La Lettre (1999)
Directed by Manoel de Oliveira / Danièle Thompson
Genres - Drama |
Sub-Genres - Comedy of Manners, Domestic Comedy, Ensemble Film |
Release Date - Nov 24, 2000 (USA - Limited) |
Run Time - 107 min. |
Countries - Spain, France, Portugal |
MPAA Rating - NR
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Synopsis by Jonathan Crow
Noted French screenwriter Daniele Thompson makes her directorial debut with this lighthearted romantic comedy. After the December 21st funeral of Yvette's (Francoise Fabian) second husband, she is consoled by the three daughters from her first marriage to Stanislas (Claude Rich), a Russian-Jewish violinist. The oldest, Lorba (Sabine Azema), lives with her father and makes a living by singing ballads in a Russian cabaret, Sonia (Emmanuelle Beart) is a fastidious middle-class housewife, and Yvette's youngest, Milla (Charlotte Gainsbourg), is a go-getting businesswoman. As Christmas celebrations gather steam, Louba learns that at age 42, she is unexpectedly pregnant by Gilbert, her married lover of 12 years. Meanwhile, Sonia develops a habit of taking five-finger discounts while shopping, and Milla takes up with a mysterious drifter who lives as a boarder in Stanislas' house.
Characteristics
Moods
Themes
Keywords
daughter, Christmas, family, funeral, lover, mother, nightclub, pregnancy, shoplifting, sister, violinist
Attributes
Sleeper