cinephage A very pleasant and enjoyable movie with a great American cast. Paris is well photographed, France as it is and not as it shows itself in those boring, subsidized navel-gazing French movies. I said great American cast because the French actors, especially the young ones (Thiery Lhermitte is better than he usually is, but it's difficult to see what the character played by Kate Hudson found sexy in him), are awful both as actors and film stars. Especially scruffy, shallow Romain Duris but one wonders how a down to earth, sexy girl like Naomi Watts could be madly in love with such an effeminate, foolish character as pitiful Melvil Poupaud. Shows the sad state of French cinema.

Chrysanthepop I've been looking forward to 'Le Divorce' for years. Despite the negative reviews and the silly trailer, it was something I didn't want to miss. After all, it's a Merchant Ivory movie that stars actors like Naomi Watts, Glenn Close, Stockard Channing, Romain Duris and Kate Hudson, so how bad could it be? Sadly, this is perhaps Merchant Ivory's weakest film.'Le Divorce' contrasts between the French culture and the American. The said comparison is made between an upper class French family and a middle-class American family. Much 'use' is made of the stereotype Americans have of French people but there are also certain interesting differences made here (such as Roxanne's unfair divorce settlement and how her in-laws become obsessed with a painting she owns). Isabel has an affair with an older man, Roxanne's ex-uncle-in-law, and this is perceived as something common in France.The overall story felt lacking in substance. It moves at a lethargic pace. The ending is very Hollywood.Pierre L'homme's stunning cinematography gives us a nice view of France. Some of the dialogues are quite witty and charming. The actors do a fine job. Naomi Watts steals the show once again. She displays Roxanne's vulnerability, despair and strength with gusto. Kate Hudson pulls off Isabel with natural charm. Tierry L'hermitte, Gleen Close, Stockard Channing, Leslie Caron, Stephen Fry, Romain Duris and Sam Waterston provide great support.Overall, 'Le Divorce' is not in the league of the gems created by the Ivory Merchant team. It has the performances working for it and the nice shots of France.

Jo Payne The first time I watched this film, I didn't realise there were English subtitles so I watched the whole thing and was really confused because half of it was in French. Even after discovering the subtitles, a significant proportion of the French is not translated.This film made a bit more sense after discovering that it was originally a book. It's like taking a whole season of a drama such as "Desperate Housewives" or "One Tree Hill" and putting all of those stories and what can happen into 112 minutes. Be prepared for a dramatic roller-coaster.In terms of the quality of the film, the acting is incredible. Naomi Watts and Kate Hudson shine although Hudson's character doesn't have the quirky comments like she does in "How to lose a guy in 10 days".Don't watch this film if you have an afternoon to watch a good quality film....however if you've got an hour and a half free it's a great way to past the time.Lastly, the 12 rating is a bit low I think. Without giving away spoilers I'm just going to say I would've put it at 15 - let me know what you think about that!! Jo

gmatheron It is often that I read opinions in here. First as a cinema fan, then as a cinema professional. But these lines ("Little has prepared her for the consequences that go with it and the archaic laws about a couple's separation in that country, which benefits the husband while punishing the wife.") were more than over the top !!! Hos come you comment French laws ? Are you a lawyer specializing in French legal system ? OK, no stats here... but in about 90% of divorces men get "punished". They're deprived from they children's presence, have to pay a monthly pension, etc. etc. The tendency has changed for the last 15 years or so, but still men lose much more than they gain. So, please, stick to what you know... and stay away from what you pretend you know !!! And remember, fiction films are stories... NOT reality.