Delicacy (2011) User Reviews

HK Neo Reviews: Delicacy / La délicatesse (2011) – France

[webmaster-3017 · 8/10 · 20 May 2012]

"Delicacy" works because Audrey Tautou is so amazing to watch. From the moment the film zoomed in on her pitch perfect classical pretty look, the film set its tone. However the part of the film that made it spectacularly brilliant is the final quadrant. Just when you feel the film moves toward melodrama, it turns over in full circle and finally laughter filled the cinema screening. The awkward moments became funny spots and the effortless unlikely romantic companion in Swedish François Damiens is as funny as Hong Kong's iconic Lam Suet. "Delicacy" is film that starts off sweetly, then bitterly and in the end unlikely and delightfully.

Audrey Tautou is simply stunning to watch. Not unlike Audrey Hepburn, they can do nothing and just frankly filled with close up shots and you will still be captivated. Her ability to own the screen is simply a pleasure to watch. Whether she is sad, happy, shocked or even random, Audrey can seamlessly connects with the audience at its very core. Equal to the task is the scene stealing Swedish co-worker François Damiens. Their romantic chemistry does not crash any computer screen, but there is something about them that makes then a couple to root for. His comedic timing is just absolutely "laugh out loud" moments. In fact, there was a time in the film when I uncontrollably laughed out loud and resulted in several turning heads and looks. However it was all worth it.

All in all, "Delicacy" is really one of the lightest hearted melodramatic yet romantic comedies of the year. It is one of those delightful films that are best served after a long day at work where you can sit back and appreciate the beauty of Paris and Ms Audrey Tautou. Ever since Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris", I have placed the city on top of my list and after "Delicacy", I can only say that love is not just a four letter word. A highly enjoyable bittersweet rom-com…

Neo rates it 8.5/10

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A delightful French romance

[Kookyburra · 8/10 · 19 September 2012]

This film achieves something that a heck of a lot of films, particularly romantic comedies, get wrong.

It captures that feeling of two people messily entering into a relationship. The initial joys and awkwardness. The moments of fright when it all seems overwhelming. The calm reflective times and the stormy moments of doubt.

After a shaky start, the film blossoms into a refreshingly cliché free study of a beautiful woman impulsively starting a relationship with a shy, ungainly, but good natured man. It's his goodness that comes through. He wins out over the slick womanisers through sheer innocent charm and a desire to do good.

A heart warming film about the need to love fearlessly and without following the crowd and of taking happiness where it's found.

'It enables me to be the best version of me even.'

[gradyharp · 8/10 · 10 February 2013]

'La délicatesse' is a lovely French dish written by David Foenkinos and directed by both David and Stéphane Foenkinos. Much of the success of this slightly to the edge story of the vagaries of love and life as they intertwine is due to the presence of the irresistible charm and charisma of lead actress Audrey Tautou. She is able to take this story that at times seems impossibly off track and keep it grounded in her sense of lightness and focus, making us believe that what actually happens to this character is truly quite possible.

Nathalie Kerr (Audrey Tautou) is a successful businesswoman who happens to meet the rather unkempt but impish François (Pio Marmaï, an irresistibly charming actor) quite by accident (and an order of apricot juice) in a café. Nathalie is literally swept off her feet and rather quickly this spontaneous meeting of hearts results in blissful marriage. The perfect scenario ends tragically when François is accidentally kill. Nathalie's heart seems irreparable and she trudges through life bathed in grief and longing. Even her handsome boss Charles (Bruno Todeschini) can't woo her: Nathalie is frank in her objection that Charles is a married man. Then the door to her office opens and a subordinate nerdy appearing geek named Markus Lundi (François Damiens) walks in and Nathalie impetuously greets him with a passionate kiss - an act she represses thinking that such a deed was impossible. And this apparent one- sided accidental occurrence lightens Markus' life and he is committed to falling in love with the resistant Nathalie. The 'courtship' leads to Nathalie's recognition that love and happiness can happen in the most unexpected places and ways.

