Copacabana (2010)

Boldly unconventional and cheerful, that's how one could describe Babou. Never having cared about social conventions, she is suddenly faced with the realization that her own daughter is ... See full summary »

Director:

Marc Fitoussi

Writer:

Marc Fitoussi

Stars:

Isabelle Huppert, Aure Atika, Lolita Chammah

3 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Isabelle Huppert	...	Elisabeth Delmotte dite Babou
Aure Atika	...	Lydie
Lolita Chammah	...	Esméralda Delmotte dite Esmé
Jurgen Delnaet	...	Bart
Chantal Banlier	...	Irène
Magali Woch	...	Sophie
Nelly Antignac	...	Amandine
Guillaume Gouix	...	Kurt
Joachim Lombard	...	Justin
Noémie Lvovsky	...	Suzanne
Luis Rego	...	Patrice
Cyril Couton	...	Martial
François Comar	...	Jacques
Léonie Simaga	...	Katia
Veerle Dobbelaere	...	Petra (as Veerle Dobbelaere)

Storyline

Boldly unconventional and cheerful, that's how one could describe Babou. Never having cared about social conventions, she is suddenly faced with the realization that her own daughter is ashamed of her and therefore refuses to invite her to her wedding. Hurt in her pride, Babou tries to regain her daughter's respect by starting anew. She accepts the challenge of selling time-sharing-flats at the Belgian seaside during the off-season, in a desperate attempt to prove her real worth and her motherly love to her daughter.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

M/12

Did You Know?

Trivia

Swiss censorship visa # 1008.032.

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Connections

References Misery - O Capítulo Final (1990)

User Reviews

This Summer's divine surprise

Spectators who will go and see 'Copacabana' to have a good time will not be disappointed because writer-director Marc Fitoussi's last film IS a warm-hearted comedy but it is also much more than that. And it is always pleasant to get MORE than what was expected than the contrary, isn't it?

What they will get first is Isabelle Huppert as Babou, the central character, frolicking, laughing,dancing in cafés, wearing flashy dresses and thick make-up. A welcome change from her usual grave, restrained, suffering self in recent movies. And with the support of a bunch of funny actors and actresses (Luis Rego, as Babou's bashful old lover; Noémie Lvovsky, as her disillusioned former friend; Chantal Banlier, irrepressible as her business rival) and well-written witty dialogs, the comedic aspect of the film is undeniably a success.

But 'Copacabana' is not just a straight comedy. Marc Fitoussi's tale of an eccentric mother who tries to win back her daughter is much more complex and much richer than what you could expect. For the film is also philosophical (to what extent can you remain free in society, especially when you have children?), psychological (the conflict between Babou who wants to remain off the beaten track and Esmeralda, her daughter who wishes, as a reaction, a steady middle-class life, is well dissected), satiric (the dubious methods of time-share business are denounced), documentary (Ostend, on the Belgian sea-coast has rarely been filmed in the off-season), ethnological (the Flemish shown in the film are real people) and social (the young homeless couple episode).

And the miracle is that 'Copacabana' is so well written that all these aspects blend together harmoniously. You follow this seamless story from its beginning to its end effortlessly, until the final surprise (which I am afraid will remain a surprise until you see the film).

'Copacabana' is a well made film that doesn't overwhelm you but seeps into your brain and your heart. A feel-good movie that never falls into the trap of over-simplification. A kind of Gallic Capra-esquire comedy that makes love, intelligence and eccentricity meet to everybody's delight.

Details

Country:

France Belgium

Language:

French Flemish English German

Release Date:

17 March 2011 (Portugal)

Also Known As:

Copacabana

Filming Locations:

Casino, Ostend, Flanders, Belgium

Company Credits

Production Co:

Avenue B Productions, Arte France Cinéma, Mars Films

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1