Cousin, cousine

Cousin, cousine is a 1975 French romantic comedy film that is simultaneously charming, whimsical, deep, and wildly entertaining. Directed by Jean Charles Tacchella and featuring an ensemble cast led by Marie-Christine Barrault, Victor Lanoux, and Marie-France Pisier, the film is a delightful exploration of love and relationships beyond conventional bounds. Although the title could be misleading, the film does not involve any blood ties, as the two main characters are related by marriage, not by blood.

The film begins with an elaborate family wedding where we meet Marthe (Marie-Christine Barrault) and Ludovic (Victor Lanoux), two middle-aged individuals, each in a flailing marriage. This large family gathering becomes the backdrop for a lot of the drama, fun and the beginnings of this unconventional romance. While Marthe's husband, Pascal is overly obsessed with his work and dismissive of her needs, Ludovic's wife, Karine, is flirting with other men, mirroring the lack of depth in their relationship. This sets the stage for Marthe and Ludovic to get to know each other, and they quickly form a bond, taking solace in shared woes and mutual understanding.

Marthe, with her calming, earnest demeanor, and Ludovic, with his roguish charm, become unlikely allies in a world where it feels like they’re the only ones keeping their heads above water while everyone else is, in some way or another, suffering a breakdown. Together, they challenge the preconceived societal norms about love, loyalty, and commitment, questioning their relationships' boundaries while not pressuring each other for more. They learn together, laugh together, and in the process, become each other's companions.

Their relationship strengthens by continued playful encounters that display a deep mutual respect and affection, laying the groundwork for an intimate bond. Ludovic, being open and flirtatious, compliments Marthe's somewhat reserved and unhappy character, and it is wonderful to see how they bring out the best in each other.

The performances in the Cousin, cousine are exemplary. Marie-Christine Barrault brings a warm and stunning performance as Marthe. Her character is immensely relatable, filled with realism and simplicity. You find yourself rooting for her as she navigates this unusual relationship. Victor Lanoux 's Ludovic is charming and humorous, his spontaneity adding to the overall light tone of the film. Together they create a romance that is deeply emotional, cheekily playful, and truly enjoyable.

The supporting characters also play a very strong role in the film. Marthe's shallow and workaholic husband Pascal and Ludovic's philandering and unsympathetic wife Karine both intricately highlight what's missing in Marthe's and Ludovic's respective lives. So often, it's the side characters who provide comic relief or move the plot forward, but in Cousin, cousine, they also serve to emphasize the striking difference in dynamics with Marthe and Ludovic.

Director Jean Charles Tacchella skillfully captures the essence of French middle-class family life in the 1970s. He wraps in humor and love throughout the storyline alongside a subtle critique of the bourgeois society and its hypocrisy, emphasizing the finding of happiness and fulfillment in the most unforeseen corners of life. With inviting cinematography, the movie provides us with beautiful glimpse of the city life in France during the 70s.

The script is witty and carries quite a lot of depth, inviting the audience to engage with the characters and their stories. With brilliant comedic timing, poignant emotional moments, and thought-provoking insights into love, relationships and societal constructs, the film is a fascinating blend of humor, romance, and socio-cultural commentary.

Despite being set in a specific time and place, Cousin, cousine remains fresh even after decades of its original release. Its timeless themes make it universally appealing - its look at the hypocrisy of societal norms, the complexities of human relationships, and above all, the pursuit of genuine happiness and fulfillment. All these elements have led to its enduring success and continue to make it a gem among French cinema.

Engaging, cheery, and thought-provoking, Cousin, cousine is a charming exploration of relationships and love, making us question societal norms, all while keeping us entertained. With stellar performances, charming script, and commendable direction, the film is a must-watch for anyone who finds pleasure in unconventional romantic comedies and wishes to experience French cinema's enchanting appeal.