![]() ![]() ![]() Whereas they obviously care for one another, they cannot admit that their decision to embrace the expat life after retirement was the wrong one. Gilbert's film makes much of the contrast between the idyllic surroundings and the unhappiness of the elderly protagonists. Nonetheless all good things come to an end, as Suzanne and Mark return to England, leaving Joseph to contend with his meaningless existence once more. Joseph takes a shine to her (although he is too much of a gentleman ever to behave improperly), and the two of them spent much of their time talking to one another. However all is not quite as it should be: Mark dislikes Suzanne's tendency to over-eat, while Suzanne questions whether she wants to marry or not. They seem to enjoy the ambiance: Mark takes a shine to the local vineyard, while Suzanne enjoys some of the historic sites. Into this world come tourists Mark (Paul Nicholls) and Suzanne (Natalie Dormier). Joseph tries to deal with the monotony of his existence by taking daily walks and watching the local retirees play pétanque. Brenda busies herself around the house the highlight of her day is the nightly visit to the local café where she exchanges pleasantries with the maitre d'hotel (Frédéric Largier) and eats steak. Life could not seem more perfect but neither of them are very happy. Joseph (James Fox) and Brenda (Brenda Fricker) have retired to the south of France and live in a chocolate-box medieval village in a sun-drenched climate surrounded by friendly locals. ![]() Virginia Gilbert's film offers a far more pessimistic vision. Roger Michell's LE WEEKEND (2013) offered a generally optimistic analysis of a late middle-aged English couple visiting France and rediscovering the point of their marriage. ![]()
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