Not on the Lips (2003) [DVD]

One of those French directors who can seemingly turn his hand to any subject, Alain Resnais has made everything from the hauntingly enigmatic 'Last Year At Marienbad' to gangster flick 'Stavisky'. He's toyed with making partial musicals twice before with 'On Connait La Chanon' and 'Life Is A Bed Of Roses', but here he turns out the real deal, with a charming romantic comedy sung and performed by the cream of France's actors. Although filled with perky songs, it's a traditional chamber piece played out in quite claustrophobic interiors. If you enjoyed '8 Women', you'll probably love it.

I got this film because I adore Audrey Tautou (Amelie, Priceless, Coco before Chanel, A Very Long Engagement) and would gladly watch two hours of her being filmed peeling potatoes or reading names from an old Paris phonebook. The truth is though this thing is great fun. I've watched it several times now and it still delights. It is filmed like a stage play. The music is witty and the cast is superb. It is a broad farce much like an English drawing-room comedy, but of course being French it's a bedroom comedy too. As one would expect, it's about romance, love and marriage. The moral seems to be that petty deceits and indiscretions are an inevitable part of life and as long as you love well and your friends are discreet, everything turns out well in the end. It helps to have enough French to follow the lyrics and dialogue, but the subtitles are quite good. If you are a romantic I think you'll enjoy this fluffy confection.

Usually like French movies,but truly thought the online write-up said," based on a French operatic farce.It i-s an opera--- eek! All dialogue sung! There r more than a few funny moments,building as it goes on---- and in-- and on.The English subtitles fly by @ pretty much breakneck speed( had 3-4 cups coffee,to keep up??Really have to be in a mood for this.

I didn't pay attention to the description. I'm used to reading subtitles on foreign films. But they were singing in French an d I couldn't read the subtitles fast enough. LOL This film was not my cup of tea.

Delightful, old-fashioned, slightly risqué musical farce.Very French.

Excellent product and service. This is really funny and heartfelt movie.it is very french musical with English subtitles available. But it has a good and funny but romantic plot. I liked it.

Four stars because I don't like the cover. I feel that it doesn't really show the greatness of this musical (lovely musical with Audrey Tautou - light and fun). Otherwise, arrived on time. Product was described as "used - very good" and I'd say the product I received matched the description. Cover was very lightly damaged toward the bottom of the dvd.

This is a delicious bit of froth, probably my favorite musical comedy. Alain Resnais shot this so out of left field from his usual greats that British critics had a hard time forgiving him for doing the unexpected, creating a classic French comedy. The setting is the 1920's, the music is beautiful, the actors were impecably selected. And Alain Resnais! What more need be said.

This film was a 2004 César Nominee in numerous categories and a Winner in three, including Meilleur Acteur dans un Second Rôle (Best Actor in a Supporting Role) for Darry Cowl. Musicals are not my favorite but the film is visually sumptuous and the actors put in such a fine effort (especially Lambert Wilson!) that I'd say it is more of a hit than a miss.

4/5