Summarizing the story makes it sound trite and bordering on silly, but it is the delicately French manner in which it is told that makes the film so refreshingly endearing. The entire cast is first class (director Stéphane Foenkinos is best known as one of France's best casting directors!) but it is the glimmering lightness of Tautou and Marmaï and Damiens that make it sail. A perfect Valentine.

Grady Harp

An unlikely romance between a smart successful Gallic gamine and a balding portly Swede makes for a somewhat entertaining rom-com that could do without the melodrama

[moviexclusive · 6/10 · 23 March 2012]

Attempting to restate her claim as the queen of French rom-coms, Audrey Tautou returns in yet another soufflé-light offering playing a young widow who falls in love with a balding Swedish man who is older, less attractive and less successful than her. Better still, their unlikely love story takes place against the age-old taboo of office romances- but even before the obligatory obstacles from both their personal and professional lives roll along, you already guess that the pair of opposites will eventually end up together.

Indeed, much as the movie tries to differentiate itself by injecting tragedy into the mix, there's little mistaking that first-time directors David and Stéphane Foenkinos- the former of whom also wrote the novel on which the movie is based- never did intend to veer away from the requisite happily-ever-after ending of the typical rom-com. All that remains to be seen is whether or not the journey to that destination is worth the ride- and the answer in this case is only a slight yes.

Of the film's three acts- the first beginning with Nathalie (Tautou) and Francois' (Pio Marmai) whirlwind romance and ending with the latter's unexpected death; the second detailing the tentative courtship between Nathalie and said Swedish colleague Markus (Francois Damiens); and the last demonstrating their willingness to preserve their relationship despite the objections of friends and colleagues- only the middle one proves engaging with its 'Amelie-like' whimsical mood.

Sparked off by Nathalie's decision to kiss Markus on a whim, this utterly charming middle section wittily observes the unintended consequences from that very impulse. In a clever switch of archetypes, it is Markus who turns out totally smitten by Nathalie, so much so that he deliberately runs away when he senses he may be falling too deeply in love with her. That scene set on a bridge against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower is one of the funniest in the movie- ditto for another in which Nathalie takes the initiative to ask him out for a play over office messaging just as his Google search turns out the exact same date idea.

In comparison to the playful simplicity of the second act, Foenkinos' tries to cram too much into the first, trying to create a sympathetic character in Nathalie. Unfortunately, the tragic turn of events that leads Nathalie to throw herself into work for the next three years before she meets Markus fails to resonate, and seems wholly unnecessary to the central romance between the two co-workers. The third act fares slightly better, but a melodramatic turn sparked off by a heated exchange between Nathalie and her boss Charlie (Bruno Todeschini) who also fancies her is amateurish and changes the tone of the film too jarringly.

Thankfully, the movie does finish on a winning note with a beautiful fantasy sequence shot in one single take- though that alone does not distract from the fact that the filmmakers lack the dexterity at rolling romance, comedy and drama into one. The directors' inexperience also shows in the way they have both Nathalie and Markus narrate their own thoughts at random points in the movie, never using the voiceovers as an effective technique to get to know the characters better or to put a spin on the story (a la 'She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not').

Tautou is once again typecast as the gamine with the pixie-ish appeal, and though she is as lovely as she was in 'Amelie', it's clear this role was never much of a stretch for the actress to begin with. The scene- stealer here however is her co-star Damiens, an unlikely choice for a rom-com, but one perfectly suited for the role here with his wide goofy smile and disarming genuineness. You'll easily root for Damiens, and consequently his romance with Tautou to succeed in the movie.

Despite its name, this French rom-com is no delicacy, though it has its fair share of winning moments to make it more than an entertaining trifle. Don't expect it too to be a smart satire on office romances- indeed, it is too genial and whimsical to offer much on the subject. The best it does is fill out the gap for the rom-com genre until the next one rolls along, when almost certainly it will be forgotten.

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Excellent book adaptation

[debbbbi · 7/10 · 21 September 2021]

I finished the book and warched the film immediately. I was pleased to discover that the script was written by the book's author, so it is perfectly adapted :) I enjoyed both the book and the film. And I loved the Markus character. He is just lovely.

