Odette Toulemonde

If you liked 'Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain', you don't mind sentimentality and kitsch, then you will certainly love 'Odette Toulemonde'. It's a great fairy tale-like story set mostly in Charleroi, a small city in the Wallonian rust belt. Catherine Froth is perfectly cast as the main character Odette. The story is by Éric -Emmanuel Schmitt, who -- just like the writer in the story -- although successful, is not taken too seriously by the Parisian literary establishment. Thanks to Chus, I found and immensely enjoyed this beautiful film.

☆☆☆☆

Le Fils

A gripping Dardenne film about Olivier, a father who, by chance, meets the teenager Francis, who, 5 years ago, killed his son in a bungled theft. The two meet because Francis wants to learn carpentry which is taught by the father. The film's pace is slow and pleasant: as a viewer you only learn about the murder background after 30 minutes or so. Although nothing much happens, I was glued to the screen, fascinated by the evolution of the relationship between Francis and Olivier.

☆☆☆☆