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French Kiss, released in 1995, tells the story of Kate, a soon-to-be-ex-American Canadian played by Meg Ryan. Her fiancée (Charlie) flew to France and fell in love with another woman, while Kate who's terrified to fly, stayed home planning their future. Determined to win back her man, Kate overcomes her fear and flies to France. On the way she happens to meet a not-so-smooth criminal Frenchman by the name of Luc (Not Luke!), played by Kevin Kline. He helps her out of the plane and supposedly while she's in Paris, but like all men, he has ulterior motives. Of course, while in the process of trying to make Charlie see that she still loves him, Kate falls for the bad guy but doesn't quite realise it. Will there be a happy ending? Who will she end up with? I'm not going to tell you!
Meg Ryan gives a great performance like she always does, the same as she always does. The character feels quite similar to the role she played in You've Got Mail, and they even look alike in style. Meg Ryan portrays a likeable character and you do find yourself sympathising with her. Kevin Kline on the other
hand was far from likable. With his fake French accent and desperate need for a shave, you'll wonder what Kate sees in him at all, and why doesn't she suspect him of being sleazy slightly earlier!
Okay I should state that I have nothing against the French, and I love France, have visited several times and loved every second of it, and have a basic grasp of the language. But in this movie, the French drove me crazy. Maybe with a title like 'French Kiss' I should have expected it, but about half of the dialogue in this movie is in French and you have to pay attention to the subtitles as they chop and change between the French and the English mid conversation! The fake French accents also started to annoy me by the end, and it was a relief each time Meg Ryan spoke (she never speaks French) to hear a true voice.
Something the French may or may not be keen on is that in this movie, the French are all the Bad guys - the criminals are all French, the unhelpful hotel staff are French, the woman stealing Kate's fiancée is French, while all the good guys are American/Canadian - Kate, Charlie, their families.
The soundtrack is hardly noticeable or memorable. A lot of the tie there is no music in the background, and when there is, the choices are somewhat flawed. Trying to backup the allusion that we are actually in France, the music often has a slight French feel to it.
A Romanic Comedy? I wouldn't say this movie is overly romantic, or comedic. There are only two moments I remember laughing, and both of those are physical comedy on Meg Ryan's behalf. And romance? Well I guess the pursuit of one partner after the other is romantic, but in this movie it doesn't feel it. The kisses you do see (and again, I'm not gunna tell you who between) are quite shockingly bad for professional actors!
Okay so enough knocking of the movie, it was entertaining, and I would watch it again. The story is relatively cute and somewhat believable. There are things that are just too far stretched (such as her inability to see the Eiffel Tower standing right behind her several times, or using anger and violence to get a concierge to co-operate with you!) but on the whole it's acceptable.
The movie is nicely shot and lit, and does show off a lot of French beauty. While I could only notice a handful of landmarks, an expert or frequent visitor to the country could probably find many more, and this way even if the movie became boring to you, it'd be like a travel show!
It rated a 15, probably because of a couple of sex scenes. Other than that I don't remember much bad language or violence that would push it to the '15' certificate.
DVD features Being a relatively old movie (1995) there are very few extras on this disk. It's limited to two original theatrical trailers, and that's it.
Overall This movie didn't really make any impact on me; I don't love it; I don't hate it; I wasn't rolling in hysterics; I wasn't bored out of my mind; It was just an okay movie and pleasant way to waste a few hours one cold evening.
While it was a nice way to fill the hours (1 hour 46 minutes to be precise) it's not a movie I'll be watching over and over again. If you start watching it to many times, like many movies, you start noticing flaws and things that irritate you, but the first watch or two is enjoyable.
Maybe if you're fluent in French you'd get more enjoyment than me, as you wouldn't have to be concentrating on subtitles. People who are expecting a lovey dovey, funny, romantic comedy, will be disappointed as it doesn't step up to plate fully in any of those areas.
3 stars, not spectacular, but not devastating either
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Well, maybe cos I'm old fashioned and into chick flicks, I have to admit I loved this film!! Watched it first time round with my girls, who promptly bought the CD of the music! I watched it again when it was on TV. Recently it came on TV again and I asked Hubby if he'd seen it - he hadn't so we watched it together - I still enjoyed it just as much. Oh well, simple things, please simple minds!! lol Good interesting review on it though. tc x Sal x
Chuchy 22.11.2006 14:31
I vaguely remember seeing this film a few years ago. I seem to recall the scene when the French character couldn't pronounce the name 'Bob' properly. I thought that was quite funny.
susie191 22.11.2006 12:35
I quite enjoyed watching this but it's not one I'd want to watch again in a hurry :o)
Meg Ryan (When Harry met Sally) and Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda) are a Paris match ... more
made in heaven in this hilarious, adventure-filled romantic comedy from the director of The Accidental Tourist and The Big Chill. Straight-laced Kate (Ryan) has her...
![French Kiss [DVD] [1995]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78526681.jpg "French Kiss [DVD] [1995]")
Nov 21st, 2006
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