Paris 36

Paris 36 -- Oolala!!!
NOTE: This is a niche movie that will appeal mostly to those who enjoy an ensemble cast of lesser known actors & actresses, as well as those who are fans of vaudeville shows (popular mostly in the early part of the 20th century). It's a musical drama with more pathos than comedy, but it has its humorous moments & a romantic subplot to lighten the more serious plot elements.

What I liked the most about it is the human drama of a separated father and young son, played by Gerard Jugnot & Maxence Perrin, respectively. It is the main dramatic subplot that gives additional emotional depth to the main plot -- the life, death, & "resurrection" of the local music hall, known as CHANSONIA, located in the Faubourg suburb of Paris.

Incidentally Jugnot & Perrin appeared together in LES CHORISTES (also directed by Christophe Barratier), with Jugnot in the role of the music teacher & Perrin one of his young music students. Kad Merad, who plays the role of Jacky the aspiring...

Parisian Pastiche!
PARIS 36 is a deliciously entertaining blend of history (WW II and the French reaction to the Nazis), of cabarets, French vaudeville, and the fracturing of families that occurred during times of stress - all costumed in a period piece that revives the year 1936 in Paris with gentle humor and sensitivity. It is as refreshing as anything to come on the screen in a long time. Writer/director Christophe Barratier (with Pierre Philippe adding the dialogue) serve up this confection with underscored aplomb and the result is delectable!

1936, and the streets of Paris are being decimated by the recession/depression of the times: workers are revolting (lead by the handsome young Milou - Clovis Cornillac), the small time theaters such as the Chansonia under the loving direction of Pigoil (Gérard Jugnot) are on hard times, and the 'big bosses' of the times are finding ways to take over small businesses. To make things worse, Pigoil's wife runs off with an entertainer, leaving...

Delightful surprise
I saw this movie at a preview just a few days after the death of a close family member. When I saw the clip, I knew I had to go. What a delight! Obviously, Christophe had a clear vision, one of joy and pathos, and quite unique. His production of old Paris drew me into its world immediately. To add to the delight, the director and his leading lady were present at the preview, and were an equal pleasure. In these difficult days, it was wonderful to see a movie of real spirit with its own quirky reality. No Hollywood formula or pandering here. See it and be charmed.

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