A Little Romance

A Little Romance, a charming Franco-American romantic comedy released in 1979, blends the exuberance of young love with the wisdom of age-diversified experience. Directed by George Roy Hill, the movie features the veteran prowess of Laurence Olivier alongside the youthful talent of Diane Lane and Thelonious Bernard.

Set against the enchanting backdrop of France, the movie unravels the story of two teenagers, Lauren (Diane Lane), a sophisticated, intellectual American girl and Daniel (Thelonious Bernard), a French cinema-obsessed, tech-savvy boy. Their paths cross in Paris— a city personified in literature and film as the ultimate metaphor for romance, thus providing a perfect setting for the storyline.

Lauren, the daughter of an American movie producer, is disillusioned by the artificiality and fakeness inherent in her Hollywood-influenced world. Her knowledge and intuitive understanding of the world are far beyond her years. On the other hand, Daniel is characterized by his street-smart and pragmatic worldview, colored by his fascination with cinema.

Their lives intertwine when they meet on the set of a movie being filmed by Lauren's father, and a bond is forged between them that transcends linguistic barriers, cultural differences, and the harsh realities of their contrasting social backgrounds. They soon embark on a rollercoaster ride of adventures and misadventures that explore their developing infatuation, driven by their vehement desire to defy the adult world's cynicism and embrace the honesty of their feelings.

Enter Laurence Olivier, portraying Julius, an elderly gentleman and professional pickpocket whose zest for life is infectious. This enigmatic spinster religiously believes in and romanticizes the ideal of true love. Upon discovering the two teenagers' blossoming relationship, he takes upon himself the role of a guide and guardian, helping them navigate through, and at times, against the world.

Julius, ever the mentor and trickster, captivates Lauren and Daniel with an old Venetian legend about eternal love. The story revolves around lovers kissing under Venice's Bridge of Sighs at sunset while the bells of the Campanile toll, guaranteeing them everlasting love. Seizing this as a golden opportunity to sanction their feelings, the trio sets off to actualize the legendary tale in beautiful Venice.

What follows is a delightful romp across Europe, which is as much a celebration of Olivier's clever witticisms and worldly advice as it is an exploration of the innocence and impulsiveness of young, first love. The film proceeds as a picaresque novel, enlisting scenic European cities, enigmatic strangers, and multiple escapades that echo this gambol across unknown territories, both geographically and emotionally.

Director Hill presents the fleeting episodes of their journey, toying with elements of suspense, emotion, comedy, and the tenderness of the first stirrings of young love. This, coupled with the stunning European landscapes, makes for an aesthetically pleasing visual treat.

However, A Little Romance isn't just about the tongue-in-cheek humor and the thrill of the chase. It also delves deeper, offering subtle social commentary about the world's skepticism towards love, adult interference in the realm of adolescence, and the stark juxtaposition between the pragmatic, 'seen-it-all' adult world and the optimistic, 'yet-to-see-it-all' adolescent world.

A Little Romance is truly a face-off between young love and worldly wisdom, showcasing how they interactively influence and reshape each other. Diane Lane delivers a remarkable performance as Lauren, capturing the precociousness of her character, the depth of her disillusionment, and her relentless hope in love. Thelonious Bernard complements Lane as the comics-loving Daniel, embodying the character's pragmatic nature and contrasting it beautifully with his affectionate advances towards Lauren.

Lastly, Laurence Olivier, in appearance as the sagacious Julius, steals the show with his delicious blend of humor, intelligence and charm. His performance highlights his range, proving his mastery in roles far removed from his typical serious, classical characters.

Charmingly nostalgic to those who remember their first sensations of love, and inviting for those yet to experience it, A Little Romance is still a veritable classic for all age groups, thanks to its universal themes and relatable emotions. What begins as a light-hearted comedy evolves into a life-affirming story about love and the lengths one can go to preserve it. This movie is an evergreen testament to the power of love, the folly and wisdom of youth, and the enduring magic of casual adventures.