User reviews

These days there isn't much a hardworking husband and father can do to make ends meet except turn to petty larceny, as seen in this lighthearted tale of corruption and family ties, something of a departure from the usual political thrillers of director Costa Gavras. It's billed as a comedy, which is a little misleading; the film is a character study first, a family portrait second, and a coming-of-age drama third, all underlined with sly wit and unexpected touches of (very French) humor. It's a film composed of odd events and offbeat details, like little sister Martine's unfulfilled incestuous longings for brother Francois, or the two mad, Latin speaking Bulgarian twins who interrupt one of the burglaries. In the end the story settles for charm over substance, but if the entire film adds up to less than the sum of its parts it still remains an entertaining diversion.

After having made political thrillers in late 1960s and early 1970s, Greek director Costa Gavras changed his style in 1980s when he started a new phase in his career as a cinéaste.Comedy film was a genre which he did not try due to prior artistic commitments.Conseil de Famille gave him a chance to show his talent in even making people laugh.He made good use of "Conseil De Famille' to create a thriller with little shades of comedy.For "Family Business",Costa Gavras engaged three important personalities of French cinema namely Fanny Ardant, Guy Marchand and Johnny Hallyday.These three actors gave nice performances of their respective careers in order to depict a family which is forced to question its thieving ways when a young member decides to quit the life of crime.The popularity of 'Conseil De Famille' influenced American cinema too as it led Sidney Lumet to make "Family Business".As there is no match for the original product,it is surmised that viewers would watch both films to prefer former over latter.

a nice film.different Costa Gavras but not surprising. elegant, amusing, realistic image of family crisis and wise manner to explore , in special note, a strange occupation. nothing surprising. the director, the cast, the script are keys of a story about the fight between generations, American dream, adults versus children and sides of truth. Costa Gavras change only the tone. the experience of political movies remains powerful mark for the atmosphere and the sense of detail. a film who can define/impose a style. French , fresh, using a refined humor. a film about the family. and its councils. about decision. and about measure after a strange success.