Saint-Jacques... La Mecque (2005)
Directed by Coline Serreau

Film Review

From Coline Serreau, the acclaimed director of such hits as Trois hommes et un couffin (1985) and Romuald et Juliette (1989) comes this distinctive, stimulating and hugely engaging comedy-drama. It's a tongue-in-cheek variant on the familiar road movie concept - a group of disparate people embark on a long journey (on foot)  and end up undergoing a kind of spiritual re-birth as a result of their shared experiences (and blisters).  Immediately, that description runs the risk of putting the spectator off, for two reasons.   Firstly, the prospect of watching people traipsing across open countryside for the best part of two hours doesn't seem to be something that would motivate you to buy a cinema ticket.  Secondly, it's not that original an idea - most French film aficionados will remember Philippe Harel's Les Randonneurs (1997).  So, does Coline Serreau's film have anything new to offer?  Is it worth watching?  The answer to both these questions is a resounding yes.

From the very start, you are struck by the originality of Serreau's film, and also by its humanity, intelligence and wry sense of fun.  Whilst the characters are admittedly caricatures, they are drawn with depth and appear believable, thanks to the writing and some creditable performances from a very capable cast.   Muriel Robin, Artus de Penguern, Jean-Pierre Darroussin and Pascal Légitimus are familiar faces who somehow bring something new to their portrayals of angst-ridden neurotics or losers, but there is also space to enjoy the contributions from lesser well-known performers, such as Marie Bunel, Marie Kremer, Nicolas Cazalé and Aymen Saïdi.

Whilst it may lack the subtlety and psychological depth of Serreau's earlier films, Saint-Jacques... La Mecque has great emotional and artistic appeal, as well as having considerable entertainment value (the scene with the two nuns censoring petitions to the Almighty is the stuff of comic legend).  Note how effectively the mood of the film changes from the beginning (glum and oppressive) to the end (sunny and optimistic), reflecting the change in the protagonists as they succeed in exorcising their personal demons and discover a new and better life.

It is certainly an attractive film, but it is not without its faults.  It is at times overly sentimental (and occasionally ridiculously so), the monotony of the seemingly endless pilgrimage does show somewhat in the second half, and the bewildering surreal dream sequences are an unwelcome distraction.  However, the many little moments of thoughtful reflection and good humour which the film offers more than make up for its weaknesses.  All in all, Saint-Jacques... La Mecque is a very engaging film - sometimes acutely poignant, sometimes irresistibly funny - a thoughtful and inspired meditation on life and human relationships.  It's a welcome therapy for stressed out career junkees who think they have no time for other people and the things that make life worth living.  A magical little film.

Film Synopsis

Middle-aged schoolteacher Clara and her two brothers, chief executive Pierre and alcoholic layabout Claude, absolutely hate one another.  Imagine then their blood-curdling horror when they hear the conditions of their mother's will.  Their substantial inheritance will go to charity unless the three of them undertake the arduous pilgrimage from Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.  Determined not to lose out on their share of a fortune, the three siblings join the pilgrimage with six other people, including Guy, their guide.  The party includes a young Arab, Saïd (whose only motive for being on the pilgrimage is to be with his girlfriend) and his cousin Ramzi.  Things start out badly - Clara is anxious over how her unemployed husband will cope without her pay cheque, whilst stressed out hypochondriac Pierre agonises over his wife's depression.  Then, as the days pass, the nine pilgrims begin to experience an unexpected and dramatic change in their outlook...