French Kiss Review

Messages: The movie has interesting things to say of what a life partner should bring out in his or her beloved, and how being in a safe relationship that doesn’t challenge you much but is nevertheless comfortable isn’t as ideal as it sounds. Still, it promotes the usual magical, but unrealistic, expectations we tend to place on love: that it be glamorous, combative, and difficult. Also, Kate is chasing after a man who has humiliated her, without regard to her own self-worth.

Role models: A man pretends to be friendly with a woman, but he’s only using her (at least, at first). Portrayals of the French and Canadians border on stereotype sometimes. A woman buys into the idea that a woman must “win” her man back, even if he has disrespected her and left her for someone else. But she also ultimately discovers that she ought to be appreciated for herself, just as she is.

Violence: A woman throws money at a man’s face. A man chokes another to get information out of him.

Sex: A man discusses the sexual habits of a woman he just met (enraging her); another commits infidelity. Sexual innuendoes pepper conversations; subjects include erectile dysfunction. A soulful French (natch!) kiss. Couples tryst in the shadows (moaning and kissing sounds).

Language: From “bastard” to “bitch” to “a--hole” to “s--t” (or “bull---t”).

Consumerism: Stoli, Georges V, Cartier.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Mention of using pot (though a nasty consequence is the end of the anecdote). A man breaks up with his girlfriend while inebriated. Passengers imbibe hard liquor while flying. A woman jeopardizes her Canadian residency application because she once smoked weed and was arrested. Plenty of smoking. Also, wine- and champagne-drinking at social and celebratory occasions.