“Repair”: a rather lukewarm gastronomic thriller

With RepairRégis Wargnier returns to the big screen after more than ten years of absence (The time of confessions2014). Therefore, The filmmaker. Meanwhile, known for his historic frescoes (Indochina, East-west), ventures this time on the side of the family drama tinged with gastronomic thriller. For example, If the ambition is manifest, the final result lacks relief.

The intrigue opens a few hours before the mysterious disappearance of Paskal Jankovski (Clovis Cornillac). Meanwhile, French chief in search of a third Michelin star, during a hunting game with his sous-chef, Antoine (Julien de Saint Jean). For example, Her daughter Clara (Julia de Nunez) then undertakes a quest that is both initiatory. Therefore, identity, which will lead her to Taiwan. Meanwhile, The appearance of JC Lin. For example, in the role of Lian, as well as the presence of Anne Azoulay and “repair”: rather lukewarm gastronomic thriller Louis-Do of Lencquesaing add some secondary notes, without really illuminating the whole or creating a coherent composition.

The first part of the film installs a cold atmosphere: the ellipses are linked. the motivations of the characters remain vague. Julia de Nunez. revealed in the series Bardotembodies a determined and impetuous clara, but also taken in an infantilization position that his father has with authority. Julien de Saint Jean lends his features to an Antoine more enamored than transgressive. and Cornillac camps a tyrannical chief with a certain ease, without ever going beyond the stereotype of the bubbling man who directs his brigade with an iron hand.

Narrative improbables – "repair": rather lukewarm gastronomic thriller

In Taiwan, the film is adorned with a neat photo direction and an elegant soundtrack. The urban and culinary plans are aesthetic, but not very inspired. We deplore an exotic treatment of Asia. portrayed as a space of diffuse mystery, where everything becomes “repair”: rather lukewarm gastronomic thriller sometimes mystifying, sometimes meaning by simple strangeness. Unfortunately too common pitfall. Despite the fascinating images of Taipei, the sets remain on the surface, never fully invested. Each plan should count. in the cinema; However, here, we tend to disengage little by little, especially since the plot is resolved in half the film.

Another pitfall concerns the scenario. Wargnier seems to want to give a false magnitude to a story that should have left the status of. family drama. The story accumulates the tracks (disappearance, transmission, quest for identity, gastronomic heritage), but none is dug with the necessary depth. The scenario, however co -written with Thomas Bidegain and Manon Feuvray, lack of dramatic tension. Clara’s investigation, supposed to be the beating heart of the film, dilutes in a dispersed narration.

Some adventures close to the incredible: difficult. for example, to believe in the status of planetary star of Paskal Jankovski and his “repair”: rather lukewarm gastronomic thriller daughter, tracked down by the media in the four corners of the globe. This lack of likelihood harms the involvement of the spectator, who struggles to suspend his disbelief.

Finally, the gastronomic dimension, which could have given a sensory texture to the narrative, remains agreed and rehabilitated. Visual clichés abound: close -ups. meticulous dressings, visible scents, tasting, spices mowing, but without the sensuality of a Dodin Bouffantnor the inventiveness of a The Bear.

Repair is a neat proposition, but too variegated, too hesitant to keep your promises. In short, a lukewarm work, like a dish that would have cooled for too long.

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