User Reviews

92 year-old Madeleine is leaving her suburban home to enter an aged-care facility on the other side of Paris. Charles, a taxi driver, knows it will be a good fare and comes to pick her up. She is in no hurry to reach her new home and asks him to go via various places which have been significant in her life. As the journey goes on, she shares some of the events of her incredible life with him, as well as wisdom that is useful for his rather jaded existence. There are some flashbacks which show the changing times, including some interesting courtroom scenes. Charles, the cabdriver, in turn becomes increasingly interested, kind and generous.

On this, Madeleine's last lap of Paris, naturally the city stars with its landmarks, restaurants and general life, including separated bikelanes... if they can do it there... And all of this is set to some great songs of the 1940s.

The famous actors are superb, of course, as Madeleine, Liné Renaud (who is 94 and whose film credits go back to the 1940s) and as the cabbie, French star, Dany Boon. The story is well-paced, nicely filmed and quite a touching little gem, somewhat reminiscent of the fine Australian taxi-ride drama, 'Damage' (2022).

Yes, the story has a predictable ending. It doesn't take very long into the movie to have some idea of how it's going to end, but that's the point.

Why watch a movie that's pretty transparent about the ending? Because the characters are so well written, it's beautifully acted and before long you feel for the characters emotionally.

There were moments where I felt tense, my jaw clenched in anger because of how close to these characters I felt.

It was like I was drawn in to be a relative or a friend. I rode the knocks, felt the laughter and their sorry. They were perfectly relatable.

In a place where movies strive to grab your attention with explosions, or by trying to tick every box in a politically correct smorgasbord, this movie was stripped back to a couple of characters, their rapport and a story.

Truly moving. I'd happily see it again.

As with most films premiering on the Gothenburg film festival, you can experience greatness.

As is the case with this masterpiece.

It is just very beautiful in terms of writing, shooting, cinematography and acting.

It is a very clever and well conveyed script that is sure to delight most film fans, and the film is very expertly and interestingly edited.

Overall, an incredible masterpiece that dares to experiment with the visual medium and with bold and interesting writing in ways that are commendable. It is truly a great drama for the ages that should be experienced by any lover of film. Give it a watch!

Greetings again from the darkness. This film surprised me with two clear and valuable reminders. First, with a bit of effort, we can always have a positive impact on others - sometimes to the degree that we change their life. Second, everyone has a life story, and we only learn it if we take the time to ask and listen. Writer-director Christian Carion is known for THE GIRL FROM PARIS (2001) and the superb Oscar nominated JOYEUX NOEL (2005). With co-writer Cyril Gely, Carion delivers a heartfelt story of two people with seemingly nothing in common, crossing paths and making a difference.

Charles (Dany Boon) is a Paris-based taxi driver who feels his life crumbling ever so quickly. His marriage is on the rocks. His financial woes seem insurmountable. He's one more traffic violation from losing his driver's license, which means no driving a taxi, and of course, more money problems. His dispatcher calls and offers him a fare that would take him cross-town. At first Charles balks, but quickly remembers he needs the cash. Extremely annoyed when he arrives, Charles repeatedly honks his horn until an elderly lady assures him that she's ready for the ride. In fact, it's to be Madeleine's (Line Renaud) final ride. A trip to the nursing home to live out her final days.

Appearing years short of her 92-year age, Madeleine requests Charles to drive her through the areas that were key to her life. It's a life that has a shocking past and one that slowly emerges as her charms and warmth thaw Charles' previously irritated demeanor. It's fascinating to watch a bond ... even a friendship ... formed from this unusual day trip around the city. These two should share little common ground, but what we find is that people tend to respond to kindness and listening and sincerity. These two help each other in ways neither could have imagined.

Comparisons to Best Picture Oscar winner DRIVING MISS DAISY (1989) are understandable, yet Madeleine and Charles carve out their own movie niche, and we find ourselves liking each of them. Dany Boone starred in director Carion's history-based JOYEUX NOEL (2005), and although he is best known for his comedic work, that film and this one proves his dramatic chops. Line Renaud began performing in the 1940's and is a well-known singer in France. As a 'sometime' actress, she lights up the screen here as our beloved and spirited Madeleine. The ending may be a bit of a stretch (even though we see it coming), but the real joy here is watching these two connect as flawed human beings.

Progressive theatrical openings on January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 2024.

Why isn't the topic of women's oppression a topic for a film? Should women just get over it? Why is war, civil rights etc.? It's an appropriate topic because it's history. Should women just get over it? More importantly, women's oppression is recent history as well as global history and every woman has her story. And this story was so well done. The story especially came to life with the comic elements and tragedy of the human experience. The music was especially well chosen. The pace was superb and the beauty of Paris was a plus. The ending may have been predictable but the script and acting were brilliant. Worth seeing .Just a beautiful, moving film.