A Nutshell Review: Delicacy

[DICK STEEL · 7/10 · 23 April 2012]

Expectations can be such a bitch, when pre-conceived notions formed by others become shattered when reality dawns upon them. It can apply to many areas, but in a romantic comedy, it almost certainly applies to how one perceives the other half that a friend had chosen. And I suppose for the girls if their friend's new beau doesn't come tall, dark and handsome, but balding, goofy and awkward, then there will be bewilderment that will take on a life of its own around the gossip mills.

The debut feature of directors David and Stephane Foenkinos, adapting from the former's novel, Delicacy turned out to be not what one expected, with scenes played out in rather individualistic fashion, and ultimately never finding a natural rhythm of pacing. It's a classic case where the sum of all its parts turned out to be rather rote and hardly surpassing the brilliance of ideas injected into individual episodes, making it a rather rough ride where you'd constantly wonder just where the story is heading.

The draw here is of course Audrey Tautou, playing yet another strong female character whose whirlwind romance with Francois (Pio Marmai) comes to a full stop when the inevitable happens, in a scene where I was expecting a vehicle to hit Francois on the screen from right to left. Well that wish got unfulfilled, but Francois does succumb to injuries and Tautou's Nathalie Kerr becomes a widow, devoting herself to her work for the next three years, before discovering opportunities for a fresh love life comes knocking on her door again. And all these serving as the prologue, while being really inconsequential to everything else that came after, and could have sped up the pacing to get to the crux of the story instead.

And that's the new chapter of her life predominantly set in her workplace, where her boss Charles (Bruno Todeschini) tried to hit on her, and her fellow work group mate Markus Lundl (Francois Damiens) becomes comically attracted to her because of her sudden and unexpected, one off advances where she kisses him out of the blue. The rest of the film deals with their romantic dalliances, with some nice touches to dialogues given Markus' deadpan humorous streak, and self-deprecating jokes that gets delivered with a straight face. But it's true, I suppose for those who don't have what it takes on the outside, being a funny man definitely works wonders, and Markus soon has Nathalie eating out of his hand, not that he could handle the attention anyhow.

While the romance doesn't really work out that well, what did work are the little background events that anyone working in an office will encounter from time to time, and these are the most fun, with gossips spreading like wildfire, and how sometimes we get easily offended by others who tend to be quick to pass judgement on who we are from glimpses on the outside. Audrey Tautou is at her pixie best in a role somewhat failed to challenge the actress, with Francois Damiens upstaging her in almost every aspect and scene, thanks to having portray a more interesting character complete with insecurities and quirks that is easily identified with by anyone - you will feel his pain when being compared with the Ideal, Perfect Man, who exists only in minds and not in real life, and being quite the good sport and feeling quite comfortable with himself when his shortcomings are mocked at.

Delicacy turned out to be a rather choppy ride, with a rather erratic pacing and structure that seemed to branch off and take on a life of its own, rather than to be in sync to form a more coherent narrative. Still, it's down to the chemistry of the leads when playing the unlikeliest of couples both in social standing, looks and attitudes, without whom this delicacy would have turned out to be a bland affair.

Average rom-com with a sweet heart

[tgooderson · 6/10 · 22 April 2012]

Nathalie (Audrey Tautou) is left devastated after the death of her new husband Francois (Pio Marmai) and spends the next three years mourning him, in a daze, floating through life. One day unexpectedly she kisses a new colleague of hers, Markus (Francois Damiens), an unattractive, balding Swede in an act that leaves him perplexed and creates tensions at work.

The first half of this film was incredibly dull and bland. I was beginning to regret seeing it until the introduction of Damiens as Markus. He bought a spark to the film and took it from a magnolia tragedy to a sweet and funny romantic comedy. Up until this point it felt like the film was going nowhere. Nathalie had been hit on by her boss in a scene which bought nothing to the film; she had somehow gone from selling programmes at the theatre to having her own office and running some sort of case (which was never explained). Then Damiens arrived and lit up the screen. His character was bumbling and nervous but sweet and kind and it is clear why Nathalie is drawn to him. Their relationship creates many funny scenes as well as some that verge on melancholia.

