![Conte de Noël [Christmas Tale] (2008)](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uBwglvjbu5OVo1VoDz7d9bTz5arfaiuFd36Za30dTuc-wTtHC-WlaQFhvCJlf9LMYosqyGTXxfEomrACliwMV1PF19PSOIzbISl1VH_RhnXfnGBFADjg=s0-d "Opens in Current Window/Tab…")
- Also Known As:
- Christmas Tale
- Year:
- 2008
- Country:
- Predominant Genre:
- Comedy
- Director:
- Outstanding Performances:
- None
- Premiss:
- A troubled family is no stranger to illness, grief & banishment. But when their matriarch requires a bone-marrow transplant, the estranged clan reunites just in time for Christmas.
- Themes:
- Alienation | Destiny | Emotional repression | Family | Identity | Narcissism | Solipsism | White culture
- Similar (in Plot, Theme or Style) to:
- Unknown
- Review Format:
- DVD
Reasonably-clever black comedy of manners in which the current cream of French acting talent mostly express their emotions openly – often to camera – no matter who gets hurt.
A bone marrow transplant is used as a metaphor for the inter-relatedness of family but never rises – as a thematic trope – above the trite notion that blood is thicker than water.
The style of the film changes to match the emotions displayed and so is varied. Yet there is actual emotional self-indulgence here, especially as the result of the over-length and the lack of any real psychological depth. The only genuine hook onto which to hang ones interest is the fact that the movie is good at showing how women so often rule the domestic sphere; being shown as alternately self-deluded and wise – especially about men.
Despite all this, the wit carries the day and makes it at least watchable.
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