"L'Auberge Espagnole" (LAE) tells the story of modern Europe - an Europe that struggles with unification issues while trying to maintain the identities of each of its individual members. Set against this background, LAE is a coming-of-age story of Xavier - a graduate student from Paris who moves to Barcelona to learn Spanish - apparently a sure fire way of landing a job @ the MoF in Paris.
Leaving behind his girlfriend (Audrey Tautou), he finds himself sharing a Barcelona apartment with a group of fellow 20-somethings from across Europe. The city, with its striking architecture, nearby beaches, and buzzing nightlife, offers Xavier a wealth of opportunities, and he comes to enjoy the camaraderie of communal living. But will his friendship with a shy married woman (a very SULTRY Judith Godràche) lead to romantic fulfilment?
Klapisch's screenplay, though, has its share of comic stereotyping: it's the laddish British visitor (Kevin Bishop) who provides the "jokey" Hitler salute and walk, and it's the German guy who believes in a disciplined revision schedule. The Italian who is always late, disorganized and into techno (and wears cool shoes), and the Danish who like his country does not play a significant role.
However, the movie disappoints as Xavier's romantic entanglements feel underpowered - besides, I was left with the feeling that he learns too many of life's lessons without really having a strong grasp.
I left the theatre disappointed - while a fun film, everything seemed to be surface like - the exploration of the supporting characters, the lessons of life Xavier learns, and the ending - all seems a bit too shallow in face of the messages that were trying to be conveyed.
Leaving behind his girlfriend (Audrey Tautou), he finds himself sharing a Barcelona apartment with a group of fellow 20-somethings from across Europe. The city, with its striking architecture, nearby beaches, and buzzing nightlife, offers Xavier a wealth of opportunities, and he comes to enjoy the camaraderie of communal living. But will his friendship with a shy married woman (a very SULTRY Judith Godràche) lead to romantic fulfilment?
Klapisch's screenplay, though, has its share of comic stereotyping: it's the laddish British visitor (Kevin Bishop) who provides the "jokey" Hitler salute and walk, and it's the German guy who believes in a disciplined revision schedule. The Italian who is always late, disorganized and into techno (and wears cool shoes), and the Danish who like his country does not play a significant role.
However, the movie disappoints as Xavier's romantic entanglements feel underpowered - besides, I was left with the feeling that he learns too many of life's lessons without really having a strong grasp.
I left the theatre disappointed - while a fun film, everything seemed to be surface like - the exploration of the supporting characters, the lessons of life Xavier learns, and the ending - all seems a bit too shallow in face of the messages that were trying to be conveyed.