Le voyage en Arménie

Having always enjoyed Robert Guédiguian's films, the chance to see his latest movie in the lovely Boite à Images cinema in Brignoles was eagerly taken. This is another fabulous piece from this director, with several of his by now familiar faces in evidence (Gérard Meylan, Ariane Ascaride, Jean-Pierre Darroussin). Ariane Ascaride in particular is superb again (I cannot remember a poor performance from her) and, according to the credits, it was she who was largely responsible for this movie's story and for the movie happening. Guédiguian starts off on his (French) home territory, but soon afterwards the story moves to a very different Armenian background. Beautifully played by all the actors, and gentle in style, this is a movie that says so much about people and about their relationships, in a context with which many viewers (cetainly I know very little about Armenia) will be unfamiliar. There are elements of comedy, drama, and even travelogue, but all delivered in Guégiguian's unique and inimitable manner. Whether you are familiar already with his work or not, this film will not disappoint, and may well leave you wanting more of the director and his regular players. Go see!