This is the second time I've seen this film and I liked it even more this time. Watching it with a group of 'filmies' was interesting and scores ranged from 1-9.5! Film watching is highly subjective.
Andre is a small-time crook who borrows more than he can ever repay and is then faced with retribution from the villains he defaults on. At the end of his tether and getting no help from the police, he climbs a bridge parapet and prepares to jump. He then notices a girl preparing to do the same. She jumps into the river below and he follows suit in an attempt to rescue her. He can't swim and she ends up pulling him onto the bank!
Andre is short and dishevelled, The girl is at least 6' tall, slender, dressed in a mini-dress and high heels which show off her amazingly long legs, blonde and stunningly beautiful. It transpires that she is an Angel who has been sent to look after Andre and help him to discover his true inner self and to love that self. We learn that Angela is the embodiment of his inner self - big, beautiful, resourceful and totally loveable.
The story has many amusing twists and turns. Shot in black and white against a stunning Parisian backdrop, it is visually engaging. The thugs and sleazy underworld of Andre's existence are portrayed with garish realism - even in monochrome. This is a true David and Goliath type story as Andre makes a remarkably quick transition to his new self. I won't spoil the outcome for you, only pose the question 'what happened to Catherine and the kids?'
Yes you have to suspend some belief to watch this tale, but it is quirkily enjoyable and raises a familiar filmic story in a different and visually entertaining way. The acting and scenery are very good. Make sure your copy has subtitles - unless you're fluent in French.
I liked it - I'll give it 8/10.
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