Le Havre

Le Havre

Refreshing!. Unusual! Well Performed! Great Cinematography!
Every moment of this film was totally enjoyed. The audience obviously felt the same way. No wonder the film won an Ecumenical Jury Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Aki Kaukismaki is the brilliant director.
The action takes place in Le Havre, France. Every frame is a cinematic delight. The shots of the city are mostly in muted tones to make you feel as well as see the poor living conditions. The camera lingers on the well worn faces of the characters involved. Nobody is ‘beautiful’ but the people in the area become beautiful in their soul.
A young refugee boy from Africa arrives in town. The police are after him.
A 60sh year old shoe shiner, Marcel, tries to help him. He leaves him food and then takes him into his house. He fools the police and stands up for this young boy.
Several other people in the town join in to help. The lady in the bake shop and the bartender in the local bar are characters in themselves. They band together and plan a musical concert to raise money for the boat transportation to take the young man to freedom.
The concert is a riot but all the people in the town show up and a lot of money is raised.
The police continue to be foiled at every attempt.
The police inspector wears dark clothes, sun glasses and leather gloves. He is supposed to look menacing. He ends up being a ‘good guy’
Every scene was delightful. The acting is amazing. The shoeshine man has a wife. I wanted to laugh every time she appeared on the screen. She had a doer look, no makeup and never showed any animation. Yet she cared for her husband.
The film is like a fairy tale. The unusual characters work together in the most positive way to help the young refugee.
There are political overtones that enhance the film. Racial problems and unrest are known to be problems in France. Apparently Le Havre was having economical problems and many people were out of work. Aki Kaukismaki works these themes into the story. It is all so enjoyable because the plot is not heavy handed. It is almost like a farce.
Andre Wilms plays the part of Marcel. He is so perfect for the role. This film is a must. It is currently at my favorite TIFF Bell Lightbox.