Populaire (2013)

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Fantastic!

Absolutely the worst movie.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

This retro '50s comedy is hilarious, charming and a true throwback. They smoke themselves to death (well, ok, the French still do that!); the women are, of course, relegated to lesser roles; there is a certain prudishness about sex, and the thought of an unmarried woman cohabiting with a man causes a bit of a scandal. This is not your modern French film, in other words. Somehow, they make a typing contest exciting. It all works--even if Doris Day would feel at home here (well, except for that slight flash of nipple and the later glimpse of a sex scene). It also adds a layer of insight and gravity that elevates it a bit when the male lead finally confronts his childhood girlfriend. Overall, this works great. Now, finish this and run over and watch "Shall We Kiss?," another great French rom-com.

I went into this film with low hopes and came out pleasantly surprised. I suggest that you go into the film the same way that I did to increase your chances of getting similar satisfying result;)BriefyBeefyFilmSummary: This film is about a girl called Rose, her skill for typewriting and her relationship with her boss/trainer Louis. Louis is a mardy insurance man who struggles to emote because of fact that he's never 'won anything'. He also kind of regrets and dislikes some of the actions and outcomes that occurred in the past. Rose becomes Louis' secretary and she does a terrible job. Luckily Louis notices Rose' skill for typing and decides to pursue his chance of 'winning at something' by entering her in the regional typing competition. But is that really his true motive? I feel that this film could weirdly be best described as the french, romantic, 15 certificate 'Karate kid'. Louis taking the role of Miyagi and Rose taking the role of Daniel(just putting it out there Daniel and Miyagi do not partake in any form of mouth to mouth contact in the motion picture film 'The Karate Kid') This film was cute, stylistic and had a very optimistic story and message. There were also lots of good looking costumes and haircuts which gives the film bonus points from me.Whatever you do do't go into this film expecting some kind of major thrill or drama. Okay there are some minor stir ups but that doesn't count.The film surprisingly discusses a lot about feminism and equal rights with women. This gives it another bonus point because it displays the message in such an uncomfortable yet realistic and funny fashion. I kinda like this.The acting is okay, the characters are okay and their relationships are believable. The script was bizarre at times, funny at times and classic at times(if only it was all three at once throughout corr). niceynice7/10

Populaire is the shiny pearl type of movie. Simple enough to be worn regularly and noticeable enough to be more than a touch of color. The typical 50's pastel and soft colors are everywhere in the movie, except when the tone of the story turns less glamour and kitsch to become more intimate. Then the colors turn brighter, sharper and more intense... following the scene moods. I had no idea about what kind of movie my friends dragged me to but I have to recognize this was a very pleasant surprise. The lead actors (Deborah François and Romain Duris) are carrying the whole movie and it turned way more thrilling that I could expect at first from a type machine competition movie.There is some sense of Pygmalion and My Fair Lady where love is in the air even though it wasn't the initial purpose. When a young, pretty and innocent girl is coached by her boss, she turns into an accomplished and genuine beautiful Lady.If you're planning a nice movie sessionflick with your soulmate, without complicated plot or senseless violence and you want to ensure you'll finish smiling at the end, go for Populaire, worths it !!!

In 1958, the young Rose Pamphyle (Déborah François) dreams on leaving the small village in the countryside of France where she lives with her grumpy father Jean Pamphyle (Frédéric Pierrot), who is a widower that runs a store and wishes that Rose get married to the son of the local mechanic. Rose learns by herself how to type using only two fingers and when she sees an advertisement for a secretary for the insurance agent Louis Échard (Romain Duris) in Lisieux, Lower Normandy, she immediately travels to city.Rose has a bad interview but she impresses Louis typing at very high speed. Louis decides to hire her for a short period of experience and Rose shows that she is a clumsy secretary. But Louis is a former sportsman and he decides to train Rose how to type correctly to dispute a speed typing competition. He brings Rose to his home and she learns how to play piano to help her typing with Louis's childhood friend Marie Taylor (Bérénice Bejo) that is married with the American Bob Taylor (Shaun Benson). She becomes close to his friends and family. Rose becomes the fastest typist in France and now she needs to train to compete in the world title in USA. But Louis, who has fallen in love with her, believes that he is not enough to help her and decides to sacrifice his love to make Rose's dream come true. Is his attitude correct? "Populaire" is another sweet French romantic comedy, with stunning art direction and two of the most contemporary charming French actress, the unknown Déborah François and the lovely Bérénice Bejo that became internationally famous with "The Artist". "Populaire" is not a masterpiece, has ups and downs, but is delightful to see and one of the most entertaining movies that I have seen this year. It is also nostalgic, for experienced viewers like me. Any fan of romantic comedies will certainly love the clumsy but charming Rose Pamphyle. My vote is eight.Title (Brazil): "A Datilógrafa" ("The Typist")