Gemma Bovery *** (2014, Fabrice Luchini, Gemma Arterton, Jason Flemyng, Niels Schneider, Isabelle Candelier) – Movie Review

Gallic charmer Fabrice Luchini exactly hits the spot as Martin Joubert, a well-heeled ex-Parisian over-passionate about the writer Gustave Flaubert, who has settled into a French Norman village as a baker. She is married to the long-suffering Valérie (Isabelle Candelier).

One day, he sees an English couple moving into a small farm nearby. They are called Gemma and Charles ‘Charlie’ Bovery, and their behaviour also seems to be inspired by Flaubert’s heroes. Martin is hooked and fascinated by Gemma, who likes him but she is more fascinated by young Hervé de Bressigny (Niels Schneider), especially when she starts falling out with Charlie.

Gemma Arterton and Jason Flemyng are also perfectly cast for their roles in this highly amusing, light-as-air divertissement from co-writer/director Anne Fontaine. A civilised minor pleasure, it’s entertaining and likeable. But really it’s really Luchini and Arterton’s exquisitely judged performances that make it so entertaining.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Movie Review

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