Smart Ass

Smart Ass, released in 2014, is a French comedy-drama film directed by Kim Chapiron and featuring a talented cast that includes Thomas Blumenthal, Alice Isaaz, and Jean-Baptiste Lafarge.

The film centers around three economics students named Dan (Thomas Blumenthal), Kelly (Alice Isaaz) and Louis (Jean-Baptiste Lafarge), who study at one of the best business schools in France. They are young, smart, and ambitious, and have a great interest in money, success, and of course, beautiful ladies. Their shared passion for economics and the stock market enlightens their learning journey and shapes their future careers.

While the life in a business school can be tedious, full of academic subjects and financial theories, these three friends bring a unique flavor to it. They embark on a quirky journey to conquer the school with their wit and humor. Balancing career aspirations with personal and ethical dilemmas, the trio regularly bounces from comedic scenarios into dramatic situations, providing an entertaining insight into the world of business school.

Thomas Blumenthal’s performance as Dan, with his cunning and witty charm, is commendable. Known for his naïve yet ambitious personality, Dan is a keen strategist who is always ahead of the game, using his intelligence to succeed in his endeavors. Blumenthal perfectly captures this arrogance, yet maintains a relatable vulnerability that captivates audiences.

Alice Isaaz playing Kelly brings to the screen an intelligent, cynically minded businesswoman, fueled by her personal principles and fierce ambition. Isaaz excellently delivers a character who is driven, uncompromising, but also inherently kind and just in her dealings.

Jean-Baptiste Lafarge's role as the innocent, kind-hearted Louis contributes a soul to the whole story. His portrayal as the idealistic dreamer contrasts well with the more materialistic and cynical personas of Dan and Kelly, enhancing the dynamics within the group and adding emotional depth to the story.

Smart Ass's plot entwines the subjects of economics and finance with relationships, rivalry, and the struggle to realize individual dreams. It shines a light on the competitive spirit of the economic field while highlighting the unignorable youthful vigor of its characters. Director Kim Chapiron's masterful storytelling creates a natural pace where the audience can feel the intensity of academic life alongside the laid-back craziness of youth.

On a deeper level, the movie also explores the struggle between ideals and reality. As the characters set out on their paths, they encounter situations that challenge their values and moral stances. Through their various interactions and experiences, they learn life-altering lessons about ambition, temptation, honesty, and friendship.

However, Smart Ass does not stand only as a serious and moral questioning movie. The film, sticking to the comedic genre, provides much to laugh about, with sharp dialogue, hilarious hijinks, and absurd situations that our three protagonists find themselves in. Chapiron cleverly uses humor as a deflection of the darker themes, resulting in a mix of light-hearted humor and thought-provoking substance.

The visual aspect of the movie is also noteworthy. With energetic cinematography and clean, contemporary production design that captures the atmosphere of a bustling business school, the movie is visually appealing. The stylistic shots and consistent color scheme contribute to the overall authenticity of the movie.

Smart Ass, with its charming cast and delightful mix of humor and drama, is an entertaining view into the highs and lows of being young, intelligent, and ambitious in a cutthroat world. It’s a story about friendship, ambition, and the lengths people are willing to go to achieve their goals. The movie's unique blend of humor, drama, and life lessons presents a subtle socio-economic commentary, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy sophisticated comedy-dramas that keep you thinking long after the credits roll.