"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.
