No. 31 (2019) Photo de Famille "Family Photo". April 2nd.

Film No 31 (2019) April. 6th.  1.10PM  PALACE CINEMAS Raine Square,  Perth City . 

"I'm not good with children. I know I screwed up with the kids." (Pierre confesses, with a fraction of regret, an aspect to his behavior from his past).

A film which translates well for many middle aged, middle class families. It's a story about siblings with reasonably strong bonds but with insecurities and unfinished business to attend to. de Famille brings together siblings Gabriel (Vanessa Paradis), Elsa (Camille Cottin) and Mao (Pierre Deladonchamps) at the funeral of their grandfather. Mother Claudine (Chantal Lauby) and father Pierre (Jean-Pierre Bacri) separated when the siblings were young, so while there is a heavy handedness about the depiction of their life's challenges, there is a warmth in the unique connections they have with one another. The "glue" to their shared childhood, Granny (Claudette Walker); is now in a late stage of dementia. She used to take them on holiday, each summer, to the country; sleepy Saint Julien. It becomes a catalyst for a clunky but tasteful conclusion. Cat Stevens, "Baby, Baby it's a Wild World", adds perfect spice to the concluding scene... then inevitably the rolling titles. 8GUMS.