Movie spotlight
Saint Amour
The year is 1969. Father Louis (27) lives in a monastery and his priesthood is a vocation for him. However when his friend and colleague priest Daniël starts having a relationship with a woman, Louis also starts to question his celibate life. Why is he not allowed to have intimate relations with another human being? A series of events make Louis rebel against the Catholic Church and in 1973 he leaves the monastery. Chance brings him into contact with Daikha, a woman who teaches him about love. In 1999 his short affair with Daikha is almost forgotten. Louis has turned away from the church and now lives with his childhood love Liliane. Then he gets news that will change Louis' life drastically for the third time.
Insights
Plot Summary
A father, Jean (Gérard Depardieu), is reluctant to attend the annual agricultural fair, the "Paris International Agricultural Show", but his son, Bruno (Benoît Poelvoorde), insists. While there, they meet Mike (Vincent Macaigne), a cow breeder, and Marco (Guillaume Claris), a pig farmer, who offer them a trip to the wine region of France. The father and son embark on a road trip filled with drinking and encounters with various wine producers and locals, leading to unexpected revelations and bonding.
Critical Reception
Saint-Amour received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised its quirky humor, the performances of its lead actors, particularly Depardieu and Poelvoorde, and its unconventional approach to themes of family, masculinity, and the French way of life. Some critics found the plot meandering and the humor occasionally hit-or-miss, but overall, it was seen as a charming and eccentric comedy.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unique blend of road trip comedy and character-driven moments.
The chemistry between Gérard Depardieu and Benoît Poelvoorde is a highlight.
Some found the narrative structure to be loose, but appreciated its eccentric charm.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's humor and the performances, finding it to be an amusing and somewhat peculiar French comedy. The focus on wine and the road trip element was also a draw for many.
Fun Fact
The film's title, 'Saint-Amour', is also the name of a wine-producing village in the Beaujolais region of France, which features prominently in the story.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources