French Kiss

Bonjour, cinephiles and romantics alike! Buckle up for a turbulent flight of emotions and a crash landing into the delightful chaos of romance, deceit, and croissants. Today, we’re unraveling the 1995 rom-com gem, “French Kiss.” If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a high-strung American crosses paths with a devilishly charming Frenchman, this is your movie. Grab a baguette, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let’s dive in.

Plot: A Transatlantic Adventure

In “French Kiss,” we meet Kate (played by the endlessly adorable Meg Ryan), a neurotic teacher with a fear of flying and a love for lists. She’s engaged to Charlie (Timothy Hutton), a doctor with boy-next-door looks and an apparent case of commitment-phobia. When Charlie heads to Paris and falls for a “goddess,” Kate decides to conquer her fears and win him back. Ah, love—the ultimate motivator for doing the impossible.

Enter Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline), a roguish Frenchman with a knack for thievery and the kind of charm that could melt the Eiffel Tower itself. Luc’s plan to smuggle a stolen necklace and a vine into France becomes delightfully complicated when he and Kate cross paths on a flight to Paris. What follows is a series of misadventures involving misplaced luggage, stolen kisses, and a quest for true love.

Characters: More Than Meets the Baguette

Kate is your quintessential ‘90s rom-com heroine—quirky, slightly neurotic, but with a heart as big as her hair. Meg Ryan delivers her usual charm with an extra dollop of neurotic energy. Kate’s evolution from a cautious planner to a woman who learns to embrace spontaneity is both relatable and endearing. Plus, her disdain for all things French is hilarious, especially when she’s forced to navigate the city with Luc.

Speaking of Luc, Kevin Kline gives us a Frenchman so charismatic you almost forget he’s not actually French. With his expertly executed accent and mischievous grin, Luc is the perfect foil to Kate’s rigidity. His evolution from a self-serving thief to a man in love is as enjoyable as it is predictable—but hey, that’s why we love rom-coms, right?

Timothy Hutton as Charlie is the kind of guy you love to hate. He’s handsome, charming, and entirely clueless about what he truly wants. In other words, the perfect rom-com plot device.

Then there’s Juliette (Susan Anbeh), the “goddess” who steals Charlie’s heart. She’s beautiful, sophisticated, and, frankly, more of a plot point than a character. But hey, not everyone can be as fleshed out as our leads!

Cinematography: Paris in All Its Glory

Let’s talk visuals. “French Kiss” takes full advantage of its picturesque setting. From the bustling streets of Paris to the idyllic vineyards of the French countryside, the cinematography is a love letter to France. Cinematographer Owen Roizman captures the essence of Paris—the romance in its narrow streets, the grandeur of its architecture, and the serene beauty of its landscapes. It’s enough to make you want to book a one-way ticket (or at least Google some travel deals).

The film also uses its setting to mirror Kate’s journey. As she becomes more comfortable with the chaos around her, the camera work shifts from tight, claustrophobic shots to wide, open vistas. It’s a subtle touch, but one that adds depth to her character arc.

Humor: A Franco-American Comedy of Errors

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its humor. The cultural clash between Kate’s straight-laced American sensibilities and Luc’s laissez-faire French attitude provides ample comedic fodder. Their banter is sharp, witty, and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny. Whether it’s Kate’s horrified reaction to Luc’s table manners or Luc’s bemusement at Kate’s obsession with cleanliness, the humor keeps the film light and engaging.

There’s also a delightful subplot involving Kate’s attempts to navigate the French language. Her mangled attempts at French are both cringe-worthy and endearing—just the right mix for a rom-com heroine.

Chemistry: An Unexpected Spark

At the heart of any good rom-com is the chemistry between its leads, and “French Kiss” delivers in spades. Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline have a palpable connection that elevates the film from a simple comedy to a heartfelt love story. Their dynamic is electric, as they bicker, banter, and ultimately fall for each other against the backdrop of Parisian romance.

One of the film’s standout moments is a scene in which Kate and Luc share an impromptu picnic in the French countryside. As they talk about their dreams and fears, there’s a palpable shift in their relationship—a realization that perhaps they’ve found something more than they bargained for. It’s sweet, sincere, and everything you want from a rom-com.

The Verdict: A Delicious Cinematic Treat

“French Kiss” may not revolutionize the rom-com genre, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a film that knows exactly what it is—a light-hearted, feel-good love story with just the right amount of humor and heart. With its charming leads, picturesque setting, and witty script, it’s a cinematic treat worth savoring.

So, if you’re in the mood for a film that’ll make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even book a flight to Paris (fear of flying be damned), give “French Kiss” a watch. It’s proof that sometimes, love really is a journey—and what a delightful journey it is.

And remember, whether you’re in Paris or Peoria, never underestimate the power of a well-timed kiss. Au revoir, movie lovers!