Based on the Doris Lessing book, "The Diary of a Good Neighbour," this is a beautiful and quiet story of a gruff,lonely 90-year-old woman,Mado, and a 40-ish successful businesswoman, Isabelle. One day in a pharmacy, proud Mado (Dominique Marcas)requests a favor of Isabelle (Marion Held), who accompanies to her home on Rue du Retrait (a true street, with a meaningful name). Isabelle is shocked by Mado's decrepit that have neither tub, toilet or phone. She is drawn to what she has seen, and brings small gifts, and stays for visits that are little thanked by Mado. And yet the relationship slowly grows, surprising viewers by what occurs. Brings out the current need of elders for social support, and in many cases, financial as well. The issue of caregiving, which is an increasingly important issue in all countries today,is dealt with in a most humanistic way.
