Romantics Anonymous (2010)

4/5

Romantics Anonymous is a tender, affecting tale of two shy souls who develop feelings for the other person but don't know what to do about it. The man, Jean-Pierre (Poelvoorde), owns a failing chocolate factory. He hires the woman, Angélique (Carré), to sell his wares to vendors, unaware that she is a legendary chocolate-maker. Angélique attends the titular anonymous meetings, and she is buoyed and encouraged by her peers to follow her heart. Jean-Pierre sees a psychiatrist, who continually challenges him to take control over his fears. And so it begins.

The script is not the most imaginative piece of literature, being both predictable and saccharine at the same time, but it serves the story well. The directing is nothing new, but it suffices. The movie is exceedingly cute, almost to a fault. The acting is where the film finds its heart. We hurt for these characters, we agonize for their faults and blunders, we ache for their fears and insecurities. We want them to be happy, to find happiness in each other, but it is so hard to be optimistic given who they are, knowing that their whole life experiences have led them to act and trust as they do now. But the movie is superb, keeping it light and humorous when necessary, and holding onto sadness and pain for those certain moments. Romantics Anonymous is a standout film that comes highly recommended by me.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1565958/

Coco Before Chanel (2009)

3/5

Coco Before Chanel, according to IMDb, tells the "story of Coco Chanel's rise from obscure beginnings to the heights of the fashion world." She is played by Audrey Tautou, and she brings a disarmingly innocent smile to a fiercely independent yet loyal woman. She befriends the rich but ugly Balsan (Poelvoorde) before befriending the rich and handsome Boy (Nivola). All the pieces are there--the acting is pitch-perfect, the cinematography and editing were precise, and the ending is beautiful--but it didn't feel as gripping or riveting as I was hoping it would be. Maybe it was because I saw it at 11pm after an exciting Bulls game and some expensive cheap beer (I did in fact nod off for the last 15 minutes, although I watched those final 15 minutes again the next morning), but there was something very bland and boring about this story that I can't quite put my finger on. The whole affair just seemed subdued and formal instead of spicy and fresh. I wanted a little more vivacity and vibrancy for this kind of a story. As it stands, I wasn't too terribly impressed. It works on many levels, just not the ones I needed it to work on.

IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1035736/