Story
Alice (Alice Taglioni) is a beautiful and intelligent young woman, but unlucky in love. For example, as a younger girl, Alice met Pierre (Louis-Do de Lencquesaing) at a party. When she introduced him to her lovely older sister, Helene (Marine Delterme), a successful lawyer, Pierre immediately fell for and married Helene. Alice is also obsessed with Woody Allen and has a poster of him on her bedroom wall. She often looks to the poster for advice.
Alice’s father (Michel Aumont) is very concerned for his daughter and often tries to find a husband for her, handing out her business cards to any possible suitors. He also passes on to her his pharmacy, which he has owned for many years. Victor (Patrick Bruel) is a potential suitor, and Alice’s father sends him to the pharmacy to install a security alarm. Victor is a little older than Alice, but they find they have a lot in common. Meanwhile, Pierre has also introduced Alice to Vincent (Yannick Soulier), an old friend of his. Alice finds Vincent very attractive. It becomes a competition between the two men to see who will win Alice.
Themes
Violence
This movie has some violence. For example:
- Alice is held up by an armed robber in the pharmacy. Victor answers the alarm call and comes to sort out the problem. Victor and the gunman have a fight.
- Alice gets hit by a car while riding on a motor scooter, but she isn’t hurt.
Content that may disturb children
Under 8
Apart from the violent scenes mentioned above, there is nothing in this movie likely to disturb children in this age group.
From 8-13
When Helene takes Pierre from Alice, Alice is very angry and talks about killing her, drowning her and committing suicide. This might concern some children in this age group.
Over 13
Nothing of concern
Sexual references
This movie has some sexual references. For example:
- There is a lot of discussion about sex and sexuality, including issues such as sleeping with your wife’s sister.
- A character says that work and sex are the two most important things in life.
- A clip from a movie is shown in which a doctor falls in love with a sheep. The doctor and the sheep are shown in bed together, and the doctor says what a great night they had.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
This movie shows some use of substances. For example:
- Characters drink alcohol at various social events and at home.
- Characters talk about using aspirin and cocaine.
- Helene thinks her daughter Laura is dealing in drugs.
- Alice’s mother, Nicole, is an alcoholic.
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- The rumour is that Pierre is cheating on Helene, but the reality is that they’re both involved in a threesome with another woman. Helene is shown briefly kissing the woman.
- Alice and Vincent kiss and start to undress. A scene shows them in bed together. They have obviously had sex, but the scene doesn’t show very much detail.
Product placement
None of concern
Coarse language
This movie has some coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Paris Manhattan is a French romantic comedy inspired by Woody Allen (who makes an appearance at the end). It is quite funny and bizarre in places. As such, it’s aimed at a more mature audience and older teenagers.
The main messages from this movie are not to take life too seriously. The movie also suggests that most seemingly normal families have their problems.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include:
- looking after and caring about your family
- being an independent woman who doesn’t need to rely on a husband for support.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life questions such as whether it’s OK to spy on family members to find things out.