The French Way

The French Way is a romantic comedy film, released in 1940. Directed by the master of French cinema, Jacques de Baroncelli, the film maintains a spirited touch of nostalgic ambiance reflecting the cultural harmony of France right before World War II. The stellar cast of the film includes Lucien Baroux, Micheline Presle, Saturnin Fabre, Marcel Dalio, and legendary American dancer and comic actress, Josephine Baker.

The narrative of the film revolves around the romantic intricacies and misunderstandings that stem from two competing families living in the French province. It reflects the humor and charm inherent in the age-old concept of feuding families, finding a unique elegance in the backdrop of the romantic notion of French living during the period. The familial conflict is amplified by the fact that Philippe and Isabelle, the respective progeny of both the families, passionately in love with each other, are daringly flirting with the thin line dividing their love and their loyalty to their families.

Lucien Baroux, charismatic as always, portrays Father Jérôme, the village baker, who is head of one of the families. Saturnin Fabre, offering an equally buoyant performance, plays his rival, the village miller. Their enduring arguments and disagreements make a significant contribution to the hilarious quotient of the film and serve as a perfect antithesis to the young and vibrant love affair blooming between their children.

Micheline Presle's portrayal of the innocent, charming, yet strong-willed Isabelle showcases depths in her character that extend beyond her age. The viewer sees Isabelle as a brave woman who, despite her gentle demeanor, is ready to go to great lengths to secure her love. On the other hand, our hero Philippe, portrayed by Marcel Dalio, is seen as a confident and charismatic young man ready to challenge the ongoing feud to win the love of his life.

American-born French entertainer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist Josephine Baker takes on the role of the vivacious cabaret singer 'Zazu', stealing the show with her magnetic presence, adding an extra layer of entertainment and charm to the movie. Her jovely performance captivates the audience, and with her dance sequences and vocal prowess, she proves to be the character who cleverly intertwines the movie's comedic, romantic, and sentimental strings.

The French Way beautifully carries the flavor of pre-war France where love, rivalry, mirth, and music existed in a harmonious blend. Through Baroncelli's proficient direction, he was able to bring out the well-seasoned performances from each cast member, lucidly picturing the essence of the rural French province and its denizens.

The cinematography provided a breathtaking view of the era's French landscape, further enhancing the enchanting pull of the narrative. There's an appealing sepia-tone sentimentalism that's inherent in every scene, reminding one of the innocence and vibrancy of the age gone by.

Despite the comedic aspects, The French Way doesn't neglect the emotional depth, with the dynamics of love, conflict, and unity between characters shedding light on the richness of the human heart. The director paints an array of emotions through skilled storytelling, creating moments of laughter, despair, camaraderie, and celebration.

In conclusion, The French Way is a charming, heartwarming film that captures the essence of the quintessential French rural life and the times before the war with grace and humor. Its deft blend of romance, comedy, and high-drama throws light on the human spirit's resilience while portraying love's power to overcome obstacles. Both the general viewer and the more discerning cinephile can appreciate this movie's visual aesthetics and rich portfolio of characters and their intricate relations. It is a classic French film that has aged well and continues to entertain and inspire with the universality of its themes.