From an early synopsis for "Paulette", I thought it was just a french remake of "Saving Grace". But while some of the gags actually share their genes, the movie as a whole is a different beast; the comedy aspects are there (and quite funny) but there are many instances where the scenes suddenly turn violent or awkward - life in the suburbs is portrayed in a realistic manner (at least for a comedy) and Paulette's situation (financial, social, health ...) is far from rosy. Paulette herself, played to perfection by Bernadette Lafont in her last screen appearance, is a mean, weasely character, racist and overall as politically incorrect as possible. The retiree is down to her last coins and barely managing to survive when she gets the opportunity to enter the local drug market - she grabs that opportunity and, through craftiness, ruthlessness and luck, makes it nearly to the top. But Paulette has to change not only her life but her self if she is to survive - she's desperately in need of all those she alienated in the past.
Since it's a comedy, the ending is nice, but "Paulette" leaves more than just a sweet aftertaste. Recommended!
Since it's a comedy, the ending is nice, but "Paulette" leaves more than just a sweet aftertaste. Recommended!