Robuste (Robuste) Sunday Matinee

Robuste Film Trailer click HERE

The simply superb Gerard Depardieu plays a fading film star who is a prima donna, unpredicatble and alone. His new minder is a no nonsense young woman who is determined to be professional at all times, but in her own way is also alone. They bond in an unlikely way. Humour and warmth carry the day in this terrific charcter study film that is enjoyable on many levels. 

 Writer/director Constance Meyer’s is a takented Director who is well able to bring out the best in both the lead actors in what turns out to be an unlikely friendship

Depardieu plays George who is supposed to be  preparing for his latest role in a historical epic, but he skips important calls and makes life difficult for the Director and his assistants.   Georges is thrown for a loop when his assistant unexpectedly takes leave, placing him dependent on Aïssa (Déborah Lukumuena, The Braves)  the security company’s appointed replacement. 

It’s a seemingly round-the-clock position - driver, secretary, bodyguard and babysitter - but Aïssa is not easily intimidated. Whilst life may have shaped the disillusioned star and his pragmatic, assured young helper in very different ways, a singular platonic friendship begins to take root. She, as we see in the films is also alone in some ways and they start to care more for each other than they at first, ever thought possible. 

Depardieu is at his sensitive best here, relishing the chance to wink at his public persona, and Lukumuena is completely up to the task as his foil. The chemistry between them is both riveting and moving, from the first shot to the last.

" Charming, deft and soulful "  Variety Magazine

" Depardieu at his best." The Observer