Monte Carlo tells the story of Constance van Tuyl van Serooskerken; a wealthy Dutch lady who wants to go on a trip to Monte Carlo to re-live a part of her life when she was married to a handsome French man in the 1960's.
She wanted her son Harald to drive her there but he couldn't; due to a neck injury and he had to take care of the family business. So, Harald got his mother a chauffeur, young Danny Schat; a mechanic from a garage that Harald frequents.
Much to Danny's annoyance, he had to put up with Constance's complaints and everything has to be done her way; the route to Monte Carlo, which hotels to stay, and what restaurants to eat at. There are several times where Danny threatened to leave the old lady to her devices.
But the misadventures and comical situations that they encounter; from picking up two hitch hiking tourists, a visit to a french winery, non-payment of hotel fees, and Constance's holding up of a petrol station (which attracted the French police) results in the odd couple becoming close friends.
After watching for 30 minutes, I pretty much thought Constance and Danny's character resemble Morgan Freeman's and Jessica Tandy's characters in Driving Miss Daisy. But thats where the similarity ends; rich lady and chauffeur. The road trip in Monte Carlo shared by the odd couple is endearing and it becomes even more sentimental towards the end (which I won't divulge for the risk of spoiling the film).
Another beauty of the film is the images of the beautiful French landscapes; flower fields, towns, the great French Alps, and finally the beaches of Monte Carlo. The soundtrack of the film is wonderful; French accordions is simply lovely, and the ending song is quite nice.
Cheers to Norbert ter Hall's debut for directing such a wonderful film.
