The story, which has a number of layers to it, is about inheritance and the passing on of culture and wealth to the next generation. I would love to see the basic story that is presented here, done in a number of different cultural contexts. This rendition, a French story, is one of wistful mourning of the way things used to be and where they are now. How would we do this in America? Probably more yelling, door slamming, name calling, and less talking.
The film opens at the 75th birthday of Hélène Berthier. Her entire clan is assembled around her--three children and their offspring. But only Frédéric lives in France--Adrienne lives in the U.S. and Jérémie lives with his family in China. They represent the new Europe, where jobs are global and everyone is mobile. Hélène sees this, she knows that her era is ending, that the house and all it's content need to disperse. She has found homes in museums for things that are appropriate to go there, but she is leaving it to Frédéric to manage--so she knows it but doesn't want to face it (nor does he). The second half of the film is after Hélène dies--it all goes as she predicted, and the viewer sympathizes strongly with Frédéric, who intellectually realizes it must go this way (for the inheritance taxes alone would cripple them even if they all lived in France), but emotionally he is struggling mightily. The siblings manage to maintain good communication throughout the painful process, which is remarkable. The film suggests that the France of old is passing and the new France may become less inviting, less memorable, less unique. But no less charming.
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