Everything in this movie is paper thin. The prevailing sentiment is more suitable to some antiquated Lord Byron sonet. Felt like it was conceived and made in the 18th century. The coy pretense exhibited by the lame actors was palpably unbearable. The petit bourgeois pomp and pretentiousness was simply too much to withstand (looked like these people are conducting their daily lives in a museum, or in some freaking mausoleum).
In a word -- insufferable drek.
I admit that the first 45 mins. is rather boring and slow moving. I yawned several times but stuck it out. I'm glad that I did because things got better during the last 45 mins. Once the couple come up with a plan on how to dump one of their partners by letting him down easy, the storyline and action pick up. You become more involved as you wait to see if the scheme is going to play out. Also, the idea that a "simple kiss can result in major consequences" is so true. I did wonder why they did not innocently kiss each other on both cheeks as the French often do, but then there would be no need for a movie. It's the kiss on the lips that has the consequences!
shareAlex,
If this is "one of the worst time wasters ever," I would guess you have also seen Rohmer's "Pauline à la plage" (1983), Franks' "L'Année des méduses," (1984), and Chéreau's "Ceux qui m'aiment prendront le train?" (1998)
I've never seen such a douchebag review before.. Do you think you're cool using big words like that? I bet it took you 30+ mins. to write that review because you had to keep looking up synonyms for normal words. Idiot!
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I did find it rather boring, having trouble staying focused for the first two-thirds of the movie. I stuck with it and it did pick up a little pace in the final third but not enough for my liking.
I will admit I was hoping the ending had more depth; however I felt let down and disappointed that I was left with the slightly bitter taste of infidelity and lies. Then again, perhaps this was what I was meant to feel and possibly how the characters themselves felt on reflection of their actions.
It certainly doesn't rate in my top 20 French films, nor in my bottom 20 and DO NOT agree that it's "One of the worst time wasters ever" not even close.
~ "Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties." ~ Erich Fromm
Actually I liked this movie exactly for the same reasons the OP disliked it. I loved it slow-pace that allows the characters (and the audience) to breath, think and "feel" what they just have seen.
Unlike most Hollywood rom-coms where everything is about toilet humour and the most unfunny gags you can imagine, 'Shall We Kiss?' is about civilized people having civilized conversations about friendship, love, loyalty and the "dangers" of the passion (represented by an 'inoffensive' kiss).
It's not a perfect movie, but as I said before is better than 90% of what Hollywood is producing nowadays (which honestly is nothing to brag about).
BTW I am agree with whoever said that 'Shall We Kiss?' is like Woody Allen meeting Eric Rohmer, although directed by a lesser filmmaker (Mouret). That's perhaps the main reason why this movie is not in the same level than most of the works from the filmmakers aforementioned. However, in the other hand, the whole ensamble did a good job (including Mouret), the music is delightful, the script is clever ad original, the pace is good, the dialog is not clichéd, the story is not corny, and so forth.
7.5/10
"Unlike most Hollywood rom-coms where everything is about toilet humour and the most unfunny gags you can imagine, 'Shall We Kiss?' is about civilized people having civilized conversations about friendship, love, loyalty and the "dangers" of the passion (represented by an 'inoffensive' kiss)."
Couldn't have said it better myself, Clio. As far as boring time wasters, yes, this movie cannot touch 'Pauline at the Beach.'
And you've got to admit, it was a pretty good kiss. I remember when watching the end of the film thinking this kiss better look fantastic or this isn't gong to work, but it was perfect - it certainly brought home a desperate feeling at having to walk away from such a great kiss! .
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Totally agree. I thought this movie was charming in its honesty and very thought provoking. It seemed real and the characters were flawed and human, byt likeable. And the final kiss... mercy me!! That was deliciously sensual, promising, wrong, right and bittersweet all wrapped in one. If any of you watch how I met your mother, you might remember the episode where they talk about how the lead up to the kiss is actually the best part... the expectation, the racing hearts, the slight fear, the closeness, the hope. I felt like this movie and the storyline were the greatest "lead in" for a kiss that I've seen. I was worried after the expectation, that the kiss wouldn't live up to it, but it did!! The kiss was phenomenal and the silent goodbye was the perfect ending to a lovely film.
shareI wouldn't call it a time waster, but I found it very underwhelming. First of all, the poster and comedy/romance genre on imdb implied this was something light, funny and unpretentious. It was none of those. I think it's romantic dramedy, but don't expect many LOL moments.
The whole movie didn't work for me, starting from Judith/Nicolas relationship. It says that they are BFFs, how well they understood each other etc., but each conversation between them was like between strangers and way too awkward. On top of everything, their conversations were unrealistic (I guess that's what OP was referring to when he said it "felt like it was conceived and made in the 18th century"). I mean, I can see Nicolas behaving the way he did, but not Judith.
Then the shift of the pace and mood at the end (even though it was the most interesting part of the movie for me) just didn't suit.
So basically, the Emilie/Gabriel story was the best part. The tension, the mystery, the kiss... Too bad they had very few scenes.