The Duvals, a French family, is closely examined during five key days of their lives. The father, Robert, a taxi driver, and his wife, Marie- Jeanne, enjoy the kind of life most people would envy. They seem to be solid middle class trying to do the best for their three children, Raphael, Albert and Fleur. Over a twelve year span, the family is shown at different points in their lives.
Earlier, as the film credits roll, we are given glimpses of the family, pictures about their time together, the crisis, and the happiness. Meeting the members will take the full length of the film, that reflects the time in which the action happens. Robert is a placid man, with his best intentions for providing for the family. Unfortunately, Robert never really got to know his wine-loving father well. He never can tell him about it because the old man dies while all dressed up for his grandson's wedding.
Marie-Jeanne with all her good intentions, and the family's best interest at hand, suffers from what could only be described as a generation gap. She does not really understand Fleur, her young daughter's attitude toward life. Only by taking a peek at Fleur's diary does she get an idea what she is all about, her insecurities, as well as the way she perceives a life her mother never had.
Director Remi Benzancon looks into this family with such a perception that results into a film that while it's basic premise is the family, he questions its purpose in our society. The changing times influence the way the members of the Duval clan change. As the children mature and get on their own, the original bond is there, although seldom questioned until tragedy intervenes, something that brings all of them together in a bond that was never broken.
Good acting in general was achieved by the director. Jacques Gamblin, is Robert Duval, the father. Zabou Breitman makes a wonderful Marie-Jeanne. Young Deborah Francois is a surprise in the film as the troubled Fleur. Marc-Andre Grondin and Pio Marmai appear as Raphael and Albert. Old timer Roger Dumas is seen as the grandfather.
A life affirming tribute to the family, as a unit.
Earlier, as the film credits roll, we are given glimpses of the family, pictures about their time together, the crisis, and the happiness. Meeting the members will take the full length of the film, that reflects the time in which the action happens. Robert is a placid man, with his best intentions for providing for the family. Unfortunately, Robert never really got to know his wine-loving father well. He never can tell him about it because the old man dies while all dressed up for his grandson's wedding.
Marie-Jeanne with all her good intentions, and the family's best interest at hand, suffers from what could only be described as a generation gap. She does not really understand Fleur, her young daughter's attitude toward life. Only by taking a peek at Fleur's diary does she get an idea what she is all about, her insecurities, as well as the way she perceives a life her mother never had.
Director Remi Benzancon looks into this family with such a perception that results into a film that while it's basic premise is the family, he questions its purpose in our society. The changing times influence the way the members of the Duval clan change. As the children mature and get on their own, the original bond is there, although seldom questioned until tragedy intervenes, something that brings all of them together in a bond that was never broken.
Good acting in general was achieved by the director. Jacques Gamblin, is Robert Duval, the father. Zabou Breitman makes a wonderful Marie-Jeanne. Young Deborah Francois is a surprise in the film as the troubled Fleur. Marc-Andre Grondin and Pio Marmai appear as Raphael and Albert. Old timer Roger Dumas is seen as the grandfather.
A life affirming tribute to the family, as a unit.