Quand la mer monte...

Yolande Moreau and Gilles Porte have created a unique and charming film about travelling players. Anyone who has ever watched carnies at work, or seen a little theatre troupe or circus people in a small town, and wondered about their lives, will love this film. Set around the north of France, and definitely not in scenic touristy areas, it is a love story with a difference. And vivre la difference, as they say. It is based on Yolande's actual stage show, which is a strange one-woman murder mystery, performed in a mask. She's not pretty but is strangely alluring. Each night she chooses a "chicken" from the audience to play her on stage lover, and when Dries, who comes from a carnival family, catches the show, he wants nothing more than to be her chicken in real life. Moreau well deserved the Cesar 2005 for Best Actress and Best First Movie. There are no whiz bang effects, no great scenery and no big budget, just quietly wonderful performances and warm, clever script.