposition of the shared stories which bridge ages of the two, giving each other the insight and understanding to bring a shared tenderness and compassion.

Throughout the journey we visit flash backs of situations and the places of Magdalene past, which is elevated by the enticing glimpses of Paris. From the taxi window. Charles once blinded to it's beauty, begins to open his eyes as re evaluates the preciousness of his family and in life.

The cinematography and editing is seamless, music creates a flowing ambience and direction holds a tender nugget of emotion.

When you've watched as many movies as I have you don't really think anything original can come along. But this was a total, refreshing surprise. Beautifully and perfectly cast and acted, what appeared would be a simple story became a complex but warm, difficult and open hearted encounter of two very different people - one a taxi driver and the other, his elderly, enchanting fare. And from this taxi ride a tale unfolds that is quite unexpected. It's a beautiful movie of encounters that reach deep into those spaces in the hearts and lives of people. This is truly a must watch for anyone wanting a meaningful movie experience.