Yes, the film sort of feels like "Ned Devine" (colorful characters / beat the system at its own game / gorgeous scenery) but it is much lighter than that. In fact, "Ned Devine" is a black comedy by comparison. Probably a closer comparison would be "The Gods Must be Crazy" meets "Local Hero" and spawns a love child.
This movie is downright sweet. That is not a bad thing and I can see why its Canadian supporters are trumpeting its virtue. However, as a former resident of Minnesota, I recognize small-town boosterism when I see it. La Grande Seduction is worth the price of admission and I urge anyone who is faced with the question "What movie do I take both my tweener and my parents to that won't make me cringe in my seat?" to go to this movie. However, this is not a movie with much depth below the caper aspects.
Check that. There is a line towards the end of the film that highlights the pathos of the circumstances welfare visits on its recipients. For this viewer, a bit more of this insight would have been appreciated.
By the way, I saw this at a screening that had about 10 of us in a 600 seat theater. Maybe it was because it was a Monday night. Maybe it was because the English title is a bit lame. Whatever; Whoever is hoping to distribute the film in the states had better get its marketing muscle in gear. This sweet a movie deserves an audience.
This movie is downright sweet. That is not a bad thing and I can see why its Canadian supporters are trumpeting its virtue. However, as a former resident of Minnesota, I recognize small-town boosterism when I see it. La Grande Seduction is worth the price of admission and I urge anyone who is faced with the question "What movie do I take both my tweener and my parents to that won't make me cringe in my seat?" to go to this movie. However, this is not a movie with much depth below the caper aspects.
Check that. There is a line towards the end of the film that highlights the pathos of the circumstances welfare visits on its recipients. For this viewer, a bit more of this insight would have been appreciated.
By the way, I saw this at a screening that had about 10 of us in a 600 seat theater. Maybe it was because it was a Monday night. Maybe it was because the English title is a bit lame. Whatever; Whoever is hoping to distribute the film in the states had better get its marketing muscle in gear. This sweet a movie deserves an audience.