The story revolves around Mado, a movie-star past her prime who owns an elegant chateau in the serene French countryside. Mado’s lover Brice is a successful director who continues to cast Mado in his films. Her son Julien, an aspiring filmmaker, despises his "sell-out" mother, but at the same time yearns for her approval. Lili, Julien's girlfriend (and lead actress), is intent on escaping the lowly life of a poor country girl and dreams of stardom.

From its opening scene- one of the steamiest sexual encounters in film- this provocative reinvention of Chekov is "a first-rate piece of cinema, acutely perceptive, universally empathic and humane." (Chicago Tribune)

Starring Ludivine Sagnier, Nicole Garcia, Bernard Giraudeau, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Robinson Stévenin, Julie Depardieu, Yves Jacques, and Michel Piccoli.

What the Critics are Saying

"A stunning coup de cinema!" - Variety

"Intelligent, first-rate cinema!" - Chicago Tribune

"Ingeniously freewheeling, bracingly optimistic." - The New York Times

"An adroit exploration of love and ambition, life and art." - L.A. Times

"Splendidly acted and directed!" - Christian Science Monitor

"A work of whimsy, passion, visual lushness and no small degree of warmth for its characters, and that's saying something." - Hollywood Reporter

"The glowing images ease into one another like leaves turning in a summer breeze, while the performances are similarly effortless." - L.A. Weekly