Directed by Guillaume Canet, starring François Cluzet, Marion Cotillard & Benoît Magimel

Every year Max (Cluzet), a successful restaurant owner, invites his family and friends to his beautiful beach house. But this year the vacation is not all fun in the sun as each guest raises the veil that for years has covered their true feelings. Their relationships, convictions and friendships are sorely tested when finally forced to own up to the little white lies they have been telling each other.

This is such a complete film it’s hard to know where to start. The cast is fabulous and they make the film absorbing, despite it being nearly 2 1/2 hours long. But when it came to an end I felt like I was leaving some long lost friends to their fate. It’s light, funny as hell, emotional and poignant all at the same time. A wonderful story, superbly written, scripted and acted, it’s no wonder this has become one of the biggest grossing French films in of all time. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral, and you’re some way there.

Verdict: If you were to see one French film this decade… and all that. *****