Starring Andre Wilms & Kati Outinen, directed by Aki Kaurismäki

In this portrait of the French harbour city that gives the film its name, fate throws young African refugee Idrissa (Miguel) into the path of Marcel Marx (Wilms), a well-spoken bohemian who works as a shoeshiner. With innate optimism and the unwavering support of his community, Marcel stands up to officials doggedly pursuing the boy for deportation.

Although political fairy tale that exists somewhere between the reality of contemporary France and the classic cinema of Jean-Pierre Melville and Marcel Carné, I found it rather slow. I understand the homage, but after a while I started to find myself wondering what was happening in my inbox, so it didn’t really sail my boat, however charming it is.

Verdict: Somewhat lacklustre, although classic French Cinema fans will have a ball ***