Romantics Anonymous (2010)

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General		Extras
Category	Romantic Comedy	Main Menu Audio Featurette-Behind The Scenes Interviews-Cast Music Video Trailer
Rating
Year Of Production	2010
Running Time	74:43
RSDL / Flipper	No/No	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu
Region Coding	4	Directed By	Jean-Pierre Améris
Studio Distributor	Madman Entertainment	Starring	Benoît Poelvoorde Isabelle Carré Lorella Cravotta Lise Lamétrie Swann Arlaud Pierre Niney Stéphan Wojtowicz Jacques Boudet Alice Pol Céline Duhamel
Case	Amaray-Transparent
RPI	?	Music	Pierre Adenot

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	French Dolby Digital 5.1
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	576i (PAL)
Original Aspect Ratio	2.35:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No
Subtitles	English	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	No
		Action In or After Credits	No

     I have been reviewing quite a lot of French films recently, mostly released locally by Madman Entertainment. There is something about French cinema that sets it apart from American or English cinema and this is another example of a film which would not been made with such sweetness, whimsy or with realistic actors in the leads if it were made in the US. Romantic Anonymous or Les Emotifs Anonymes is a 2010 production written and directed by Jean-Pierre Ameris which is a lovely light confection (sorry about the pun) that is a joy to watch.

     The simple story involves two emotionally challenged people who find it hard to operate in society because of their emotions, feeling fear at human interaction. The story starts with Angelique (Isabelle Carre) who is a talented chocolatier but has found it too hard to be the centre of attention and has produced her chocolates anonymously for many years. She regularly attends a self-help group for emotional people. She decides to try to find a job and applies to a struggling chocolate producer, owned by the equally emotionally challenged Jean-Rene (Benoit Poelvoorde), who sees his psychiatrist most days. He immediately hires her because it is too hard for him to talk to anyone else. She thinks she has been hired as a chocolatier but Jean-Rene thinks he has hired a sales rep. The story follows them as they attempt to get to know each other, save the business and get over their emotional problems.

     This is a great little film, which is very enjoyable to watch, quite amusing, whimsical and just a lot of fun. The acting is excellent from the two leads, helped by the fact that they are real people, not really young and incredibly beautiful, like they would be if this film was made in the US. Isabelle Carre was nominated for a Cesar for her performance, which is very justifiable. The cinematography is lovely and the music including a French version of a song from Sound of Music and other French pop tunes is also a significant contributor to the vibe. Big Jet Plane by Australian duo Angus & Julia Stone also features. If the idea of a whimsical French romantic comedy appeals, this is definitely one to see.

     Recommended.

Video

     The video quality is good but is not at the correct aspect ratio.

     The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio which is not the original aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It is 16x9 enhanced.

     The picture is reasonably clear and sharp without being the best of DVD. Shadow detail is good.

     The colour is very good, showing off the bright colours of the sets and costumes. There is some light colour bleeding at times.

     There is a some mild grain at times and some motion blur.

     There are subtitles in English which are clear and easy to read. They are a removable stream and a bit different to the spoken French.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

     The audio quality is very good.

     This disc contains a French soundtrack in Dolby Digital 5.1. The sound is quite front focused.

     Dialogue seemed easy to understand and clear throughout.

     The music as mentioned above is fun and jaunty including a variety of songs as well as some score.

     The surround speakers were used for mild atmosphere and the subwoofer supported the music mostly.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

     A decent selection of extras.

Menu

     The menu featured some jaunty French pop/jazz.

Making Of (52:07)

     More of a behind the scenes feature rather than a making of. This rather long feature shows behind the scenes footage of many scenes in the film, along with on set interviews with cast & crew (in French w/ subtitles). There is also discussion of preparation including learning how to make the chocolates for real.

Interview with Benoit Poelvoorde & Isabella Carre (7:15)

     An interview dominated by Benoit who seems to never shut up. They discuss the film, their characters, working together and the director. Worth watching.

Music Video - Big Jet Plane (3:43)

     Music Video of the song by Aussie duo, Angus & Julia Stone, features scenes from the film.

Theatrical Trailer (1:50)

     French Trailer.

    This film is available on Region 1 DVD and includes an interview with the director, not included here, and the correct aspect ratio. However, none of the extras featured here are included there. Correct aspect ratio makes the US version a better choice.

    The video quality is good but in the wrong aspect ratio.

    The audio quality is very good.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall