This film follows two days in the life of a New York based couple ((ndash)) a French photographer Marion (Delpy) and an American interior designer Jack (Goldberg) ((ndash)) as they try to revive their relationship by taking a holiday in Europe. Venice was a failure; they have higher hopes for Paris. Bring on Marion's overbearing non-English speaking parents, her ex-boyfriends, her little white lies, Jack's photographic and prophylactic obsessions... will they get it back together, or will it all end in tears?

OK, this is a romantic comedy, but it's a very French one (although most of the dialogue is in English) so there are no guarantees of a happy ending. Both Jack and Marion ((ndash)) and Marion's parents ((ndash)) are quite neurotic, and Delpy (writer, director, editor, and original music as well as co-star) uses the movie to highlight some significant gender incompatibilities. The clever, neurotic comedy aspect has drawn comparisons to Woody Allen's work and to Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, so who knows how it will end?

Come along, be entertained, and appalled, and find out how it does end. Be warned, however: it might be unwise to look too closely at our own relationships. Or it might be necessary. Or both...

What a title, huh? How can you resist coming along to this one?

Luis Costa (Chabat) is a forty-something who has never married, much to the chagrin of his mother and five domineering sisters. To get the six females off his back, he makes an arrangement with a friend's sister, Emmanuelle (Gainsbourg) ((ndash)) he will pay her to act as his fianc((eacute))e, and then she must abandon him at the altar. This, of course, does not go according to plan...

2007 was a great year for French films, and this was one of the best. In lesser (read: Hollywood) hands, this would become yet another Hugh Grant/Jessica Alba schmaltz-fest, but the French have made a witty, insightful romcom. There are emotional moments, of course, but they're more real than manufactured.

I have to confess a bias: I do have a HUGE crush on Charlotte Gainsbourg, and fell in love with her once again whilst watching this movie. However, from speaking with others, I know I am not the only one who really loved the film. So, bias aside, I say it's one not to miss for those hopeless romantics, or even those who just like a good laugh.