Serge Frydman (who previously delivered us the similarly themed fairy-tale "Girl on the Bridge") directs this charming French entry about a call girl in Amsterdam who reluctantly finds herself taking care of an orphaned teen-age boy after trying to do a favor for a fellow prostitute in trouble. Much of the plotting is pretty far-fetched, but Frydman dresses it all in poetic dialogue about dreams and love and visually with the natural beauty of the Dutch countryside that you begin to accept it all at face value as a simple fable.
Aside from the scenery, the real treasure here is Vanessa Paradis in the lead role. She's a stunning natural beauty with high cheek-bones and eyes as deep as the ocean who exhumes an amazing magnetism on film, much in the same way as Naomi Watts or Nicole Kidman. Much of the time the camera is lingering on her face and body language, and she speaks volumes about the aching sorrow of being alone in the world without ever having to say a word. The film is also memorable for a scene in a hotel room where two people find solace and intimacy in physical contact without ever kissing or taking off their clothes. It's a sensual and emotionally resonating moment that is beautifully handled by the actors and director. Melancholy and enchanting, this a must-see fairy-tale for a discerning adult audience.
