Russian Dolls

Like a lot of other people, I went to the cinema to watch part 2 of L'Auberge espagnole. That one was a light, fun movie. It had some meaningful thoughts in it, but overall it was pretty light. However I got something different. Part 2 is a lot deeper in my opinion. It's still entertaining, there are many funny parts. The plot develops quite slowly though, too slow for some people in fact. I'm not one of those, I liked the movie. If you're not against slower drama/romance, you'll probably appreciate it too. It has got artistic scenes, taking a step further in this aspect as well. Overall, it deals with how love works, and with the choices that young people have to make. Shall they chase new partners in order to find the perfect one, or rather settle down? All of this with a fresh, entertaining, and realistic approach - to think of it, I had a similar feeling after I had finished watching Sideways.

Oh I almost forgot - the music is amazing. And Kelly Reilly - you are so hot. A lot better looking than the girl who played the dream girl in fact. :)

If "L'Auberge espagnole" was" Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," "Russian Dolls" is "Wilhelm Meister's Travels." As someone who has actually suffered through those novels, which have to be among the dullest ever written, I can appreciate these modern film renditions, both of which convey the same basic points and are far better to sit through.

A point worth considering, one that was hammered home with the architectural analogy, is that the ideal woman is not a woman, but art itself, something Goethe referred to as the "eternal feminine."

These movies are smarter than they're given credit for. They allude not only to a cosmopolitanism crudely expressed in the term globalization, but also to a cosmopolitanism at the heart of modern Europe, one that Goethe recognized first if not best.

I like this movie quite a bit. I think the movie has succeeded in depicting the life, the love that intertwines with it, the things that make us different, and those that transcend our cultural and personal differences.

When I first saw L'auberge espagnole, I was embarking on an education journey that would span two continents in the cohort of people from all around the world. L'auberge espagnole was a great prequel to my experience.

In this sequel named "Les Poupées Russes", I find myself again firmly planted in the midst of the characters. In his thirties, Xavier and others' confused relationships reflect a bewilderment in that age group, as some choose to settle down, and some continue to seek the ephemeral.

As for national boundaries, it is interesting that the story now depicts a different set of frontiers for Europe (before the recent constitutional crisis), the UK and Russia. The countries are very different but the people are very similar if you let look beneath the surface. Everyone is looking for a better life with love and happiness.

Ultimately, what makes it all work is what William has done in the movie. We need to make an effort, whether in life or in love, to rise above the walls separating us, perceived or real.

As for the individual characters, Wendy has indeed become quite a fox. If I were Xaiver, I am not sure I would be that interested in Celia. Your mileage may vary, of course. :) Cheers, and enjoy the movie.

Hi there ! I saw Les Poupées Russes yesterday, and first of all : ouch ! my poor eyes were stricken by all these beautiful girls bursting the screen A.Tautou, C. De France, K. Reilly etc... OK let's stay cool and let's describe this movie. I'll do it short : it's about love ! love and what it means for us, mere humans, perpetually lost in the whirlwind of these damn feelings we made up... Humm i don't want to spoil the story, but let me tell you that when you come out the theaters, you'll understand why this movie's called " Russian dolls" ^^ Xavier's life is a mess, he is us ! us in front of life's dilemma : who to love and why... The Spooky band ( i just made that name up, don't bother searching )is back, even if certain characters do only figuration, sort of " i put this one too in the movie". Some scenes denote a very intelligent humour. Of course, the movie does not avoid "love-clichés", but they are quite rare and it deserves to have l"Auberge Espagnole" as a father. Voilà ! Merci encore mister Klapisch. I gave that movie a 10.

( Sorry for my poor English ^^)

We enjoyed this film and are planning on going back again. It was a good film about modern romance. It has a lot of depth. The story was good, and the editing was great, some visual treats.

The story covers a lot of ground but is very well paced,typified by the train going back and forth between London and Paris. Xavier, like many of the characters is experiencing love on many levels, not understanding everything that he is going through, and who hasn't experienced that! Sometimes we search for love, sometimes, like for William and Natacha you just know right away.

There were many great visual moments, but certainly there was one of the best "hand holding" scene's in a movie. The scene of Xavier and Wendy working in the library together was a wonderful visual ballet between two people working together. There were a lot of those moments in this film, that make us want to go back and see it again.

Even though the film is s sequel it stands very well on it's own.

We enjoyed, we hope you do too.