ravitchn Two hours of painful nonsense in which every cliches about each country is expressed by someone of the other country. The only good cliche, perhaps too recent to be a cliche, is that Americans cannot commit crimes of passion; they only kill for money and drugs. Those who know the French know that they are far more materialistic than Americans, far more addicted to drugs so long as they are prescribed by doctors, who normally even prescribe medications for problems which yoghurt could solve more cheaply and more deliciously.Those who have read Balzac, Flaubert, Choderlos de la Clos, Diderot -- any French writer -- does not need this movie to reveal the sexual proclivities and temptations of the French. Nor do they need information about the French bourgeoisie whose glory came in 1789 and was pretty well gone within a year or two. All the vices of the pre-revolutionary aristocracy were as nothing compared to those of the 19th-century and 20th-century bourgeoisie. The Americans in this film are portrayed as naive and trusting while the French trust no one not in their own family -- a very wise policy perhaps but not one to make you enamored of them. I still like French food very much and hate the fact that the French make it. But then I recall that the French until the reign of Catherine de Medicis in the mid 16th century who brought cuisine and culture and coture were true barbarians and ate the same crap that the British ate: meat stewed in beer and other such delicacies. The French are very contemptuous not only of Americans but of their neighbors. A French tourist guide to Italy will tell you that the Lombards are good at this and the Neapolitans good at that -- as if Italy were Africa or some other godforsaken place. It is a pity we came to France's rescue in 1917. It's a crime that the French could not persevere against the Germans in 1940 when they had a much bigger army than the Germans and plenty of equipment. But they decided that it was better to hitch their wagon to the Third Reich than to fight. In WWI they fought bravely and successfully and didn't really need us; Woodrow Wilson was a fool to enter the war.

ajdias I was surprised to find that this was marketed as a romantic comedy. I didn't see much romance and I didn't see any comedy. I'd classify it as a drama, albeit a very melodramatic and tiresome one. With characters that I didn't care for or about. The most positive feeling I had for any character was apathy. I expected better based on the actors involved in the project. The only good things were the few shots of the food in the restaurant, which at first seemed over the top but later seemed to be a saving grace of the movie, and the Paris scenery. Those two things alone warranted the rating but I'd much rather have just watched a travel show. It's just a shame I watched it on TV so I couldn't ask for my money back.

Chrysanthepop I've been looking forward to 'Le Divorce' for years. Despite the negative reviews and the silly trailer, it was something I didn't want to miss. After all, it's a Merchant Ivory movie that stars actors like Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Stockard Channing, Romain Duris and Kate Hudson, so how bad could it be? Sadly, this is perhaps Merchant Ivory's weakest film.'Le Divorce' contrasts between the French culture and the American. The said comparison is made between an upper class French family and a middle-class American family. Much 'use' is made of the stereotype Americans have of French people but there are also certain interesting differences made here (such as Roxanne's unfair divorce settlement and how her in-laws become obsessed with a painting she owns). Isabel has an affair with an older man, Roxanne's ex-uncle-in-law, and this is perceived as something common in France.The overall story felt lacking in substance. It moves at a lethargic pace. The ending is very Hollywood.Pierre L'homme's stunning cinematography gives us a nice view of France. Some of the dialogues are quite witty and charming. The actors do a fine job. Naomi Watts steals the show once again. She displays Roxanne's vulnerability, despair and strength with gusto. Kate Hudson pulls off Isabel with natural charm. Tierry L'hermitte, Gleen Close, Stockard Channing, Leslie Caron, Stephen Fry, Romain Duris and Sam Waterston provide great support.Overall, 'Le Divorce' is not in the league of the gems created by the Ivory Merchant team. It has the performances working for it and the nice shots of France.

Arthur1a As a Frenchman who lives in the US, I was curious to see this movie. I was sorely disappointed. Although there are great views of Paris, albeit only of the touristy areas where American tourists are likely to hang out, and some good acting, the plot is so contrived and ridiculous, the situations so absurd, even allowing for the irrationality of human beings, that one has to say indeed that it COULD HAVE BEEN a good movie with the same crew. I haven't read the book, therefore I am unsure of whether the novel was already lame, or whether it was the adaptation that was poor. Conclusion: don't waste your time watching it!