Am I glad that European (especially French) cinema is still live and well. Every time I loose hope for the future of cinema, a film like this comes and gets me excited again! This is one of those rare films that not only entertains but also reminds us of our easily overlooked qualities and weaknesses. The main character goes through an experience that we all go through - looking for her "better half". And the way she does it as well as the way it happens is so beautifully realistic and lively. (by the way, the original title in French means "Everyone is searching for a cat" - which is much better then "When Cat's Away").
This film also has some of the finest acting I've seen in the recent years! I am personally tired of Hollywood's stereotypes and larger then life actors, and this film is refreshing in that respect. I know that acting was good when after the film I can't imagine those actors doing anything else in their lives except the very thing they did in the film. For example there is a fashion designer for whom the main character works and that funny, alienated, two-faced woman is just too believable. I could almost swear that she's like that in real life. Or the main character who goes through periods of self doubts, rejections, confusion...
The story in this little gem is brilliant, as are all the actors and their characters. Even the city of Paris is a character - different from the one we are used to (and so is the area around Bastille which until a few years ago was not as hip as it is today).
This film is not trying to get our attention with violence or sex or with intimidation and gore; it is a simple film about simple people in seemingly simple situations that are so true to life and therefore funny, original and interesting.
As a matter of general principal I bought this film on a video tape - one of less then 50 that I own.
If you appreciate true emotions, true unpretentious funny people and are looking for a good way to bring your spirits up, then you should see the film. Someone mentioned that the film was depressing and nothing is further from the truth.
If on the other hand you are looking for over stimulating, over polished, over scripted and "smart" film then this may be a bit of a letdown. I can imagine people who are too used to Hollywood disliking this film.
All in all - strong 10/10.
This film also has some of the finest acting I've seen in the recent years! I am personally tired of Hollywood's stereotypes and larger then life actors, and this film is refreshing in that respect. I know that acting was good when after the film I can't imagine those actors doing anything else in their lives except the very thing they did in the film. For example there is a fashion designer for whom the main character works and that funny, alienated, two-faced woman is just too believable. I could almost swear that she's like that in real life. Or the main character who goes through periods of self doubts, rejections, confusion...
The story in this little gem is brilliant, as are all the actors and their characters. Even the city of Paris is a character - different from the one we are used to (and so is the area around Bastille which until a few years ago was not as hip as it is today).
This film is not trying to get our attention with violence or sex or with intimidation and gore; it is a simple film about simple people in seemingly simple situations that are so true to life and therefore funny, original and interesting.
As a matter of general principal I bought this film on a video tape - one of less then 50 that I own.
If you appreciate true emotions, true unpretentious funny people and are looking for a good way to bring your spirits up, then you should see the film. Someone mentioned that the film was depressing and nothing is further from the truth.
If on the other hand you are looking for over stimulating, over polished, over scripted and "smart" film then this may be a bit of a letdown. I can imagine people who are too used to Hollywood disliking this film.
All in all - strong 10/10.