French Films: Les Petits Mouchoirs

Since its release in 2010, my Aunt has been talking about a French film called "Les Petits Mouchoirs." Close friends had recommended it to her, but due to the closing of so many movie-rental stores (including one of our favorites, Trilogy) it seemed impossible to find. While the constant evolution of technology can be exciting, it's times like these that make me miss the good old days when the whole family had to pile in the car and drive down to Hollywood Video to pick out the weekends rentals. Services like OnDemand and Netflix may be convenient, but they don't always have the films that you want, especially in the foreign category. So, what do we do when one technology fails us? Well, move on to the next one of course! Finally, I took to the Internet and, within a matter of minutes, found "Les Petits Mouchoirs." With such anticipation behind this film, my expectations were high. And rightly so, for it was incroyable.

The film takes place in the South of France where a group of seven friends go every year for their summer holidays. There, the friends enjoy each others company in the sun; spending their days on the water, swimming, eating, laughing, and drinking rosé. But what seems like an enjoyable vacation quickly takes a dramatic turn when a tragic accident back home in Paris forces all of the friends to face their looming problems, changing their lives forever. Written and directed by the swoon-worthy actor, Guillaume Canet, and backed by an all-star cast including Marion Cotillard and François Cluzet, "Les Petits Mouchoirs" is a lovely and honest story that is as hilarious at it is heart-wrenching. All in all, the perfect film for a rainy autumn day.

Director Guillaume Canet hard at work

It may be sub-titled, but I promise, it's worth it! At the very least, you can indulge in some French eye candy and study their curious capacity for cheating. As for me, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it... Enjoy!

Note: the direct translation of "Les Petits Mouchoirs" is 'the little handkerchiefs', but you can find the film under its given English title, "Little White Lies."

À bientôt!