Review of The Girl on the Bridge (1999) by Richard C — 20 Jul 2006

This is a charming little film from Patrice Leconte which is driven by an innovative script and bolstered by some fantastic black and white cinematography. Paradis and Auteuil produce a genuine on-screen chemistry and their eccentric relationship is given spark by some witty dialogue. Whilst the themes of luck, love and destiny are similar to the ones explored in films like Amélie, this film is a more mature and composed piece of work in that it feels less "cartoonish".

The subtle tone of the film's romatnticism ensures that the film never becomes too cute and it keeps the sickly naïve moments to a minimum (a bonus for a cynic like me...). Essentially a "chick-flick" at heart but it carries enough Gaelic charm to satisfy both sexes and fans of quirky French cinema alike.