Le Havre

[Octopus]

Le Havre, comedy/drama by Aki Kaurismäki, released April 6th within the UK



Synopsis:
When an African boy arrives by cargo ship in the port city of Le Havre, an aging shoe shiner takes pity on the child and welcomes him into his home.

Director: Aki Kaurismäki
Writer: Aki Kaurismäki
Stars: André Wilms, Blondin Miguel and Jean-Pierre Darroussin

[soonforgotten]

Really not for me. Boring. Bland. Dead dull.

http://londonfilmfanatiq.com/2012/04/06/le-havre/

[prettyxcool]

@sf

I am in the opposite mind to you sf. I absolutely adored it, it was a delight to watch, a gentle French comedy, after all the violent and gory films I have been watching the last few weeks, it is like a breath of fresh air for me! It is a simple story but well told, deeply thoughtful and endearing. I enjoyed all the different characters, and the interaction between them, thought it was very down to earth and realistic, and the lead character, although quite a rogue, you do endear to him as he tries to help the boy refugee. I liked the deadpan humour throughout, and the film's optimism. A thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing film. 8/10

I thought the Q&A afterwards was very interesting from the point of view of the evolutionary biologist, Mark Pagel, and some intelligent questions from the audience. An intriquing debate about the human species and behaviours and culture, how we evolved to be overall more co-operative than animal species who only protects their own, whereas we protect cross culture, and by this selection, we have continued to survive more successfully than other species. I can see where he is coming from so I was interested to check out his book, Wired for Culture, which he was signing, but it proved to be too expensive! May be not for Guardian readers.