Russian Dolls (2005)

Five years after their summer together in Barcelona, Xavier, William, Wendy, Martine and Isabelle reunite.

Director:

Cédric Klapisch

Writer:

Cédric Klapisch

Stars:

Romain Duris, Kelly Reilly, Audrey Tautou

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Romain Duris	...	Xavier Rousseau
Kelly Reilly	...	Wendy
Audrey Tautou	...	Martine
Cécile de France	...	Isabelle (as Cécile De France)
Kevin Bishop	...	William
Evguenya Obraztsova	...	Natacha
Irene Montalà	...	Neus
Gary Love	...	Edward
Lucy Gordon	...	Celia Shelburn
Aïssa Maïga	...	Kassia
Martine Demaret	...	Mère Xavier
Pierre Cassignard	...	Platane
Olivier Saladin	...	Gérard
Pierre Gérald	...	Grand-père
Zinedine Soualem	...	M. Boubaker

Storyline

Xavier is now thirty. No longer a student, he is not yet a well-balanced, fulfilled adult either. His career is unsatisfying: Far from being the renowned novelist he aimed to be he must be content with little jobs such as reporter or ghost writer. His greatest "achievement" in "literature" is his collaboration to the script of a corny TV soap! His sentimental life is not much better, rhythmed by one night stands and unfinished romances. It looks as if when he seduces a woman beautiful outside and inside such as Kassia or Wendy he can't keep them. Will he ever bring his life into focus?

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Plot Keywords:

summer | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Trivia

The man knocking on the toilets door while Xavier is inside is the director of the movie.

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Goofs

At the end of the film, Wendy greets Xavier on the Eurostar platform. Non-passengers are not permitted access to the platforms at Waterloo.

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Quotes

Kassia: What's your girlfriend like?
Xavier: It's not for my girlfriend? I don't have a girlfriend.
Kassia: What's this girl who's not your girlfriend like?
Xavier: She's a little shorter than you. She has smaller... I mean... I think she's a size one or two.
Kassia: It depends. Is she thinner than I am? Is she like that girl?
Kassia: No.
[looks around]
Xavier: She's more like her. But not as ugly.
Kassia: Take the two. Your girlfriend can always exchange it. The register's over there.

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Crazy Credits

During the ending credits there is a scene where Wendy is putting the last piece of the puzzle.

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Connections

Featured in The Making of 'Russian Dolls' (2006)

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Soundtracks

Mama mne Govorit
Performed by Diody
Written by Sergei Shnurov

User Reviews

a befitting continuation of the l'auberge espagnole legacy

I like this movie quite a bit. I think the movie has succeeded in depicting the life, the love that intertwines with it, the things that make us different, and those that transcend our cultural and personal differences.

When I first saw L'auberge espagnole, I was embarking on an education journey that would span two continents in the cohort of people from all around the world. L'auberge espagnole was a great prequel to my experience.

In this sequel named "Les Poupées Russes", I find myself again firmly planted in the midst of the characters. In his thirties, Xavier and others' confused relationships reflect a bewilderment in that age group, as some choose to settle down, and some continue to seek the ephemeral.

As for national boundaries, it is interesting that the story now depicts a different set of frontiers for Europe (before the recent constitutional crisis), the UK and Russia. The countries are very different but the people are very similar if you let look beneath the surface. Everyone is looking for a better life with love and happiness.

Ultimately, what makes it all work is what William has done in the movie. We need to make an effort, whether in life or in love, to rise above the walls separating us, perceived or real.

As for the individual characters, Wendy has indeed become quite a fox. If I were Xaiver, I am not sure I would be that interested in Celia. Your mileage may vary, of course. :) Cheers, and enjoy the movie.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [France] Official site [United States]

Country:

France UK

Language:

French Russian English Spanish Italian

Release Date:

15 June 2005 (France)

Also Known As:

Russian Dolls

Filming Locations:

Chalcot Road, Primrose Hill, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$12,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$16,512, 14 May 2006

Gross USA:

$326,095

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$23,727,301

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lunar Films, StudioCanal, France 2 (FR2)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

125 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1