Tautou is fine as Nathalie but she is hardly stretched. She has to play a pretty young widow who looks glum, something her face seems to do naturally. The supporting cast are all fine too and include a Christina Hendricks lookalike who plays a secretary, wears the same outfits as 'Joan' from Mad Men and even has the same pen around her neck! The star of the show though is Francois Damiens who steals the film. He plays the sort of character that you would love to be friends with and you know would always look out for you. He also gives the ordinary man hope by getting together with Audrey Tautou. He also provides most of the film's comic relief.

One of the problems with the film is that it suffers with the same musical trouble as Little White Lies. Obviously film makers choose music that conveys a certain mood but here as in the aforementioned film, it is so palpable it verges on being ridiculous. I also have a problem with the dull first act but overall this is a throwaway romantic comedy which features strong central performances and a message that it doesn't matter how someone looks but what matters is what sort of person you are.

www.attheback.blogspot.com

Tellingly misunderstood and underrated

[cskoog · 9/10 · 10 November 2012]

This is a much better film than has been generally recognized. Props to Tatou for choosing this project. It is not a romantic comedy, though there are many occasions for laughter. It is about love and loss, grief and healing. Maybe even more, it is about our culture, whose pervasive artificiality and interpersonal politics need to make real things seem weird and out of place. There is a Bergmanesque (eg: 'Swedish') subsurface to this light-footed film. As you watch it, consider the fates Tatou's character avoids by rejecting each invitation to 'normalcy'...

The film is beautifully shot, colored, and lit. The script is marvelously economical: every line is necessary. Finally, the music is ideal for allowing the intentions of the filmmaker to sink in.

A romantic story but lacks the sparkle

[Gordon-11 · 7 June 2012]

This film is about a young successful career woman, whose life grinds to a halt when her husband dies in a traffic accident.

I was expecting "La délicatesse" to be a more uplifting romantic comedy, but it was more of a down to earth, modest romantic tale. It tells an unlikely love story between a beautiful woman and her unattractive subordinate. The film focuses on their interaction, which is real and authentic. It is just like the interaction that normal couples have. However, this also means that the story is plan and can be uninteresting at times. To be honest, it lacks the sparkle that is normally present in Audrey Tautou's romantic comedies.

Entertaining and easy to understand, but a bit too long

[human2 · 6/10 · 30 April 2012]

I've seen this movie at a theatre mostly because of the always extremely funny Francois Damiens, even if the story seemed interesting. Overall it's a good entertaining picture but in my opinion more of a "chick flix" made for woman viewers, some peoples like me might find it a bit too long. Basically the story is about a woman named Nathalie who is in love with her boyfriend when he die after being hit by a car... Her boss named Charles Delamain try to seduce her all through the movie, but she always refuse saying he's not her kind of guy. Finally she meet Markus, and something begin to blossom between them. Audrey Tautou is very competent as Nathalie whom she portay with energy, which is not the case for Francois Damiens who is really sleeping and don't add much... Overall it's still 5 times better than atrocities like "La Graine et le Mulet" whom I couldn't bear watching more than 30 minutes, but in my opinion it's still a bit too long, considering it's only an average love story movie...

Audrey Tautou charms again....

[tim-764-291856 · 5/10 · 6 May 2012]

I watched this at a community arts centre, as part of their film season and where a mixture of mostly younger couples and women of all ages on their own were in attendance. I was the only bloke on my own.

Now, many enjoy a romantic film; generally, I don't. Audrey Tautou was definitely the selling point for me. I'm sure a good number will find Delicacy a delightful film, full of life's quirks and nicely Gallic, too.

Unfortunately, most of the scenes are in and around the workplace, the direction is boring and the camera-work often rather lazy. And, the film is getting on for being seriously long - 108mins for a rom-com is pushing it a bit.

