MARIAGES!

MARRIAGES! is a lively ensemble comedy, centred on the family and friends who gather for a wedding in scenic southern France. It's the morning of 25-year-olds Johanna and Benjamin's wedding. Joanna is busy with extensive beauty preparations, but Benjamin is still asleep, covered in lipstick from his previous evening's carousing! Johanna's highly organised mother, Gabrielle (Miou-Miou) is already fussing about the ceremony and entertainment (all taking place in her rural home), whilst Benjamin's mother, Chantal (Catherine Allegret) steels herself to discuss 'cost-sharing' with Gabrielle.

The two marriage witnesses, Alex and Valente, are 35 and in a rocky marriage. Valente is upset that Alex hasn't noticed she's been having an affair with a mystery man for 4 months! Others present include Micky (Lio) and Hugo, both 45, who have fallen into a muted calm after their own marriage troubles years earlier; and Pierre (Didier Bezace), Gabrielle's ex - who arrives with a Polish blonde half his age. Johanna, despite Gabrielle's unease, is proud her father has come to give her away.

Over 24 hours, relationships are tested, re-evaluated, forged and jostled as the characters come to terms with their lives, and whom they share them with. Writer-director Valerie Guignabodet (MONIQUE) has created an amusing and rich story - beautifully cast and deliciously cheery.

France - 2004 - Comedy - 100 mins
In French with English subtitles

Director: Valerie Guignabodet
Script: Valerie Guignabodet
Cast: Mathilde Seigner, Jean Dujardin, Miou-Miou, Catherine Allegret, Didier Bezace, Antoine Dulery, Chloe Lambert, Alexis Loret