Review of Cette année-là: A Year to Forget… Or Remember? Depends on Your Taste!
Welcome, dear readers! Let’s take a delightful plunge into the quagmire that is Cette année-là, a film that attempts to tackle the complexities of life, love, and a year that seems to last an eternity. Spoilers? Oh, you bet! Grab your beret and a baguette as we dive into this French cinematic rollercoaster!
The Setup
Set in the gloriously chaotic world of 1970s France, Cette année-là follows our protagonist, Luc, a charmingly disheveled man whose life is a hot mess on a good day. Luc’s year kicks off with him losing his job, which is less ‘tragic event’ and more ‘opportunity for comedic escapades.’ As he stumbles through life, we’re treated to a series of events that are so absurdly relatable, it’s as if the universe has conspired to remind us just how ridiculous adulthood can be.
Plot Spoilers Galore!
Now, let’s get to the juicy bits! Luc finds himself in a love triangle with his best friend, Marc, and Marc’s wildly unpredictable girlfriend, Juliette. Because nothing says “friendship goals” like competing for the affection of someone who changes their mind more often than a Parisian changes their coffee order. Spoiler alert: Juliette’s indecisiveness leads to more chaos than a French café during a football match.
As the year drags on (and trust me, it does), we witness Luc’s attempts to win Juliette’s heart, which includes a hilariously disastrous dinner party where everything that could go wrong, does. Think flaming soufflés and awkward silences that last longer than a French art film. In the midst of this, Luc’s existential crisis deepens. Will he ever find love? Is he destined to be the king of awkward moments? Spoiler: he’s definitely the king.
Character Shenanigans
Let’s not forget the supporting cast! There’s Marie, Luc’s wise-cracking neighbor who dispenses advice like a broken fortune cookie. She’s the kind of friend who tells you to “embrace the chaos” while simultaneously creating more of it. And then there’s the ever-optimistic Marc, who seems to have a knack for getting Luc into even more questionable situations. Their bromance is a rollercoaster of cringe and camaraderie that would make even the toughest Frenchman shed a tear.
The Climax and Conclusion
As the year approaches its end, Luc finally confronts Juliette in a dramatic showdown that involves a lot of yelling, a few misunderstandings, and an accidental trip into a fountain. Because what’s a French film without a splashy water scene, right? In the end, Luc learns that love is not just about grand gestures but also about accepting life’s absurdities. Spoiler: he doesn’t end up with Juliette. Instead, he finds solace in a new passion for pottery, because nothing says ‘I’ve got my life together’ like crafting bowls in the shape of existential dread.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Cette année-là is a delightful muddle of misadventures that reminds us that life is messy, love is complicated, and sometimes, you just have to embrace the chaos. It’s like a fine wine; it gets better with time, or at least, you’ll definitely remember it as you laugh at Luc’s misfortunes. So, if you’re in the mood for a film that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilariously awkward, give it a shot. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself questioning your own life choices!