Delicacy [Blu-ray]

Audrey Tautou is absolutely adorable in everything she is in. It’s a problem. Not unlike Audrey Hepburn, they can do nothing and just frankly filled with close up shots and you will still be captivated. Her ability to own the screen is simply a pleasure to watch. Whether she is sad, happy, shocked or even random, Audrey can seamlessly connects with the audience at its very core. So I am a complete sucker for her in anything. Will this continue with Delicacy?

The scenario goes something like this – Nathalie (Tautau) is distraught when her perfect life partner tragically dies. To distract her grief she throws herself into her work as a middle-manager (a law firm, I think), but still she dwells on her loss. One day, she literally throws herself at balding and rather gangly Swede Markus (Francois Damiens) who understandably, cannot believe his luck. She initially denies that she had any reason do have done that but tentatively, they become closer. Getting others – her friends, parents and workmates to take Markus seriously then becomes the thrust of the film.

Now, did I like this film? Yes!

Will American audiences hate the fact that this romantic comedy is really melodramatic? Probably.

To hell with most audiences because I kind of dug this movie. Most of the laughs are internal and uncomfortable and is not brash at all like American rom-coms.

Francois Damiens steals the film. He plays the sort of character that you would love to be friends with and you know would always look out for you. He also gives the ordinary man hope by romancing Tautou. He really makes the second and third act shine!

This is a very nice looking film, one that is often beautifully lit and quite redolent of the sun dappled ambiance of the French countryside, strangely even in its urban setting. The music spills delightfully through the surrounds repeatedly in the film, and there’s also some good use of ambient environmental effects, which open up this somewhat claustrophobic film quite well. Dialogue is very cleanly presented and the overall mix is very well prioritized.

The only drawback of this disc is the special features including a interview with Tautou and a really good behind the scenes feature.

Overall, this was a sold effort the first act did drag quite a bit but it needed to because the pay off of Damiens character is worth every minute of melodrama. It is one of those delightful films that are best served after a long day at work where you can sit back and appreciate the beauty of Paris and Ms Audrey Tautou.

Delicacy [Blu-ray] arrives in stores this week. Don’t miss it!

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall: Four office romances out of Five

Review by Bro’ B – Ben

We received product for our review. All opinions are our own