Watch Merci la vie
- 1991
- 1 hr 57 min
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6.5 (1,354)
Merci la vie is a 1991 French film directed by Bertrand Blier. It follows two young women, Camille and Manu, who are both trying to escape their troubled pasts. Camille is a young woman who has grown up in a small French town with her mother and mentally ill grandmother. She dreams of leaving her hometown and exploring the world, but feels held back by her responsibilities to her family.
Manu, on the other hand, is a rebellious young woman who has a history of drug addiction and prostitution. She has recently been released from prison and is attempting to start a new life for herself. The two women meet by chance and strike up an unlikely friendship.
As the film progresses, Camille and Manu's pasts begin to catch up with them. Camille's mother dies, leaving her with even more responsibilities, while Manu's former pimp begins to track her down. Despite these challenges, the two women remain steadfast in their pursuit of freedom and happiness.
Throughout the film, the two women engage in a number of adventures and misadventures. They hitchhike across the countryside, steal from a wealthy couple, and even get into a physical altercation with a group of bikers. Along the way, they meet a number of interesting characters, including a man who claims to be a werewolf and a group of travelers who invite them to join in a communal orgy.
At its core, Merci la vie is a film about the search for meaning and purpose in life. Both Camille and Manu are struggling to find their place in the world, and their experiences together help them to discover what really matters to them. The film also touches on themes of sexuality, freedom, and the challenges of growing up in a small town.
The performances in Merci la vie are superb, particularly those of Charlotte Gainsbourg and Anouk Grinberg. Gainsbourg, in particular, shines in her role as the quiet and introspective Camille. Michel Blanc also delivers a strong performance as a character known only as "The Boss," a man who hires Camille and Manu to work for him.
Overall, Merci la vie is a thought-provoking and engaging film that is well worth watching. It's a powerful exploration of friendship, freedom, and the human condition that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.