One of the movies that remain in my mind that I enjoyed watching. The beautiful content, the beautiful narrative, the feeling was completely transferred to the viewer, and after the end of the movie, the viewer will definitely connect with his heart and think.

In some parts of the movie, you can imagine yourself in a taxi and be a part of the movie The pains that suffered in life, what time of abuse, who saw his wife and when he was released and lost his son. The taxi driver that was wonderful.

The movie music was great, excellent imaging. An interesting harmony was visible throughout the film.

When you've watched as many movies as I have you don't really think anything original can come along. But this was a total, refreshing surprise. Beautifully and perfectly cast and acted, what appeared would be a simple story became a complex but warm, difficult and open hearted encounter of two very different people - one a taxi driver and the other, his elderly, enchanting fare. And from this taxi ride a tale unfolds that is quite unexpected. It's a beautiful movie of encounters that reach deep into those spaces in the hearts and lives of people. This is truly a must watch for anyone wanting a meaningful movie experience.

Great actors (I couldn't believe the main character is 92, her actress is 94?!), the dialogues are alright, some high points about the injustices against women in France but unfortunately the story contains a lot of overdone plot points. The ending is VERY cliché and it almost feels like the movie is skipping too much of Madeleines life. Not filled to the brim with jokes but the humour is mostly right on target. Heavy portrayal of domestic violence which at points felt exploitative even though it takes the matter very serious.

Overall a small movie which still should be enjoyable for fans of Paris and the actors.

Thank you Barbra Streisand for mentioning this beautiful French 🇫🇷 movie Driving Madeleine (French: Une belle course) as you accepted your well deserved SAG Lifetime Achievement Award today.

My Review- Driving Madeleine My Rating 9/10 Streaming on SBS on Demand

This is a 2022 French-Belgian drama film directed by Christian Carion.

It stars Line Renaud who was born on the 2nd of July 1928 now 95 years old she is a French singer, actress and AIDS activist.

Her heartwarming portrayal of a 92 year old woman about to enter a care home and calls a cab to take her there in a very roundabout way is sublime.

Her early reminiscing is played in flashback and beautifully cast with Alice Isaaz .

Dany Boon is perfect as the stressed taxi driver Charles who drives Madeline around Paris as they both relate their life stories .

It's a wonderful movie and well worth the taxi fare as well as being a touching story as Madeleine tells Charles about her long life and Charles gradually lets Madeleine draw him out to relate his life to her we get a free trip through beautiful Paris streets and suburbs as this delightful couple relate to each other.

It's free to watch on SBS on Demand

Highly recommended by Barbra and me .

You'll need a tissue at the conclusion.

It's not the destination, it's the journey" Ralph Waldo Emerson. Philosopher.

Review Xanthe OConnor

With a opening mise en scene, that establishes the psychology turmoil of Taxi driver Charles, in true French style, because all he needs now is to drive across to the other side of Paris to pick up a fare, on arrival his passenger is no where to be seen, suddenly his dark mood is broken by the cutting feisty tones of the elderly (92 yrs old) Magdalene, who is moving into a retirement home.

Not a great start for both, as Charles dreads the return journey back across Paris. And Magdalene tries to postpone her move to the nursing home. However, this is the beginning of a beautiful bitter sweet journey. Which draws out a bonding respect and mutual compassion for both During the journey Magdalene prises open the all too closed grumpy Charles, by her candour and strength, as she unveils the incredible under current of her own life story. This last taxi ride for her, is a last grasp to resolve moments in her past Its the juxtaposition of the shared stories which bridge ages of the two, giving each other the insight and understanding to bring a shared tenderness and compassion.

Throughout the journey we visit flash backs of situations and the places of Magdalene past, which is elevated by the enticing glimpses of Paris. From the taxi window. Charles once blinded to it's beauty, begins to open his eyes as re evaluates the preciousness of his family and in life.

The cinematography and editing is seamless, music creates a flowing ambience and direction holds a tender nugget of emotion.

This is a stand-out movie. It has a straightforward plot, supported by numerous flashbacks which are integral to the story. It's in such contrast to all those other movies which assemble a group of old actors and give them a corny predictable script to work with, one which doesn't even begin to exercise their proven talents.

By contrast, the two lead actors in this are brilliant, as are the settings and the storyline. At 94, Line Renaud proves that there's no such thing as being over the hill while Dany Boon, her co-star, is the perfect foil. This movie plays with all our emotions, from laugh out loud to tearfully sad, with tremendous skill. There are few films I'd choose to watch a second time but this is certainly among them.

