Nothing much happens in this story, and yet, in its own way, the lives of the Perrets in the small town of Tarn-et-Garonne, France, come alive in this reflective tale about a family and the cafe they ran. The story begins as the German invasion is taking over the country. Meurice and Claudia Perret must endure the intrusion of the brutal forces into their midst.
There is a glimpse at the children is school. Pierrot, the oldest son is made the butt of the ridicule by an obnoxious teacher whose ways of teaching included physical harm to the boy who dared not to come with the right answers for him. Claudia, the mother, could not condone the teacher's methods, confronting him face to face in order for the man to leave her son alone.
After the Nazi armies departed France in defeat, the family prospered in the cafe. Meurice decided fix the place with a space for balls that were held from time to time with guest orchestras. The whole town came alive with the dances at the cafe. At the same time, Claudia's health kept deteriorating. Meurice came to the decision to sell his beloved cafe and start a new business which allowed Claudia to get the much needed rest she needed.
"The Cafe du Pont" is based on a novel by Pierre Perret, the Pierrot of the story. As directed by Manuel Poirier, the film is a celebration of family life. This is a beautiful story about a family living in harmony and peace, the way it was meant to be. Meurice and Claudia were parents with love to spare for their children that oozed to their regular customers that patronized their cafe. It is a celebration of love, pure and simple.
Bernard Campan and Cecilia Rebboah are perfect as the kind Meurice and Claudia. The supporting players enhance the enjoyment of the film because they give understated performances backing up the principals. Sergi Lopez has a cameo in the film. Bernardo Sandoval provided the music score in the background and Sergio Dell'Amico photographed the rural setting lovingly.
There is a glimpse at the children is school. Pierrot, the oldest son is made the butt of the ridicule by an obnoxious teacher whose ways of teaching included physical harm to the boy who dared not to come with the right answers for him. Claudia, the mother, could not condone the teacher's methods, confronting him face to face in order for the man to leave her son alone.
After the Nazi armies departed France in defeat, the family prospered in the cafe. Meurice decided fix the place with a space for balls that were held from time to time with guest orchestras. The whole town came alive with the dances at the cafe. At the same time, Claudia's health kept deteriorating. Meurice came to the decision to sell his beloved cafe and start a new business which allowed Claudia to get the much needed rest she needed.
"The Cafe du Pont" is based on a novel by Pierre Perret, the Pierrot of the story. As directed by Manuel Poirier, the film is a celebration of family life. This is a beautiful story about a family living in harmony and peace, the way it was meant to be. Meurice and Claudia were parents with love to spare for their children that oozed to their regular customers that patronized their cafe. It is a celebration of love, pure and simple.
Bernard Campan and Cecilia Rebboah are perfect as the kind Meurice and Claudia. The supporting players enhance the enjoyment of the film because they give understated performances backing up the principals. Sergi Lopez has a cameo in the film. Bernardo Sandoval provided the music score in the background and Sergio Dell'Amico photographed the rural setting lovingly.
