BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
Tayloriona
Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.
Loui Blair
It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
carbuff
I am writing this the day after watching it, and I am finding that it has left a pleasant aftertaste in my mind, so I'm upping my initial rating. For some unknown reason, only the French can make movies like this one without coming off as pretentious or too arty. If some brief male frontal nudity bothers you, best to skip this movie. The first two thirds are slow to build but compelling, charming in some ways, and very well-filmed in a lovely part of France in the winter. After that point it overplays the Marilyn Monroe parallels in a pretty heavy-handed way; however, just when I thought it was going to go down the tubes, it pulls back from the edge, avoids getting too mystical, and ends in a satisfying manner. In the end, a really nice, delicate French treat.
jotix100
A pleasant surprise this film turned out to be, when it showed unexpectedly on an international cable channel recently. The story is set in a part of France that, for all practical purposes, could have happened in Alaska, or Siberia,since this town, in the Franche-Comte region of the country, is one of the coldest spots in Europe.David Rousseau, a crime writer, travels to hear the disposition of a relative's will, where he gets nothing out of the estate. On his way home, he stumbles into a murder that has shaken the community. A young beauty, Candice Lecouer, is found dead in a snowed field. Something does not fit well with David. He had sneaked into the morgue, where he examined the dead woman's body, discovering signs she had been murdered, something which he is an expert in the field. David Rousseau's investigation traces the young woman's life, which reveals the details of the crime Candice was a victim.Directed by Gerald Hustache-Mathieu, who co-wrote the screenplay with Juliette Sales, keeps the viewer involved in the crime that was committed. The plot capitalizes on the fact the murdered woman identified with Marilyn Monroe, her idol, whose legendary life intertwines with Candice's own. The young French counterpart was coveted by many of the citizens of Mouth in ways that both lives parallel the famous model, right down to their choices of men who loved her and those who desired Candice for their own passions. David Rousseau retraces step by step the murder of the local beauty, by comparing events in both women.Jean-Paul Rouve does a credible job with his David, a man who not being a detective, but with his writing experience, knows where to go to find justice. Sophie Quinton's Candice is wonderful to watch. She exudes intelligence and beauty. Gullaume Gouix, seen as the friendly local police, is a nice addition to the film.
Movie Critic
I found this movie on Netflix browsing the French foreign section. It is really mostly a dry comedy I suppose but is much more. It is also an extremely creative gay friendly detective story about a modern parallel life to Marilyn Monroe's in the form of Candice Le Coeur from the coldest part of France.It is funny foremost with characters like the Hotel clerk who has the hots for the Rousseau (the main character). The lesbian psychiatrist taking close up pictures of tree moss...on and on. Rousseau is a novel writer who stumbles on Candice's murder and follows up and solves it for inspiration for a book.It is just so non formula so unique so humorous. Just watch it. Not sure what the number 5 means?? showing fate is at work anyway.This is the only movie on Netflix streaming I have watched twice.RECOMMEND HIGHLY
geofverney
I think the title of this review sums up the content of the movie! I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, particularly because I had no expectations. I loved the atmosphere and I think the director and crew where very attentive in giving it that 'thriller in the cold' feeling. If you add the great soundtrack, the murder mystery and the actors, you have a very good ensemble. Sure, there were some imperfections in the plot (like who exactly is trying to kill the writer?) or loose ends (hotel girl crush on the writer) but I was so much into the atmosphere that it didn't really matter (for me) and it certainly didn't spoil my viewing experience. I have to say though that I love thrillers with this kind of winter atmosphere like Insomnia, Les Rivières Pourpres, Whiteout or Millennium (the Swedish ones since I haven't seen the Hollywood style version yet).
