Chinese Puzzle (2014)

Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Simply Perfect

hyped garbage

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This film tells the story of a French man who moves to New York because his ex partner takes their two children there and remarry an American man.The premise of the film is very interesting, as I haven't thought about how globalised we are. I've been taking weekend overseas breaks for granted, watching foreign films, listening to foreign songs, keeping on touch with foreign friends with much ease. And the film reminds us that life back then was not as complicated. The comedy aspect is done quite well, especially the immigration inspection scene which is quite funny. However, the film takes a long time to reach that comedy stage, and actually the first half of the film is rather boring. One thing I'm truly impressed by is Audrey Tautou's pronunciation of Mandarin Chinese. It's very clear that she took a lot of effort in learning the words, because she even got the tones of every character right!

Okay, only on reading the reviews did I realise this was part of a trilogy.I happened upon this film by chance as a standalone and as such it did brilliantly. The fact it is part of a series but still works on it's own is even better. I now want to see the previous two.Chinese Puzzle is a puzzle; intricate interlocking of lives and people across the globe representing very clearly life today. Few of us live uncomplicated lives in one place. Few of us don't experience tribulation, mistakes or good things going pear-shaped. Enter (or re-enter) Romaine Duris, the affable and Joe-next-door Frenchman Xavier. I don't recall ever seeing this actor before and immediately liked his natural and naive portrayal of his character. He was totally real and in the moment. Social commentary, light humour and charming story this is the film Parenthood or Object of My Affection for the current decade demonstrating that families aren't just immediate blood relations anymore and fate often lends a helping hand. Cecile De France was gorgeous lesbian BFF, lovely Audrey Tautou the ex-amour and Kelly Reilly the estranged wife between which our Xavier has to negotiate. Throw in modern real life issues, a little Shakespearean farce, some sexy scenes, flowery language and some out-of-the-spotlight parts of NYC and you've got yourself this divinely European/New York comedy. Not hilarious, or much laugh out loud, but certainly entertaining and gripping and feel good. It leaves you wanting more. This film has subtitles and adult themes.

It's a fun movie, with a great cast... don't even think about it, just watch and enjoy. It's mostly a foreign language film, but set mainly in New York City. And it really shows New York in a down to earth style that is real life and appealing. It's the kind of film that shows movie making does not have to be overly complicated and sensational. Just dealing with the real life stories of everyday people can be most enjoyable. There's probably not going to be a large audience for this film, and that's a shame, for most would wholeheartedly enjoy it. When you go to a movie theater in this country, this is not the type of film you are most likely going to the theater to see... but if you did, you'd probably enjoy it a lot more than a majority of the other junk that's on the marquee. And contrary to what she declares, it's always easier for most very beautiful women to be attracted to and 'fall-for' rich good looking men.. (while the ex winds up with poor cute Audrey..and two more kids).

The threequel to 'Pot Luck' and 'Russian Dolls', 'Chinese Puzzle' picks up the story of French writer Xavier (Romain Duris, engaging as ever). He's now married to Briton Wendy (Kelly Reilly), with whom he has two children. His Belgian lesbian chum Isabelle (Cécile De France) is obsessing about having children and Xavier agrees, against Wendy's wishes, to provide the sperm with which Isabelle will be artificially inseminated (who said romance was dead?) Meanwhile, Wendy meets an American and sets up home with him in New York, taking her and Xavier's children with her. Distraught at losing contact with the children, Xavier relocates to New York himself. But will he ever find lasting love?There are many things casually presented as acceptable here which some may take issue with (eg the self-indulgent, artificial creation of children in a time of over-population; visa-convenient marriages). But this film is so feel-good that even a grouch like me sat grinning - or laughing out loud - for much of it. Returning players Duris, De France and Audrey Tautou slip on their former roles with ease; Reilly's acting I found a bit too soap operaish. Of the new characters, Jason Kravits, as Duris' sleazy lawyer, does a fine comic turn. The film is pure entertainment - in fact, if it weren't for Xavier and Wendy's annoyingly precocious, wise-beyond-his-years son, it would be near perfect. But this is still another splendid chapter in Cédric Klapisch's romcom saga.