I can't remember the last time I saw a new film which would carry the magic of classic cinema. Perhaps that's all gone along with the classic actors and artists - I remeber, for example, the incomparable finesse of Charles Aznavour whom I saw in 2017. Line Renaud is just as glamorous. She glows and uplifts with her presence, and it's entirely believable to see her younger new acquaintance bond with her so quickly and grieve her loss. "Yes, I'm with a beautiful lady. She's 92.", he says on the telephone.

I saw a reviewer complain she was psychopathic. Well, I'd say any punishment is too little - and too normal - for those who hurt a child.

That aside, the atmosphere is laden with the sentiment, the fragrance, the hope... the life that prevails.

"I guess I'm just not good at suicide - so here I am, at 92." Both characters are here, savouring the moment that would change a life.

Although set in the 21st century, the film is about the macho and mysoginistic French society in the 50s and 60s. (And very likely, at that time, life was unfair to women in other parts of the - so called civilized - world too.) I applaud the women movement that had to go a long way and still needs to.

The acting was good - the two actors put in a commendable performance.

On the other hand, the film has many disturbing moments and is done to be a cookie-cutter tear-jerker, all the way until the very predictable (and highly unbelievable) end.

I'm all for the women movement, but, in the 21st century, this movement deserves a more nuanced film.

"In a Taxi with Madeleine" is unlike any previous film featuring Line Renaud and Dany Boon. This is a melancholy movie of quiet tones that focuses on the memories of a life. These memories mainly relate to Madeleine's younger years, so Line Renaud as Madeleine and Dany Boon as Charles are almost only used in the cab. Anyone expecting an active interplay between the two that dominates the movie will be somewhat disappointed. You shouldn't expect a comedy either, even if the fine, light, subtle French humor does shine through again and again. Humor flashes through.

The story is written with a lot of love, accompanied by perfectly chosen, soft melancholic music from bygone times and the beautifully shot images. You are drawn in and revel with the old lady as she looks out of the window of the moving cab through Paris. The beauty of this city is a plus point. In flashbacks, we glide gently into Madeleine's past in the 1940s and 1950s. It is never distracting, but complements the story. All the actors fulfill their roles excellently.

The acting, screenplay, direction, soundtrack, cinematography and editing merge into a loving movie that takes you on a very emotional journey and touches you deeply, leaving me in tears at the end. The pace could have picked up a little here and there, but it was certainly sufficient. Overall, I would have liked to know a few more details about Madeleine's later life to give the character even more depth.

Considering the age of the Grand Dame Renaud (95 years old), I enjoy every second with her on screen. Together with Dany Boon, the two make a great couple where you can feel their chemistry and loving affection. It's a feast to watch the two of them.

--------------- Conclusion:

Worth watching - The story comes alive through the humorous elements and the tragedy of the human experience. Even if the ending is perhaps a little predictable, it is still a beautiful and moving movie.

Dreadful. I hated Madeleine and it seems to be a product of French and British filmmaking that older, octogenarian women be full of life, full of beans and dispensing tidy little life lessons-while being condescending to everyone around them. It's embarrassing. The film is utterly unconvincing on every single level, it's contrived and manipulative. The sweet little old lady trope just doesn't work, Madeleine is as close to psychopathic as anybody can be but dressed up in a slew of jazz music and cascading violins. The director makes Paris look good though and so the film's only saving grace, alas.

A taxi ride across Paris can be one of life's most romantic times, and so it is in Driving Madeleine, a French souffle about a titular 92-year-old (Line Renaud, a famous French singer 95 years old) being taken by court order after a fall to a rest home, perhaps a final journey. Driver Charles (Dany Boon) doesn't realize it, but it is a transforming ride for him as well.

Madeleine, having no family but obvious means, requests along the way side trips to her past, both physical places along the way and memories that turn on love and heartbreak but have a salutary effect on both characters.

From stories of her first kiss during WWII, with Matt's kisses like "honey and oranges," to marriage abuse typical in the 1950's, Madeleine remains positive about being alive and loved. Charles, at 46 almost like a grandson to Madeleine, parries with financial woes but also hymns of love for his daughter. His tales of woe are shared by most working-class blokes.

The lovely background of a road-trip movie by cinematographer Pierre Cottereau, juxtaposed with some searing memories of Madeleine's younger self, comprise a delicate drama of life's ups and downs, from which our protagonists find a solace in living every day. It almost seems writer-director Christian Carion wishes us to smell those roses despite the disappointments that our fates appoint.

I am critical of sentimental movies like this that rely heavily on flash backs, yet here they work successfully to help guide us through her robust Odyssey. Although Driving Madeleine could seem a bon-bon movie trip, it is not.

It is a serio-comic trip with two fascinating characters reliving their lives and better because of it. At a difficult time of year to find good movies, you will have found one as well as a tear or two for this delicate protagonist and an end of life that will toll for all of us in one way or another.