Ein Augenblick Liebe

Cluzet is definitely an error of casting in this movie. Totally unconvincing, physically inappropriate, made a fool of himself. Sophie Marceau is enchanting and compensates somehow, but the movie is too shallow and pretentious. It's a shame, because the idea was not so bad: a man meets a woman, love at first sight, can't forget each other, push it almost to the limit, but ultimately there is too much at stake and sex would set them into a path with no return, jeopardizing everything around. They have the strength to stop, backpaddle, leave what might have been a beautiful thing unspoiled to eternity.

Ok, but not with these actors, under this direction, going from cliché-to-cliché in an unconvincingly shallow movie.

I did not like this film. Nauseatingly boring, predictable, clichés, poor acting, miscast. Yeah, Sophie Marceau is hot, but was not impressed with her performance. Francois Cluzet did not quite fit for this role, especially after seeing him in The Intouchables. Did not feel real chemistry between them. All children in this film were acting poorly. "What if" passages were rather annoying. Everything seemed so pretentious in this film. Lots of empty dialogues. Another recent french cinema disappointment was Un homme au pair (2013). I hope they do not start following Hollywood path of making real garbage, just like Un homme au pair.

"Wine mom" is a clichéd stereotype, and "chick flick" is an unfair pejorative that serves as a catch-all to describe romantic comedies and dramas which are built to appeal primarily to women. Be that as it may, if one were inclined to employ such terms, then this rather fits the bill to a perfect T. By the time only fifteen minutes have passed the first impressions this film makes are that it's astoundingly direct to the point of threatening suspension of disbelief (the two lead characters have already met), and unremittingly ham-handed to the point of being more than a little cringe-worthy. These impressions will not change. Sure, Sophie Marceau and Francois Cluzet are both sweet and charming, and one can see right away that 'Une rencontre,' also known as 'Quantum love,' is very well made, including writing that's equally sweet and charming. Yet if you think that the unfailing quality of being so sweet and charming, not to mention clever, doesn't lend even further to the kitsch, and difficulty of engaging with this title, then I've got a bridge to sell you at a bottom-dollar price.

The good news is that as the length advances the picture settles into more earnest storytelling, and the skill and intelligence that went into it overtakes any concerns about blithe forthrightness or cheese. Marceau and Cluzet really are terrific in the personality with which they realize Elsa and Pierre, not to mention the rest of the cast including filmmaker Lisa Azuelos herself in a supporting part, and it's clear everyone is having a lot of fun. Azuelos penned a screenplay that really is sharp and delightful beneath the less than credible gaucheness that first presents - the scene writing and dialogue boast some genuine wit in telling the story of two people who are completely infatuated as they meet again and again, but who don't want to outright have an affair. Moreover, while sitting in the director's chair Azuelos illustrates a polished, expert hand in orchestrating shots and scenes, a shrewdness and capability that are echoed in Alain Duplantier's sumptuous cinematography and Stan Collet's keen editing. Even the hair, makeup, costume design, and music are just all around splendid.

The fact that there is no major drama here, and that 'Une rencontre' is totally happy being a lighthearted, frivolous daydream, is something that may well turn off plenty of viewers. And I can understand that. For that matter, I'm not going to sit here and say that the movie is flawless, not just on account of those impressions it first makes (and sustains), but also given an ending that in some measure dabbles with a trope that is my mortal enemy when it comes to storytelling. Still, this just wants to have a good time, and to the same extent that those who participated in its creation were obviously having a blast, it's hard as a viewer to not also get taken in by the mirth and good cheer despite the more overbearing facets. This is hardly to say that Azuelos' feature is a must-see, but if one is in the mood for something light and has the opportunity to watch, 'Une rencontre' is an entertaining bit of playful, feelgood reverie that's worth a look.

I caught myself thinking, what is the character of Sophie Marceau doing with that older guy? And then I realized that the age gap, might not be as big as it "appears" to be. Sophie Marceaus looks are that incredible that they fooled me for a second. But it's not only about looks here. It's about much more.

The acting is on great level here and everyone involved really gets behind the story. A really good one, that has the central "what if" as a main point. You live your life and suddenly something (or in this case someone) comes up and throws you out of your usual "loop". As the movie says, you cannot be at all places at any time (or something to that effect), but where do you decide to be then? That's up to you (or the characters in that case) ... a different kind of love story, with a fresh take, which is good to see.

The actors are doing their job, but not more. The feelings are only on the surface and never take off. Lot's of nice looking and unconvincing footage swirls by showing very little of how these people are supposed feel. Anaemic to say the least.

The main characters themselves and their story is boring to follow. Even the music picks are devoid of real emotion, except maybe the end track. There is only one plot twist or some kind of surprise and it's not convincing. The best scenes were when the main character's relationships to their children were in focus, where I found them more believable than in their relationship with each other.

If you want a French bland feel good love story I guess this will be all right, but there is little inspiration to be found and very little if anything to reflect over. I wish I hadn't wasted my time on this one.