The Women On The 6th Floor

Earlier this year we had 'The Help', a film about someone getting to know the people who serve them in America. We now get a similarly themed French version.

There must be something in the nature of French comedies that makes them very charming. The characters are usually delightful and usually feature someone who is a bit naive. In this case we have Jean-Louis Joubert who at the start of the film comes across as not so delightful when he forces his maid of many years to quit. This might seem a bit cynical when he learns to appreciate his maids when his new maid is very good looking. But as mentioned above there is a great deal of charm so you can over look this slight character flaw. Our hero Jean-Louis does help the other maids that live in his building too and not just the pretty ones.I think what really redeems him though is when he is willing to give up so much to help these maids out. The film was also educational with it exploring the use of Spanish maids in the 1960's in France. Through out history there is always one race or country willing to go to another to find work to feed their family.

As Jean-Louis, Fabrice Luchini is certainly very charming and delightful. My only problem is him being so much older than the woman he falls in love with. Natalia Verbeke is excellent as the object of his affection. A nicely feisty character that provides Natalia with some interesting material to work with. Sandrine Kiberlain is also very good as Jean-Louis wife. The woman who still treats maids not quite so well. She give an excellent performance as a rich snob. The most delightful characters are the group of Spanish maids. They are very funny and provide much of the humour in the film.

A great deal of fun and purely delightful. Seeing the rich cut down a peg or two by the lower orders is always fun.