I, Cesar (2003)
"Moi César, 10 ans 1/2, 1m39" (original title)

Cesar is a young schoolboy living in Paris with his family. Their life is ordinary, but Cesar wants more excitement (which he creates, in one instance, by claiming to his teachers that his ... See full summary »

Director:

Richard Berry

Writers:

Richard Berry (original idea), Eric Assous (scenario),

Stars:

Jules Sitruk, Maria de Medeiros, Jean-Philippe Écoffey

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jules Sitruk	...	César Petit
Maria de Medeiros	...	Chantal Petit
Jean-Philippe Écoffey	...	Bertrand Petit
Joséphine Berry	...	Sarah Delgado
Mabô Kouyaté	...	Morgan Boulanger
Anna Karina	...	Gloria
Stéphane Guillon	...	Le père de Sarah
Katrine Boorman	...	La mère de Sarah
Jean-Paul Rouve	...	Le prof de gym
Didier Bénureau	...	Le directeur
Cécile De France	...	Samantha
Jean Benguigui	...	Papy
Annick Blancheteau	...	Mamy
Murray Head	...	Mr. Fitzpatrick
Charley Boorman	...	Charley Fitzpatrick

Storyline

Cesar is a young schoolboy living in Paris with his family. Their life is ordinary, but Cesar wants more excitement (which he creates, in one instance, by claiming to his teachers that his father has been arrested). During the school holidays, Cesar and his friend Sarah decide to help their mutual friend, Morgan, find his father who supposedly lives in London. Each one tells their parents that they're staying with the other two, and together they sneak out to begin their search.

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Plot Keywords:

lost father | eurostar | school party | london england | runaway | 

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Taglines:

Parents, autorité, amour, amis, rivalité, écolé, fugue, un p'tit peu gros

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

9 April 2003 (France)

Also Known As:

César

Box Office

Budget:

€5,320,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,139,239 (France) (18 April 2003)

Gross:

$4,486,218 (Europe) (25 April 2003)

Company Credits

Production Co:

EuropaCorp, TF1 Films Production, Canal+

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Morgan's mother called him in Gloria's house and Gloria took the phone we can see that the phone's display is blank, indicating that it was turned off.

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Connections

References Pulp Fiction (1994)

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Soundtracks

"Casta Diva"
(from "Norma")
Music by Vincenzo Bellini
Libretto by Felice Romani
Performed by Maria Callas with Orchestra e Coro del Teatro alla Scala
Conducted by Tullio Serafin
Courtesy of EMI Classics
(Opening title)

User Reviews

a terrific fun time

I have just seen this film as part of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts French Film Festival. The last film that I saw as part of the festival, Red Lights, was resented by me for being that worst of things, a thriller with an implausible plot, full of holes, and not worth seeing. "Moi, cesar", however, has thoroughly healed those wounds!

This is a delightful, entertaining,fun ride through the world of a disaffected 10 year old Parisian boy whose sole passions are for pastries and a lovely girl classmate. In tone, cinematography and pacing, this film feels a lot like Amelie, and I really enjoyed all the pleasurable laughs it provided. I bought the whole story; the screenplay is very well written and all the actors do an excellent job. The film kicks up a notch when Cesar and his girl and his best friend all hatch a clever ruse, and manage to get themselves to London to help the best friend find his birth father. Just when they need help the most, an older punk fairy godmother, Gloria( in a nod to Tina Turner and Gina Rowlands) appears and things improve. Al is pulled together in a great fun finale. An easy 9 out of 10. Enjoy!