Based on a 1999 graphic novel by Posy Simmonds, Gemma Bovery is a French film with plenty of romance and drama. Directed by Anne Fontaine, the cast includes Gemma Arterton, Jason Flemyng, Mel Raido and Fabrice Luchini.
The Toronto International Film Festival (where the film premiered), summarizes the plot as follows: "Martin, an ex-Parisian well-heeled hipster passionate about Gustave Flaubert who settled into a Norman village as a baker, sees an English couple moving into a small farm nearby. Not only are the names of the new arrivals Gemma and Charles Bovery, but their behavior also seems to be inspired by Flaubert's heroes." The result is a light and fun modern spin on the classic novel by Flaubert.
While the film could have been more profound and had more intellectually stimulating links to the classic (it sticks to the more obvious), it definitely manages to entertain. Expect a good dose of humor, a generous helping of sensuality and a literature-loving baker with an over-active imagination. Warning: if you are on a diet, make sure you have incredible will power since you'll be bombarded by a tempting array of freshly baked breads and croissants.
As Martin, the baker, says: "Sometimes life mimics art." And in this film sometimes art mimics other art.
Our rating: 6.5 Steps out of 10.
Watch the trailer here: