Xavier, now forty, struggles in New York's Chinatown

Director Cédric Klapisch captured the hearts of young people not only in France but around the world with "Spanish Apartment" (2001), a vivid portrayal of Xavier, a Parisian university student, during his study abroad in Barcelona. Now, the third and final installment of the series, "Chinese Puzzle," is finally being released.

In the second film, "Russian Dolls" (2005), Xavier's messy love life as he navigated his early career was frankly depicted, earning him further support for his endearingly realistic flaws. He has now rapidly entered his late thirties.

Having become a father of two and achieving moderate success as a novelist, Xavier seemed to have finally settled down. However, his wife Wendy suddenly asked for a divorce. To follow his wife and children, who had left Paris for a new life with another man, Xavier ultimately found himself moving to New York's Chinatown.

While helping his lesbian friend Isabelle with her plan to have a child and entering into a sham marriage with a Chinese man for practical reasons, his former girlfriend Martine visits on a business trip, and then his ex-wife Wendy gets involved, sending the situation spiraling into an incredibly complex direction...

The Charm of Actors Growing with Their Characters

The characters, who are growing alongside the audience, perfectly embody the modern late-thirties individuals who, despite aging, never quite seem to mature. This is one of the essential charms of Klapisch's humorous and vibrant films.

Romain Duris, as always, portrays the charmingly nonchalant Xavier. Also featured are Audrey Tautou as his former girlfriend Martine, Kelly Reilly as his wife Wendy, and Cécile de France as Isabelle. For these actors, now established as accomplished performers, this series was the catalyst for their breakthrough.

While maintaining a consistent image from the first film and playing the same characters, the actors' own changes and growth, and above all, their enduring appeal, evoke a sense of nostalgia, like reuniting with cherished friends from youth. This is likely one reason the series has evolved into a work that remains etched in the audience's memory. It wouldn't be a bad idea to ponder your own future in ten years while worrying about their fates.

Chinese Puzzle
Opening Saturday, December 6th, at Bunkamura Le Cinema and other theaters nationwide.
Director & Screenplay | Cédric Klapisch
Starring | Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, Cécile de France, Kelly Reilly
Distribution | Ayapro
2013 | France, USA, Belgium | Color | 117 min
http://www.nyparisian.ayapro.ne.jp/

© 2013 Ce Qui Me Meut - STUDIOCANAL - France 2 Cinéma - Panache Productions & La Cie
Cinématographique - RTBF (Télévision Belge) – All Rights Reserved