La Ville Est Tranquille [DVD]

After the impressive opening pan it is soon clear that Marseille is anything but peaceful. Dockworkers are being laid off. One buys a taxi with his father and tries to make ends meet. Another lapses into alcohol and violence while his long-suffering wife works as a fish-sorter and tries to look after her drug-addicted daughter and baby grand-daughter and even reverts to prostitution to pay for drugs. Eventually she is driven to kill her daughter with an overdose. We are introduced to the immigrant influx and the National Front backlash.As a single thread of optimism a talented boy opens the film playing his keyboard to collect money for a piano and closes it playing the classics on his new grand piano in the street to entertain the people. A film to remember.

If you were expecting one of Guediguian tales, you will find a Guediguian story of a tough life. As good cinema as any of Robert Guediguian's films. Excellent depiction of characters and atmosphere.

A hidden gem. Beautifully realised with several interwoven plot lines, vivid characterisation and understated irony.. The memory of this film has haunted me for months and I will watch it again. Marseille....

excellent