Thankfully, the characters are rather more interesting with our lovely Tautou generally rather underplaying her lead role and came across as being slightly disinterested, though this may have been intentional. There are a couple of scenes that she acts masterfully, though and these help keep us interested.

The scenario goes something like this - Nathalie (Tautau) is distraught when her perfect life partner tragically dies. To distract her grief she throws herself into her work as a middle-manager (a law firm, I think), but still she dwells on her loss. One day, she literally throws herself at balding and rather gangly Swede Markus (Francois Damiens) who understandably, cannot believe his luck. She initially denies that she had any reason do have done that but tentatively, they become closer. Getting others - her friends, parents and workmates to take Markus seriously then becomes the thrust of the film.

It's quietly affecting and amusing, certainly not laugh-out-loud and will be too subtle and slightly off-key for those who only really go for blatant and brash U.S rom-coms. Better seen (I'm sure) as a couple and even more so if that couple are 'together' Delicacy offers some quirky embellishments to add a touch of magic as well as a story that is slightly different. However, as I have said, much of that was wasted on me but I'm still fairly glad that I saw it but I fear, it will fade from my memory rather fast.

I liked the leading man in this one....it helped to make the film very charming.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 3 December 2012]

Delicacy begins with a couple falling in love and marrying. However, shortly after the marriage, he is killed--leaving his widow (Audry Tautou) grieving for quite some time. IMDb says it's three years, though the film makes no mention of this. All you know is that she's withdrawn from those around her and puts all her energy into her job. However, something VERY strange happens. After her creepy boss tries to make the moves on her, she responds by grabbing a co-worker (François Damiens) and kissing him--leaving the poor guy VERY confused! Markus has no idea what to think--mostly because he feels he has no chance with such a beautiful woman! After all, he's balding, a bit clumsy and not at all flashy. What could she see in him? So Markus' instinct is to run--but she'll have none of that--she finds him comfortable and a great person. And, oddly, this unusual relationship starts effecting those around them in unpredicted ways. What's to become of these oddly matched but very nice people? See this film for yourself.

To say this romantic film is offbeat is clearly an understatement. In most Hollywood and French films, you'd never have such a relationship--and that is what I liked about this film. He ain't fancy, but he's decent...and decent is certainly worth having for this lonely lady. Too often, films have pretty folks...very pretty folks. It's nice to see someone who most would consider ordinary--and it's nice to see that that's good enough for the woman. He's sweet, very decent and kind---so what if his hair is thinning?! This sort of casting helped elevate the film in my eyes. Also, the slow pace was nice--a wonderful combination of music, acting and charm. Some might object to this approach--I think it made the film seem real. Overall, it ain't flashy but is full of charm--and would make a perfect date film. Sure, her kissing Markus really made little sense...but let go of this and just enjoy.

By the way, after seeing this film and singing its praises to my daughter, she told me that she tried watching it and hated it! Oh well, you can't please them all!

cute, sweet but not thrilling

[HelenMary · 6/10 · 14 October 2012]

This is a lovely, cute French romcom with gentle humour, tenderness and ... well, delicacy. Audrey Tatou is always lovely to watch - a talented beautiful actress, who plays emotive very well. This story gives her scope as she is mixed up, grieving and in a bit of a state. Francois Damiens was for me the highlight of the film, his humour and sweetness, and mobile features were a comedic delight! Overall, however, the film was missing something - passion, or some sort of flow. The jumps in the narrative were clever, but the Oscar for this film goes to the cinematographer; artful, beautiful and clever shooting. Overall an attractive, sweet film. Recommend, if you are okay with subtitles.

Nathalie nights?

[stensson · 5/10 · 15 July 2012]

This French woman loses her husband in an accident. She doesn't date for three years; then this Swedish co-worker turns up. She hasn't noticed him before.

Films about male heartache are rather rare, especially in France. If you're a Swede, you find it however hard to believe in this corny Swedish character. He's so very Swedish.

