Watch Miss Montigny

Miss Montigny is a French-Belgian film from 2005 directed by Miel Van Hoogenbemt. It is set in the small town of Seraing, Belgium, and tells the story of a young woman named Monique (played by Sophie Quinton) who dreams of becoming Miss Belgium. Despite the challenges she faces, Monique remains resilient and determined to follow her dreams.

The film begins by introducing the audience to Monique, a 21-year-old woman who works as a machine operator in a local factory. Monique is beautiful, outgoing, and ambitious, but also faces discrimination because of her working-class background. Despite this, she still dreams of becoming Miss Belgium, an ambition that her boyfriend Pierre (played by Johan Leysen) and her best friend Annie (played by Ariane Ascaride) support.

As Monique prepares for the Miss Belgium pageant, she encounters a number of challenges. The other contestants are mostly from wealthy backgrounds and Monique struggles to fit in with them. In addition, she faces discrimination from the judges, who do not seem to take her seriously because of her working-class background. Despite this, Monique remains determined to succeed and puts all of her effort into preparing for the pageant. She works hard to perfect her walking, talking, and posture, but also tries to stay true to herself and not lose sight of who she is.

As the pageant approaches, tensions arise between Monique and Pierre, who becomes increasingly jealous of her ambitions. Meanwhile, Annie struggles with health issues and Monique must balance her friendship with Annie and her desire to win the Miss Belgium title. The film builds to a dramatic climax, with Monique facing a number of unexpected challenges on the night of the pageant.

Miss Montigny is a poignant and uplifting film that explores themes of ambition, class, and friendship. The film's message is that no matter where you come from, you should always chase your dreams and be true to yourself. At its core, the film is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Sophie Quinton delivers a standout performance as Monique, perfectly capturing the character's determination and vulnerability. Ariane Ascaride's portrayal of Annie is also touching and nuanced.

One of the key strengths of Miss Montigny is its portrayal of the small town of Seraing. The film's setting is a character in its own right, with the town's working-class atmosphere and industrial landscape providing a stark contrast to the glamour of the Miss Belgium pageant. The film's cinematography is also impressive, with the directors using a mix of handheld camera work and static shots to capture both the grittiness and the beauty of Seraing.

Overall, Miss Montigny is a charming and uplifting film that deserves more recognition. It is a testament to the power of ambition, friendship, and staying true to yourself. The film's performances, cinematography, and setting combine to create a rich and compelling story that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll.