A Love Story for Adults from a French Cinema Master

The director is Claude Lelouch, a master known for the classic film ‘A Man and a Woman.’ Captivated by India, a country he visited for the first time at age 75, he completed this film with all shooting done on location in India. While ‘A Man and a Woman’ depicted love between two people who had lost their partners, this film portrays the unpredictable life, and the surprises, confusion, sorrow, and joy within it, through the unexpected encounter of those who already had fulfilling lives with their beloved partners. This unfolds in a road-movie style against the backdrop of India’s beautiful scenery.



The woman is Anna, the wife of the French ambassador in India. The man is Antoine, a film score composer. Had they never met, both would have likely continued their lives peacefully with their respective partners. But that is not how life unfolds. The director himself says:

“I wanted to show that even if you think you have everything, love can overturn that and make you question it.”

In a world overflowing with information and surrounded by uncertainty, it is incredibly difficult for us to feel certain about anything. Accustomed to living without relying on our instincts, we may find it remarkably challenging to instinctively choose what we truly desire when faced with unexpected events. The more significant the choice that could alter our lives, the harder the decision becomes, and sometimes, no matter how much we ponder, there is no definitive answer.

Especially in matters of love, there are answers that can only be found by setting aside calculation and strategy and following one's heart. This answer cannot be obtained by seeking assurances like “Will they reciprocate my feelings?” or “Will they love me forever?” Instead, it comes from adhering to one's own core desires. Even if it means burning bridges and putting oneself in a disadvantageous position, one wants to follow their heart. For those who pursue such a style of love, the ending Lelouch has prepared will surely be the most romantic.

The director’s inspiration to shoot the entire film in India, and his subsequent completion of this beautiful love story, is also undeniably romantic. For a director over 70, venturing outside his home country to film must have been a gamble. Despite knowing the risks, the film consistently conveys that there are things that can only be obtained by following one's instincts. The spirit that Lelouch embodies in this film is, in essence, true love itself.




★★★★☆
This is French cinema. The essence of adult romance lies here.

‘One and Two’ (Un plus une)
Director, Original Story, Screenplay: Claude Lelouch (‘A Man and a Woman,’ ‘Bolero,’ ‘Les Misérables’)
Starring: Jean Dujardin (‘The Artist’), Elsa Zylberstein (‘Modigliani’), Christopher Lambert (‘Subway’), Alice Pol (‘Just Friends’)
Opening Saturday, September 3rd at Bunkamura Le Cinema and other theaters nationwide.
© 2015 Les Films 13 - Davis Films - JD Prod - France 2 Cinéma

JUN MAKIGUCHI
After working for Kyodo News, a film festival secretariat, and magazine editing, she became an independent writer. She currently writes film columns and interviews for women's and men's magazines, focusing on lifestyle topics such as fashion, food, and music seen on screen.

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