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Le Week-End, starring Academy Award winner Jim Broadbent and Lindsay Duncan, is a romantic comedy about Nick and Meg – a British elderly couple who relive their romantic history on a weekend trip to Paris for the first time since their honeymoon which brings new life to their marriage.

Their weekend escape is filled with harmony and disharmony, Nick’s need of attention from Meg, the anxiety of returning to normal life – all which makes the trip more and more uncomfortable. They, suddenly, receive a surprise invitation by Nick’s old-time friend Morgan (Jeff Goldblum). Morgan is an American academic with an elegant residence in Paris, where he encourages the couple to rekindle their marriage now rather than later.

This film, with no doubt, will garner attention due to its realistic portrayal of elderly married life. Le Week-End features a cast that portrays love and passion, and whose history is magnificently complemented by the breathtaking scenery of Paris, which also provides the setting for their romantic reawakening.

Their vacation fighting started when they arrive at the hotel, as Meg realizes it is too expensive, and she begins to reprimand Nick’s past poor decisions. Despite all their fighting, their relationship alludes to what occurs in the “Marques de Sade” – a sort of hate driven by love and loyalty which in the end help make this film a very entertaining experience.

This film benefits from the performances of two brilliant actors and the collaboration with screenwriter Hanif Kureishi and the direction of Roger Mitchell (The Buddha of Suburbia, Persuasion, My Night with Reg, Notting Hill).

This is the fourth collaboration between Kureishi and Mitchell, who both began work on the script 7 years ago.

I highly recommend this film. It’s refreshing to see such a great flick carried by middle-aged actors, who deliver a truly natural and credible performance. This movie reminds us about how a long marriage can easily become routine, and that it’s the little things that keep a marriage alive.

Le Week-End was nominated for Best Selection at the 2013 Toronto and New York Film Festivals.

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Le Week-End
Music Box Films
Now playing in select theaters

4 Stars

Films are rated on a scale of 5 stars (must-see), 4 stars (exceptional), 3 stars (solid), 2 stars (average) and 1 star (unworthy).

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