Adapted from Muriel Barbery's novel The Elegance of the Hedgehog, the story concerns three characters living in the same apartment building - 11 year old Paloma, who is a bright observant girl who sees much that the adults miss, but is convinced that she wants to avoid life in the goldfish bowl and is counting down the days until she plans to kill herself. Then there is the building's concierge, Renee, who hides her passions for books and Japanese films behind the stereotypical image of what is expected of a concierge. Finally, there is the new resident, the widower Mr Ozu, who sees them both more clearly than others and forms a friendship with both.
The three central performances are superb, especially the two adults, creating believable and engaging characters, despite minimal backstory, through understated gestures and nice character touches. Togo Igawa Mr Ozu) has a real quiet sparking presence about him, whilst Josianne Balasko is amazing as Renee gradually emerging from her hiding place. She is the emotional heart of the story, whilst Paloma as the observer, expounds its key themes of life and death and hiddeness.
"What matters isn't the fact of dying or when you die. It's what you're doing at that precise moment."
The direction, too, is understated, but beautifully handled, bringing humour and feeling together with some wonderful grace notes.
Overall - 8.5/10 Superbly acted and put together, funny and moving. If it does come to a cinema or DVD store near you in the future, its well worth checking out.
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