Les petites couleurs

A very warm & tender movie about an hairdresser who discover that she also can experience friendship, love & success in her own life. A crossing between Bagdad Cafe (for the motel which turns to an exotic & welcoming place) & Venus Beaute (for the keen interest on every character).

An enchanting, amiable film, 'Les Petites Couleurs' flirts with the surreal in order to express the allure of the everyman by flaunting the significance of friendship and the dynamic of relationships. The film tells the simple heart-warming story of coiffeuse Christelle, who assumes an identity after escaping her suppressed existence under husband Francis. Upon arriving at the glitzy Galaxy Motel, Christelle meets Mona, the proprietor and together the two form a charming camaraderie, bonding over their affection for the musical soap opera 'Le ranch de l'amour'. Christelle experiences almost a second adolescence because of this encounter, and vibrancy is added to the pale pastel painting of the protagonist. The film, although predictable is pleasant: it unravels the values of humanity and humility in order to illustrate how adding a little colour to one's life can have an ambitious and positive conclusion.

Not only is the story a delight, but the acting is some of the best I've seen. Even the small roles are well-done, particularly the daughter of the neighbor. Anouk Grinberg should be in more films, as she is a magnificent actress, while Bernadette Lafont never tires the audience. Philippe Bas was at his best, which is very good indeed. The character actors, the fellows sitting around in the bar, added dimension and depth to the show.