On this page: ALL OF A SUDDEN | COMEDIE-FRANCAISE | FATHERLAND

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Stand-out side roles include Sophie (Bunel), an experienced nurse who doesn't appreciate humanitude, and Djibril (Dahmani), a 26-year-old orderly with rapping ambitions who surprises himself. They add additional textures to the film, including gorgeously naturalistic scenes in which the staff interacts with patients, leading to striking sequences such as when Mari teaches everyone the value of a foot massage. At the centre of this, the friendship between Marie-Lou and Mari is skilfully played by Efira and Okamoto.

Together, these extraordinary actresses give the film an understated, emotive vibe that adds lovely complexity through both sparky humour and heady philosophical discussions. With its mix of French and Japanese dialog, the film requires quite a bit of the viewer, but it rewards us with a reminder of the importance of listening to others and also breaking the surface by asking pertinent questions that seek to understand someone's feelings and perspective. Because that's the only way to feel alive and connected.

strong themes

4.Oct.26

Clement adeptly keeps Nina likeable as the film's script piles an endless stream of indignities upon her. So we understand why she wants to give up, and also why she can't. She needs to dig deep to get through this evening. All of these characters have surprising edges that give these expert actors plenty to chew on, with a range of both comical and dramatic textures that can never crush their determination to get the play up and running.

Cast and crew members are also determined to express their creativity in their own ways, and Nina is struggling to bring them all into a united vision with so little time before the show goes up. Yes, this is all rather exaggerated, because most of these issues would have been resolved long before this point in time. But the script continually packs witty theatre gags in among the nutty mayhem, while also finding layers of emotional resonance in unexpected places. It may be a bit frothy, but it's also great fun.

themes, language, sexuality

5.Oct.26

Zischler also has a terrific presence as Thomas, a straight-thinking man who avoids any nonsense that tries to push him into a corner. When asked whether he prefers capitalism or communism, he rejects both as imperfect human concoctions. And when confronted with a personal tragedy, he remains stoic and focussed. Until he can't. Diehl's vivid presence as Klaus in the extended opening shot is so indelible that he haunts the entire film.

All of this is so delicate that it often feels like the film is almost weightless. Even as it is tackling massive socioeconomic issues, vividly depicting the contrast between western and eastern Germany, this is a story about a family that has been strongly affected by world events, fame, fortune and expectations. All of these things feed into the gorgeously pungent final moments, which will linger in the mind for a very long time. [12 themes, language] 13.Oct.26 Cannes/London

themes, language

12.Sep.26