As almost all the other reviews observe, this film is a disappointment, and for mostly the same reasons already mentioned. I would only add a couple other points. First, I do not find Edouard Baer's a sympathetic character at all - he is very pushy and aggressive with Michele (Tautou's character) and it is a real turn-off from the beginning. The age difference between them is obvious and awkward, as Tautou really plays the wide-eyed, ditsy innocent in this film, to Baer's often angry and inscrutable character, not made any clearer by the jump-cut style. (Though I liked the cut and fade style a lot, in most places; it allowed the story to move steadily.) Second, while potentially a deep subject, the "religious quest" element is done in the air of a light romantic comedy, and this is at base slightly inappropriate and not carried off well. Third, the most interesting relationships in the film are arguably those between Michele and her troubled family, where we might see some healing and emotional growth, but these are not well and clearly developed at all. Michele has serious father issues, a primary source of her vulnerability which makes Baer's pursuit of her smack of exploitation and pedophilia.
The above flaws in combination result in the impression that, though the work of a woman - Pascale Bailly - the film comes off slightly misogynistic. Tautou's character is made fun of, and not redeemed by positive developments in the story. Baer treats her like a child and is not disciplined by the story line for doing so; indeed, in the inconclusive ending we see him pushing himself on her again, with the hint that he will likely be allowed to succeed. Tautou really shines and is a pleasure to watch, but basically no other element of the film works well. Pas de cigare.
The above flaws in combination result in the impression that, though the work of a woman - Pascale Bailly - the film comes off slightly misogynistic. Tautou's character is made fun of, and not redeemed by positive developments in the story. Baer treats her like a child and is not disciplined by the story line for doing so; indeed, in the inconclusive ending we see him pushing himself on her again, with the hint that he will likely be allowed to succeed. Tautou really shines and is a pleasure to watch, but basically no other element of the film works well. Pas de cigare.