Story
In Paris Can Wait, Anne (Diane Lane) is in Cannes in France with her husband, Michael, a very busy and distracted film producer (Alec Baldwin). When Michael flies out to Budapest, Anne decides that she’s going to skip Budapest and wait for him in Paris. Jacques (Arnaud Viard), a business acquaintance, offers her a lift to Paris and she tentatively accepts. It soon becomes clear that Jacques has no intention of driving straight to Paris. This means Anne finds herself, somewhat frustratingly, on a leisurely tour through the beautiful French countryside, sampling delicious food with the suave and flirtatious Frenchman.
Themes
Marriage; relationships and infidelity; loss of a child; suicide
Violence
Nothing of concern
Content that may disturb children
Under 5
There are some scenes in Paris Can Wait that could disturb children under five years. For example:
- When Anne tells someone about the loss of her first son, she’s crying. This is an emotional scene.
- Anne learns that her friend’s brother committed suicide. This is an emotional scene.
From 5-8
In addition to the scenes mentioned above, children in this age group might find the theme of marital infidelity confusing. They might want to talk about it with parents.
From 8-13
Younger children in this age group might find some of the scenes and themes mentioned above disturbing or confusing. They might want to talk about them with parents.
Over 13
Nothing of concern
Sexual references
Paris Can Wait has some sexual references. For example:
- The two central characters share open flirtation, romantic tension and mild sexual innuendo. Jacques compliments Anne on her ‘lovely legs’.
- Jacques is seen tucking his shirt into his trousers after a ‘meeting’ with a woman.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
Paris Can Wait shows some use of substances. For example:
- There are many scenes that show adults drinking wine. At one point, the adults get mildly drunk.
- An adult character smokes cigarettes.
Nudity and sexual activity
Paris Can Wait shows one passionate kiss.
Product placement
Paris Can Wait shows Peugeot cars.
Coarse language
There is some coarse language in Paris Can Wait.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Paris Can Wait is a pleasant, meandering travelogue and romantic comedy that shows off the beauty of the French countryside and the national cuisine. It’s recommended for viewers over 12 years. There’s little to disturb younger viewers, but the movie’s themes are suited to older viewers and children under 12 years might not find it very interesting.
The main message from this movie is that sometimes it’s important to take time to enjoy the simple things in life instead of just letting life rush by.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:
- appreciating the beauty of nature
- appreciating fine food
- choosing to remain faithful in relationships.
You could also talk about the themes of marital tension and infidelity, and the loss of a child or a family member.