Mama, There's a Man in Your Bed

i was glad that this movie did without all the supposed depth of all too many pseudo-serious interracial movies. race was one issue, yes, but so was class...and loyalty...and honesty, etc.

i also loved the idea that the love affair wasn't couched solely in the 'decorative' aspects of either character's appearance. aren't our divorce courts (on both sides of the Atlantic, i daresay!) filled now with enough couples who thought 'looking good. together.' is all it takes to make a solid marriage? in any case, the tenderness and sensuality of both characters was thick enough to cut in love scenes that would have brought a rainbow to any dreary day! in other words, a light-hearted movie that's by no means a light-weight!

Romuald et Juliette is one of those French romantic comedies where they seem to break all the rules, rather like Trop Belle Pour Toi. The gorgeous Daniel Auteuil learns about true loyalty and love when his life threatens to crash around his ears. The film isn't a preachy morality tale, but a wonderful story that will keep you hooked until the last. Firmine Richard (as Juliette) is a heroine that women will cheer - her laughter is my abiding memory of this warm and witty film. The down-to-earth way she has of including all her children by their different fathers - particularly the birthdays - gives the film an edge that lifts it above your average romantic comedy. But its always the French that seem to show us how effortless this all is!

I don't know how I came across this film, but I think it was because of Daniel Auteuil, an actor I had not encountered before I first saw this film in the early 90s. I've since bought the video and have watched it many times. The sweet story of a myopic French executive and his black office cleaning lady is not at all racist as someone previously posted here. And it's refreshing to see a love story starring a woman with a Junoesque figure. Fermine Richard is a splendid, sexy presence, and the scene where her son is let out of prison and her greeting to him is hilarious. Daniel Auteuil, as the clueless executive whose eyes are finally opened is a sensational actor and he's actually handsome in this film. Usually he's submerged in some character, and you forget that he can be an effortless leading man. The children--his and hers--are delightful, as is Romuald's ex-wife and bumbling underlings who seek to oust Romuald from his position as the CEO of a successful yogurt company, play their absurd parts with winks and nods.

Again it is the masterly hand of Coline Sereau who lets this warm comedy unfold with grace and sweetness that make for a delightful time. I had heard the film was optioned for an American version with Richard Dreyfus in the part of Romauld. Sounds awful. Watch the masterly original instead!

This is one of my favorite French films of all time. Juliet is an French African cleaning woman, mother of five (all with different fathers) and she works hard at a yogurt factory. I love Daniel Auteuil who plays Romauld. Anyway, Romauld is screwed at his job when the yogurt goes bad but it's Juliet who saves the day for him. She takes him in to her already crowded home and of course, they fall in love eventually. They are a mismatched couple in everything but they say opposites attract at least on celluloid they do. I still love Auteuil and think he is one of the best French actors around. Sorry Depardieu, I love you too but Daniel is just sexier. Anyway, the film is worth viewing for sheer enjoyment.

Daniel Auteuil is sad and silly, sweet and take charge as Romuald the hapless yogurt company CEO who loses his comfortable existence, but finds true love and wisdom. The soundtrack includes a terrific instrumental by Stevie Ray Vaughn--this film gives one hope that we may all find that "someone special" and have the perfect theme to accompany that romance. The perfect film for one who enjoys a good love story as well as a comedy of errors.