hou-3 I am very fond of this movie, which I have watched several times. It is exceptionally well made, with not a single scene that does not work. It is funny, wise, droll and sensitive. Acting and direction are impeccable. It is not a great film, in fact the very idea of greatness is at odds with the elegiac tone and message. But it is a deeply satisfying one, and watching it is a bit like wallowing in a warm bath with a single malt and Chopin playing, preferably the same Chopin as in the film. The film is not flawless. The plot premise is totally incredible and the ending doesn't work, but what the heck. Roger Ebert has a very good review of it.

Dianebriglia This movie makes us think and wonder. Enthralling. Very interesting characters. A quiet story but stirring deep in our hearts. It made me feel and think about the emotions and thoughts happening to the characters. Like a good book, it's good that it's slow. There's room for subjective interpretations on the many layers of story. The viewer can identify itself to either of the main characters, which is rare in modern films. The cinematography and sound track are so perfectly matched to the film that it never distracts us.Worth seeing and recommending. Diane

jimmydavis-650-769174 I immensely enjoyed this film, albeit for somewhat shameful reasons! It is rather clichéd, has many inconsistencies and unlikely plot devices, however it is also knowing, charming and unapologetically French. Whilst it will not become one of my favoured films as the characters are a little weak and as i've said the story is rather sentimental I got a great deal of pleasure watching it.This is just the sort of drama American studios seem unable to make and this is why this slender little film punches so far above it's weight. Undoubtedly 'non actor' Hallyday would run rings around a great many of Hollywood's sons. The beginning and end of the film were the highlights, although I feel better use could have been made of the train and it's journey as a vehicle for the themes explored.

christopher-underwood Excellent, well paced, beautifully shot, intelligently scripted film that could have only come out of France. Without becoming sentimental, except perhaps for part of the ending, this is an engrossing tale that begins with two completely different men meeting as they leave a pharmacy. Jean Rochefort as the hermit like villager in his ramshackle mansion, is of course immaculate and convincing from the start but Johnny Hallyday as the man who has arrived by train for a few days is a revelation. The film tells of the relationship of the two men as it develops over those couple of days, in fact and in their imagination. The fact that Hallyday is in this village to meet up with fellow baddies and hold up the local bank is at once central and yet almost irrelevant as the main two characters psyche become entwined. Great film making and whilst I find the start of the end fine, as others have mentioned it does go a little too far and considering the beauty and measured pace of the rest of the film, I do consider, at least the very end to be a mistake. It does not, however, spoil the delight that this film is.