Audrey Tautou has been cached in a genre, there she has to repeat herself. We've seen her as the goodhearted Parisian girl many times now and this is another one in a quite long row. Maybe too long. Light comedies yes, but there must be something else for her.

Gauche Story

[writers_reign · 7/10 · 17 April 2012]

In retrospect Amelie was probably something of a mixed blessing in the career of Audrey Tautou. Prior to that breakthrough role she was getting decent roles in quality movies such as Tonie Marshall's Venus Beaute where she could coast in the wake of a heavy hitter like Nathalie Baye and let her carry the movie. After Amalie it was of course Tautou herself who had to pick up the ball and run with it and the results have been mixed at best and along the way she has had to watch as others - Isobel Carre for example, in Romantics Anonymous - have excelled in roles tailor-made for Tautou. Delicacy helps restore the balance and despite the inexperience of a first-time director there is still sufficient charm on hand to lift it out of the run-of-the-mill and it does no harm at all to have Ariane Ascaride along for the ride albeit wasted and underused at one and the same time. As time-passers go and antidotes to the cgi fodder this is as good as any and better than most.

Delicately enjoyable

[natashabowiepinky · 6/10 · 25 July 2014]

Funny thing, falling in love with a slob. You might think he's the bee's knees, but your family and friends may feel differently... and some may be more eager to display their disapproval than others. Here, an attractive young French lady is married to Mr Perfect, but becomes a widow at an early age when he goes out for a bike ride. As soon as he put them headphones on, after declaring undying affection for his wife, I knew he was a goner. You get a sixth sense for these kind of things, when you've seen as many movies as I have.

Instead of mourning, she spends the next four years concentrating solely on work... and it's there, one day, she randomly kisses a Swede called Markus. She has no idea why she did it, but thanks to her unprovoked actions, Markus is now besotted with her. And so, now begins a strange romance, between a gorgeous career girl and a kind, but rather scruffy bearded older chap. Their interactions are frequently endearing, and we want them to get together... regardless of what anyone else says.

It lacks the wit and pizazz to be a truly memorable romcom, but at the end of the day, all you need in a film like this is a sympathetic central couple, and a few relatable parts which will provoke nods of recognition and smiles from any watching lovebirds. Plus of course, being set in Paris, a scene at night with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the background. Has there ever been a flick of the genre, Funny thing, falling in love with a slob. You might think he's the bee's knees, but your family and friends may feel differently... and some may be more eager to display their disapproval than others. Here, an attractive young French lady is married to Mr Perfect, but becomes a widow at an early age when he goes out for a bike ride. As soon as he put them headphones on, after declaring undying affection for his wife, I knew he was a goner. You get a sixth sense for these kind of things, when you've seen as many movies as I have.

Instead of mourning, she spends the next four years concentrating solely on work... and it's there, one day, she randomly kisses a Swede called Markus. She has no idea why she did it, but thanks to her unprovoked actions, Markus is now besotted with her. And so, now begins a strange romance, between a gorgeous career girl and a kind, but rather scruffy bearded older chap. Their interactions are frequently endearing, and we want them to get together... regardless of what anyone else says.

It lacks the wit and pizazz to be a truly memorable romcom, but at the end of the day, all you need in a film like this is a sympathetic central couple, and a few relatable parts which will provoke nods of recognition and smiles from any watching lovebirds. Plus of course, being set in Paris, a scene at night with the Eiffel Tower glowing in the background. Has there ever been a flick of the genre, set at this location, that hasn't? 6/10 6/10

Delicacy

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 6 April 2024]

