Film No. 5 (2016) The Belier Familty January 19th.

Film No. 5 (2016) January 19th.  11.00 AM LUNA SX Fremantle. 

"It's a division of labour, she smiles and I talk" (Is the response by Paula (Louane Emera) to a customer asking why Gigi (Karin Viard), Paula's mum, says nothing in response to a question while selling their produce at market).

Some of the most original ideas in film making come via the vibrant French industry. Hollywood loves to absorb these new ideas, translate them into English, re name them then market the film as something newly concocted. The Birdcage, Cousins and the tastelessly named Dinner for Schmucks are just a few. The wonderfully, crowd pleasing The Belier Family will undoubtedly become the next remake. 


The simple premise of a teenage girl, Paula (Louane Emera), translating for her deaf brother and parents in all areas of normal school,family and business life is a great idea in itself. The key then is to bring great warmth and humour through the characters without relying on soppy sentiment when dealing with such themes. 


The very moving final stanza of The Belier Family is wonderfully effective. The 100 minutes we have spent enjoying the company of every character in this film lead to the truly satisfying ending we so often crave. Well bonded families dealing with change is a common theme for many well told stories. The fact that The Belier's have relied so heavily on the interpretive skills of Paula makes that change mean so much more. There is a coming of age moment for all of us.


Jaques Tati created a unique foundation for portraying the comic character in French film. His influence via Rudolphe, Gigi and Paula's music teacher Fabien (Eric Elmosnino) is evident via some very humorous off beat slapstick moments. If Tati had been of this era, I feel sure he'd have approved of the script for La Famille Belier. Dads' who cherish their relationships with their children will wilt at the beautiful outdoor father/daughter scene late in the film. It leaves a lasting impression. I said it before, I'll say it again, this film will have pricked the interest of Hollywood, just you wait and see. 10GUMS.