Chinese Puzzle
Chinese Puzzle

Chinese Puzzle

2013Movie117 minFrench

Xavier is a 40-year-old father of two who still finds life very complicated. When the mother of his children moves to New York, he can't bear them growing up far away from him and so he decides to move there as well.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic59/100
Google Users73%
Director: Cédric KlapischGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Xavier, now a writer in his late thirties, is navigating a complex life. His marriage to Wendy has ended, and he's struggling with co-parenting and his career. When Wendy moves to New York with their children and her new husband, Xavier follows, hoping to stay close to his kids. He soon finds himself entangled in the lives of his old friends, Isabelle and Martine, and a new romance, leading to a chaotic yet heartwarming search for belonging and happiness.

Critical Reception

Chinese Puzzle received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its charming performances, witty dialogue, and relatable exploration of modern relationships and identity. While some found the plot slightly meandering, the film was largely celebrated for its warmth, humor, and its ability to capture the complexities of life in one's late thirties. It was particularly well-received for concluding the 'Spanish Apartment' trilogy on a satisfying note.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its charming cast and witty dialogue.
  • Appreciated for its heartfelt exploration of adult life challenges.
  • Seen as a fitting and warm conclusion to the trilogy.

Google audience: Google users largely enjoyed 'Chinese Puzzle,' appreciating its humor, engaging storyline, and the chemistry between the lead actors. Many found the film's depiction of navigating life's complexities in adulthood to be relatable and heartwarming. Some viewers, however, felt the plot was a bit predictable or lacked the same spark as earlier installments.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the César Award for Best Original Screenplay (Cédric Klapisch).

Fun Fact

The film is the third installment in Cédric Klapisch's "Spanish Apartment" trilogy, following "The Spanish Apartment" (2002) and "Russian Dolls" (2005).

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

"Xavier" (Roman Duris) is maybe not the most reliable of husbands, but I did feel a little sorry for him when wife "Wendy" (Kelly Reilly) decides that she wishes to relocate to the United States, and to take their two children with her. Blu...
Andres Gomez

Andres Gomez

This third part of the series started with "The Spanish Apartment" and "Russian Dolls" continues following the life of Xavier and his complications. The cast is the well known and very good from previous parts with the good additions of the...