Apres Vouz [After You]

© A.J. Malouin 2008
(Ratings: 6 by Al and 6 by Caryl)

(2003/France. Directed by Pierre Salvadon)
France is the most civilized country on earth. If you doubt it for a minute, just check out the world political scene — or rent the French romantic comedy “Apres Vouz.”

The word “charming” is the word we use over and over and over again to describe “Apres Vouz.” It is fillt to overflowing with charming food, charming wine, charming floral arrangements, charming wit, charming comedy, and charming romance.

There is one suicide attempt, to be sure, but it is gotten out of the way quickly.

It is, moreover and, in point of fact, charming.

Our story? One man (Daniel Auteuil, as Antoine) saves another man (Jose Garcia, as Louis) from an attempted suicide.

Antoine thereafter feels responsible for Louis’ entire life Antoine gives Louis food, clothing, reason to live, and a job, and not necessarily in that order.

In his first act of responsibility Antoine intercepts a suicide farewell note that Louis has written to his grandparents. This happens in an overnight weekend road trip undertaken to St. Malo (inspiration for Al’s adapted name!) to beat the Monday postal delivery. The grandmother is played wonderfully by Andre Tainsy.

One charming surprise and delight after another unfold for the next 90-some minutes of uplifting, laugh-out-loud comedy. Do you thin that similar American comedies released during the same time span are great romantic comedies??? We are thinking here of things like “Bewitched” and “Hitch” and “Must Love Dogs” and :Wedding Crashers.”

If you bother to rent crap like that, it will quickly assume the same respect in your life that you hold for the inert gases.

This can only happen, however, if you fail to rent the totally charming “Apres Vouz,” the romantic comedy of the current and any other season. (1 hour 50.)