If you love Paris you will really enjoy the heartwarming French film Driving Madeleine. It tells the story of a 92 year old woman who is being forced into assisted living after she has a fall. She has one day of independence left in her beloved Paris. As she is being driven to her new home by the grumpy Charles, she shares her life story with the taxi driver, diverting him to places of significance in her life which are dotted around Paris. Her remarkable life is told in a series of flashbacks showing the audience that everyone has a story.
Starring as Madeleine is the Grand Dame of French cinema, the 94 year old, Line Renaud, who is as luminous and sharp as ever in this role. She has said this film was, “ the most beautiful role of my life.” Her taxi driver is Dany Boon, as the down on his luck, Charles. The chemistry of this pairing lights up the screen as the mischievous Madeleine charms and shocks Charles with her revelations on her long and eventful life.
Charles has money worries and when he is offered this job he jumps at the chance of the huge fare. After meeting the cantankerous but chatty elderly woman he begins to regret his decision. That is until he gets to know her. Boon is known as the ‘ Adam Sandler ‘ of French cinema and you might have seen him in the recent Murder Mystery 2. He changes and begins to show his softer and funny side as the film progresses.
This lovely film guides the audience through the story of Madeleine’s life from wartime Paris to a life of romance, passion, love, heartbreak and unspeakable pain. As Madeleine shares her story Charles realises his own problems pale into comparison and an unlikely friendship ensues. The film was deftly directed by Christian Caron, whose light touch allows the talented stars to shine. It’s in turns both funny and shocking, filled with warmth, passion and the quintessential French je ne sais quoi. I laughed out loud, smiled, was surprised, terrified and cried several times. This film gave me all the feels.
Not to mention the joy of driving around my very all – time favourite city and visiting beloved sights like the Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Criss-crossing those famous bridges of Paris felt wonderful and seeing the changes through Madeleine’s eyes was a revelation. It was driving through neighbourhoods I know so well and reminding me of special times in my own life. I seemed to be on my own nostalgic journey along with the characters.
This film is also a testament to kindness, which costs nothing but means so much. Themes of aging, the war, domestic violence, women’s rights and justice run through the film but that is not to say that this is a sad film. In fact it is the opposite. I found it uplifting and hopeful.
Driving Madeleine is a mix of feel good and road trip movie which will remind you that life is a journey with many twists and turns. It’s French cinema at its finest and shares a beautiful story worth telling. It’s a tale of the unlikeliest of friendships and the power friendship has to transform our lives. This film is a compelling look at life and all its detours. In Australian cinemas June 22.
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