Paris 36 (FAUBOURG 36) is a deliciously entertaining blend of history (WW II and the French reaction to the Nazis), of cabarets, French vaudeville, and the fracturing of families that occurred during times of stress - all costumed in a period piece that revives the year 1936 in Paris with gentle humor and sensitivity. It is as refreshing as anything to come on the screen in a long time. Writer/director Christophe Barratier (with Pierre Philippe adding the dialogue) serve up this confection with underscored aplomb and the result is delectable!
1936, and the streets of Paris are being decimated by the recession/depression of the times: workers are revolting (lead by the handsome young Milou - Clovis Cornillac), the small time theaters such as the Chansonia under the loving direction of Pigoil (Gérard Jugnot) are on hard times, and the 'big bosses' of the times are finding ways to take over small businesses. To make things worse, Pigoil's wife runs off with an entertainer, leaving Pigoil to survive unemployment with his beloved son - that son is soon reluctantly moved away to join his prosperous mother and new 'caretaker'. Into this sad turn of events comes a naive but wondrously winsome lass named Douce (Nora Arnezeder) who takes part in the revitalization of the Chansonia, supplying the meager audience with her growing talent while urging the public to applaud for a a loser of a nice guy performer - Jacky (Kad Merad). A little star is born. Somehow it all comes together despite innumerable setbacks, and in the end the people own their hearts and regain their pride.
It is a simple story, but told with a glow of Parisian bloom that dissipates the gloom of the times and creates a moment of nostalgia well worth remembering. For an evening of joy this is a must. In French with English subtitles.
Grady Harp
1936, and the streets of Paris are being decimated by the recession/depression of the times: workers are revolting (lead by the handsome young Milou - Clovis Cornillac), the small time theaters such as the Chansonia under the loving direction of Pigoil (Gérard Jugnot) are on hard times, and the 'big bosses' of the times are finding ways to take over small businesses. To make things worse, Pigoil's wife runs off with an entertainer, leaving Pigoil to survive unemployment with his beloved son - that son is soon reluctantly moved away to join his prosperous mother and new 'caretaker'. Into this sad turn of events comes a naive but wondrously winsome lass named Douce (Nora Arnezeder) who takes part in the revitalization of the Chansonia, supplying the meager audience with her growing talent while urging the public to applaud for a a loser of a nice guy performer - Jacky (Kad Merad). A little star is born. Somehow it all comes together despite innumerable setbacks, and in the end the people own their hearts and regain their pride.
It is a simple story, but told with a glow of Parisian bloom that dissipates the gloom of the times and creates a moment of nostalgia well worth remembering. For an evening of joy this is a must. In French with English subtitles.
Grady Harp