What I didn't quite get from this is why the recently bereaved "Nathalie" (Audrey Tautou) would have moved on from the cute and cuddly "François" (Pio Marmaï) to the rather stockily structured Swede "Markus" (François Damiens). Anyway, when the former man in her life goes for an ill-advised jog, she finds herself widowed, back at work and largely rudderless. Her boss (Bruno Todeschini) has always been keen, but she makes it rather abruptly (and entertainingly) clear that not even on a desert island. Then - well after about three years - she encounters her new Swedish colleague. She doesn't exactly mince her words (or actions) and that leaves him in a semi-pleasant state of confusion. To say she initially blows hot and cold would be an understatement, but as things settle down it might just prove possible that something substantial might happen between them - but first she must come to terms with, and try to deal with a grief that still lingers. Along the way, there are some entertaining swipes at the politics of the office and of friendships where opinions are never far away - wanted or otherwise. The denouement is a little quirky. It's not what I was expecting but did somehow top off this meringue of a film. It's got just enough of a frame to hold it together, but is pretty mushy underneath. Tautou has a charm about her - she reminds me slightly of Audrey Hepburn, and the direction allows her to present her characterisation engagingly as the essence of the film. Even though it's all a little listless at times, I did quite enjoy it.

Language is a big thing

[markpucuchu · 8/10 · 15 September 2012]

Some movies are best seen in their original language without subtitles, some dubbed in your own language and some just with subtitles. La Delicatesse is a film which should be seen in French without subtitles which is how it impacts the viewer most. And rather than the 6 it gets on average rises to a more deserved 8.5 IMO. Romantic comedy for those in need of love. Works if you're in or out of a relationship. I still don't get the reason Nathalie kisses Marcus but everything after that makes sense, even feels very realistic as I can associate with most of the elements of the central theme of the movie, from Marcus's point of view to her boss's point of view having encountered both situations. The film is sweet and carries you on a dream, but isn't this what films are best for? Makes very nice viewing on cold winter nights.

Awful

[traderwheelerdealer · 1/10 · 13 July 2012]

Audrey Tautou is my favorite actress and on that basis I went to watch the film. Oh my goodness, even she couldn't save this movie. Marlon Brando once famously said, that the actor always gets the blame for a bad movie but it is usually the script.

The story is diabolical...it is terrible and stinks. I try to stay awake watching the movie and there is no story. It is very boring. The highlight is watching the Eiffel Tower and that is about it.

There is some French comedy and parody. My partner who fell asleep the intelligent one, mentions the Swede watching President Obama on television. I miss it. The other I picked up on is corporate culture ... Swedes are using like the Germans obsessive compulsive; precise and on time, is half an hour early to the meeting.

I came out of the movie yawning. What a waste of time that was. I'm grizzly that I wasted my money and time watching this movie. Incredibly boring. I want my money back!

A gentle winning insight into the sum of humanity being greater than the parts.

[ecologya · 9/10 · 10 May 2012]

I am not a fan of emotional nuanced, indeed French, movies. So why the big score? Went with my girlfriend who was tired after a busy day at work. I was skeptical already. We loved it.

• Female lead was whippet like, not the usual Hollywood cookie cutter looks. Her emotional range in subtle fashion was very good. The whole movie reaches an emotional climax at the end and I love the surreal nature of that, always been a sucker for the spiritual/metaphysical/surreal imagery.

• The male lead was goofy but as you look you see a dignity, a certain honor, and pointed wit. This man is lovable and credible as such.

• The music was fantastic no doubt because it was written for real life loss by Emilie Simon. My friend is Budhist and the bells in the signature tune were perfect. Any movie with excellent music (compare Thin Red Line) will lift and indeed soar.

• The movie is just released in Australia and probably there are a lot of multicultural 'mismatched' couples who commit to each other attracted by difference. Australia is the most successful multicultural country IN THE WORLD. When I was in France I saw the pathetic xenophobia with due contempt felt by me (it was a subway situation in Paris).

• The French style in the urban and rural landscapes were very stylish for those with an eye to detail, but perhaps not for knuckleheads (other reviewers?).

• The French history is sub textual - Norsemen naming Normandy and making a marriage of Vikings and French some 1,000 years ago. The above-mentioned highly metaphorical rural landscape of yellow and green is notable for those with eyes to see. Even dialog about a cold day being like summer gives the clue to this ancient subtext.

• these themes of multicultural tolerance and deeper humanity, especially in the shadow of madman Anders Behring Breivik, was a superbly timed contribution to popular culture. Bring on the Love as the antidote to the hate.

