Casse-tête chinois Reviews

After re-watching 'L'auberge espagnole' and 'Les poupées russes', I was really eager to check this last installment and finish this really neat trilogy. Well, at first, I was slightly disappointed that we didn't get to see Xavier as an average family man living with Wendy and his kids. Apparently, they did live together for the previous 10 years but Klapisch thought it would be more interesting to see them after they broke up. At least, they finally improved the main character who was starting to become a massive jerk after the first 2 movies. Indeed, in this movie, he didn't cheat on anyone, he didn't sleep with someone already married and he even moved to a different continent so he could be closer to his kids so it was, this time, much easier to root for the guy. Even so, I believe that that this movie was still the weakest installment. Indeed, the whole trilogy always felt rather random but this one was the worst in this area. I mean, sure, life is complicated but did they really need to move all the main characters to New York? That was rather far-fetched. It was like this idea of going back with Martine. On one hand, it was pretty neat that they would go back together after all these years but, on the other hand, the main character said himself that it felt like a 'recycled' relantionship and he was right. Indeed, it felt rather safe and much easier than bringing a new character with a lot of bagage and history that would need to be explained. Anyway, to conclude, in spite of its flaws, I thought it was still a decent watch and it is definitely worth a look, especially if you like the genre.

PS : I was also rather amazed to see how, in more than 10 years, Audrey Tautou barely changed at all

 

(2002)                                                     (2013)

It is the third and final movie of the 'Spanish Apartment' trilogy. The story of a middle aged father and his care for his children make him to pick a challenged life ahead. The initial parts were very slow, I feel you need to be a patience. While progressing, the story development turns to be a gripping. Afterwards it gets bigger with introducing more characters and that makes a widely open story that can travel any direction. That mean definitely not easy to predict the end. I am glad that I saw it and you should not miss this trilogy, one of the best drama-romedy series ever told.



The 40 years old divorced Xavier aim to follow his ex path to the New York to be staying close to his children. He makes it and one of his old friends who has settled in New York helps him to find an apartment. He finds a decent job and having everything going stable, his ex allows to share the his part being a parent. The time and days moving rapidly, the trouble approaches him because his stay is limited as he came on a tourist visa. His trouble doubles and he must overcome soon with a solution. Besides, reuniting with his other old friend and affair are the other side of the tale that uncovers.

Once again the director's favorite actor Roman Duris appeared for a wonderful role and he did not disappoint. He is one of my favorites from French films, maybe because I liked most of his movies. His performance was amazing like always and definitely he was the center of attraction in this film. It was about the three things, being a father, immigrant and kind of love rectangle. As he (Roman Duris) was divorced, but being a father of two young children his responsibility is to give them love and care. Especially not to discard them like his father did for him. So he's ready to give up anything in the world. The love rectangle was not exactly a fight over each other. It was cleverly briefed, very modern with the understanding kind of relationship. This is what the movie impresses very much, the shuffled characters with one man at the center.

Those tiny initials in the sidewalk held a kind of
fundamental proof that my birth wasn't a total accident .

The last 20-25 minutes was so good, the pace accelerates along the crucial portions which gives thrilling pleasure. My rating varied from the lower to the higher while watching this movie in each section till it went to the last part. So felt keeping calm all the way paid off with a great pleasure. I have seen few French movies of 2013 and this one is one of the best. It was about everything, like, a little meaningful about being a parent, humors, thrill scenes, finding love and affections, friendship. And again, I am saying that it is worth a lot to try at once.