Originally released on December 4, 2013, Casse-tête chinois is the third installment in the saga directed by Cédric Klapisch, following L'Auberge Espagnole and Les Poupées russes. We are delighted to see Romain Duris back in the role of Xavier, a forty-something still seeking balance in a life marked by upheavals in love and work. The film explores the complexity of modern life through the themes of the blended family,homoparentality and globalization, while retaining the humor and tenderness typical of the saga.
Ten years after Les Poupées russes, Xavier, now forty, faces new challenges. Father of two children from his union with Wendy (played by Kelly Reilly), he is forced to leave Paris for New York, where he has to cope with a life that is becoming increasingly chaotic. Between a difficult separation, a blended family and his complex relationships with Isabelle (played by Cécile de France) and Martine (played by Audrey Tautou), Xavier's life resembles a real headache. Settled in the Chinatown district, he is confronted with issues of immigration, illegal work and globalization, all while trying to remain a good father and find meaning in his own existence.
The chaos of the American city, with its multiple cultures and contemporary challenges, becomes a source of inspiration for Xavier's work as a writer, as he tries to find his place in this energetic and confusing city.
Casse-tête chinois will appeal to fans of dramatic comedies that reflect on human relationships and the complexity of modern life. Fans of L'Auberge Espagnole and Russian Dolls will be delighted to find the characters they've grown to love. This third opus takes on a more mature dynamic, tackling subjects such ashomoparentality, the blended family and the difficulty of adapting to a globalized world. Those who appreciate works on contemporary relationships, such as Le Prénom or Ce qui nous lie, should also be seduced by this film.
The film's originality lies in its ability to capture globalization through the intimate lives of its characters, while juggling humor and emotion. Cédric Klapisch manages to give these universal themes a personal and emotional dimension, while offering a cosmopolitan vision of New York.
Headlined by Romain Duris, and surrounded by a top-notch cast including Audrey Tautou and Cécile de France, Casse-tête chinois is a comedy-drama full of charm and humanity, exploring with finesse the contradictions and complexities of modern life. Available on Max from September 6, 2024, this film is a must-see for those looking to find the character of Xavier and discover how he navigates a life that has become, in many ways, a real headache.
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