9 out of 10. I stand by that.

Didn't Quite Work

[robcrooks · 3/10 · 6 September 2021]

It's a classic Hollywood story but it doesn't work because there is zero chemistry between the two main characters.

The cast is great but, at the end of the day , we just don't care.

Gentleness

[nando1301-1 · 8/10 · 18 August 2014]

I wonder who decided to name this film "Delicacy" in English... Since the French title "La Délicatesse" means literally "Gentleness" and the story is all about gentleness in the relationship between the main characters.

A very French film, a gentle film about gentleness and love. Good writing (the film was deservedly nominated for a César award), good acting, catchy soundtrack. I enjoyed it very much, but it's not your typical romantic comedy... I would say that it is not a comedy at all, but rather it is a deep and delicate drama about people who have been hurt in the past and how they need to recover gently, slowly, in order to be able to love again.

Delicate and charming

[eyeintrees · 8/10 · 5 October 2015]

What a beautiful movie. I will admit that when I was younger I may not have seen this for the gem it really is. However, it is a winner.

After years of mourning her husband, a successful and beautiful young woman develops a friendship, in the oddest of ways, with a rather ordinary looking, balding, clumsy and unambitious man who is a bit older than her. Her friends are chic and successful and they find it an odd and discomfiting match, but her beloved grandmother sees the truth... that her granddaughter has found a wonderful and honest, loving friend...

In only having lived a life with many ups and downs, will the truth of loving someone who is kind and generous, honest and honourable, rather than dashing and handsome and rich and ambitious have real meaning for you. I'm so glad someone made this lovely film.

One -of-a kind and perfect!

[justapilgrim · 10/10 · 12 April 2014]

I generally enjoy most of the French films that I see, but given the so-so ratings, I didn't know how satisfying this experience might be. I'm thrilled to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this one from start to picture-perfect finish. Though it's a bittersweet slice of life, as the story unfolds, you begin to feel that if you stay true to your ideals and your heart, sometimes life surprises you with a bonus when you least expect it. Audrey Tautou was as captivating as ever and you can truly believe why the other characters here - both women and men- are in awe of her. But she's more than just a pretty face - she's loyal to a fault and has the smarts to appreciate the true value of someone beyond a fancy façade. Francois Damiens is a revelation. This film truly showcases his comedic flare and without trying too hard, he elevates every scene he's in. As the low-key Swedish dumpling, it doesn't take long for an audience to fall in love with Markus either. In real life, opposites attract now and again so I found it completely believable that Nathalie would be floored by his intellect, humour, humility and low-vanity ways as much as he's besotted with her. If more people took their wise approach to relationships, it'd be a much happier world. All in all, this is a brilliantly crafted film. The characterization of office folks is realistic and hilarious. The music is the perfect accompaniment: refreshing and anticipatory. This timeless tale of rediscovering happiness after great loss has so many subtly funny moments. About the title: I'm wondering whether it alludes to Markus being a special fish out of water, far away from his Swedish homeland. Or perhaps, delicacy is a reference to how in matters of the heart, we ought to take extra care with others and refrain from judging by external appearance since we all have our own quirks and had our share of heartaches that leads to a desire to self-protect and maintain a sense of balance. All I know for sure, is that this film is a rare treat, not at all your garden variety offering. It's one-of-a-kind. Hooray for the underdogs. Hooray for storytelling that doesn't sock you with gratuitous violence, nudity, or foul language just to appear edgy. This film is the magic of small moments and ordinary people that reaffirm your appreciation for both the brevity of life and seizing golden opportunities while you can- even if it bucks conventional wisdom. We all have just one life to live- so we best enjoy!

Wonderful Emotional Ride...

[eskimosound · 10/10 · 30 October 2020]

I wasn't expecting this movie to be like it was..in a good way, it was unpredictable, impeccably performed by Tatau, it feels like you are prying into her life, such quality acting. It's a very well done romantic/comedy/drama. The ending gave me goosebumps. Really very good.