Review: Comme les autres (2008)

When Emannuel (Lambert Wilson) tries to bring up to his partner that he wants a child, Philippe (Pascal Elbé) replies that he is tired and tries to dismiss the conversation. This is essentially the basis of the plot for this heartwarming French romance/drama/comedy. Manu is 42 and wants a child. Philippe is 40 and wants to live his life. The tension around the subject builds into a breaking point for their relationship.

A chance car accident and lack of insurance information leads Manu to develop a friendship with Argentinian Fina (Pila Lopez de Ayala). Upon the refusal of his colleague and best friend Cathy (Ann Brochet), he asks Fina to marry him so she can get her papers in exchange for a child. Obviously, Manu is not very smooth in asking for what he wants.  At this point there are many very rude moments on Manu and Philippe's parts which add to the entertainment and many cute moments between Manu and Fina. Little /big/ things happen and the music adds to the endearing charm of Manu's efforts to conceive a child.  Needless to say Fina accepts the offer. They develop a very Will & Grace relationship minus them seeing other people. When things get very hard for Manu, she is there for him. Leading up to their wedding, scandalous things occur but there is some shock value to be preserved.

Philippe is invited to the wedding and suddenly  the tension is at a high. As the film progresses the Fina's jealousy towards Philippe is evident but so is the sexual tension between the two ex-lovers. The music that accompanies every little silent moment simply adds to the experience and really draws you in and feel like you are sharing the experience with this group of people.It doesn't matter what side you were on originally, you just know what was bound to happen.

I hardly have anything bad to say because I felt so much empathy towards all the characters. Fina is justified in all her actions as are Emmanuel and Philippe. Every character has a reason for their opinions and the feeling behind it is so real that you simply have to love it. It has it's sad moments, of course, but what drama doesn't. The film also has some very defining moments and those are the ones with the least dialogue. Many of the scenes are very emotionally charged but it balances out so well with the lightheartedness of the main plot.

Unlike having the perfect happily ever after, the audience is offered a "perfect for them" feel to the end. It isn't what is expected, but it's nice. The story progresses easily and it leaves you with a smile because things can work out if you let them simply happen. Some may label it cheesy but I shamelessly indulge in the feel good flick. Enjoy!