DANS LA VIE (TWO LADIES) (Philippe Faucon, France). 73 minutes. Subtitled. May 9, 3:30 pm, Bloor May 11, 1 pm, Sheppard Grande. Rating: NNN
Two women connect against all odds in this gentle pic set in Paris.
Jewish Esther (Ariane Jacquot) is a bitter paraplegic tended to by Arab day nurse Sélima (Sabrina Ben Abdallah). When Esther’s housekeeper quits, fed up with her demanding boss, Sélima convinces Esther’s son Elie, who’s been doing the hiring, that her mother, Halima (Zohra Mouffok), ought to take up the housekeeping duties.
At first things are tense, but soon the two older women bond, and when Elie has to take a month’s leave to prepare for a new job, Halima offers to take Esther into her home.
The Arab community resists, but Halima stands firm as a caregiver assisting a woman in need.
Guaranteed to smash whatever stereotypes you’re harbouring.