People are voting emotionally.

A lot of fun.

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

The 2007 French movie (Un baiser s'il vous plaît)is light summer fare, more rom than com, more sweet amusement that LOL, "more quirky than wacky," as reviewer Roger Moore said in the Orlando Sentinel. A Parisienne (the delectable Julie Gayet) stranded on the empty streets of Nantes with no taxis in sight accepts a ride to her hotel from a stranger (Michaël Cohen), the ride leads to dinner together and obvious attraction, and that leads to his request for a goodnight kiss, "a kiss without consequences," as they are both involved with other people. She says no and is persuaded (in fact this entire movie is filled with effectively clever persuasion) to tell him the story that she says would explain her refusal. That story becomes the majority of the movie, which Stephen Rea in the Philadelphia Inquirer, calls "impossibly French." Kisses can be very powerful, at least they are to the couple she describes, played charmingly by Virginie Ledoyen and Emmanuel Mouret, who also wrote and directed the film. They have been best friends for years and he, in a funk over his lack of physical connection with anyone, persuades her—a married woman—to kiss him. And, while the premise may be a little unrealistic, it's lighthearted fun, delivered smoothly.

"Shall We Kiss?" tells the story of complex relationships, further complicated by the simple existence of physical attraction and sexual tension. The film's four main characters have a unique chemistry (in their respective individual relationships: Judith with Nicolas and Emilie with Gabriel); relationships that can't particularly be compared to others in similar movies. It's hard to say whether this movie was good or not. What's unique and intriguing about it is the story-within-a-story concept, something that might intrigue people to watch the film. The actors did not have the usual chemistry you'd expect to see in a romantic comedy film, but somehow, they made it work. The odd way they approached certain situations with each other made the movie a bit mysterious, in a way that the viewer looked forward to the upcoming scenes. For example, in scenes where you were just ready for them to resolve their sexual tension, they would not—or they would, just in an absurd way, by touching each other as if they'd break in half if any more force were to be used. The way these two relationships unfold is enough to keep the viewer's attention.One idea that viewers might find interesting is how men and women alike have difficulty addressing their true feelings, and how to handle strong emotions towards friends and strangers when they know it could potentially ruin other relationships. For example, at the beginning of the film, when Emilie wants to kiss Gabriel, she has an internal battle between doing what's right and what's wrong, knowing that she has a significant other back home. While physically attracted to Gabriel, she tries to push off the kiss by diverting the conversation and they go and have drinks.Another idea that viewers might find interesting—not necessarily positive or negative—is how it is so common not only in movies, but in real life, for best friends to fall in love with each other. In the film, I feel as if the audience is continuously rooting for Nicolas and Judith to get together, just as I was. Their unique chemistry translates so well on screen, and I feel as if many people can relate to it or have been in similar situations themselves. Two aspects of the film that I found particularly French of the film were 1) how plain/bland everything was and 2) how stereotypically French it looks to Americans. For one, much of the wardrobe and set was white, beige, tan, or black. An example of this would be when Nicolas and Judith first get in bed: the sheets are white, the walls are white, her top is white, and he is wearing neutral colors as well. For the second aspect, Americans usually view the French as very cultured, interested in music and the arts. This is proved in the film when Claudio, Nicolas and Judith all attend an art gallery showing. I don't think this would particularly happen in American culture, especially seeing as Nicolas is a math teacher and Judith is a lab researcher.The last thing that absolutely needs to be addressed is the talent that the director, Emmanuel Mouret, has. Not only does he direct the film, but he also plays the character of Nicolas, and he plays it well. But, he should be familiar in playing such a romantic role seeing as a majority of his films are romantic comedies. He has acted in ten films and has directed 8, although having only won one actual award ("Best Screenplay" for the Art of Love at the Montreal World Film Festival). This does not mean that he's a poor filmmaker, for he has been nominated for many, he just hasn't beat out the competition. Mouret is also a screenwriter; he has written 8 titles. Having written, directed, and acted in this film, this says much about Mouret's talent.

Just saw this movie this afternoon and loved it. A light fare, excellent music, wonderful plot with a twist in the tail at the end. You certainly leave the theater on a high. My favorable impression might be clouded by the fact that I am a admirer and lover of French cinema. Do not expect high drama, superb acting but some wonderful moments that will entertain and amuse every aficionado of modern cinema. Loved the use of color to highlight moods an emotions, with the clothes of the actors and the background of the sets complementing each other wonderfully. The acting as said is not spectacular, however all characters are brought to life and made very personable and likable.

I saw this last month at the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival and of the 36 films I attended this would be in my top three. Not because it is skillfully executed art film or a masterfully crafted film with dynamic acting performances or with stunning art direction and cinematography and sound but simply because it so simple, original and extremely funny. I really enjoyed this romantic comedy farce from writer/director/actor Emmanuel Mouret who cast himself in one of the principal roles of Nicolas. It could be a stage play and maybe that's what Mouret had in mind when he wrote it. The story starts with Gabriel (Michael Cohen) and Emilie (Julie Gayet) who are strangers and have met by chance and enjoy an evening together as Emilie relates a story of how an innocent kiss can lead to unintended consequences. In Emilie's story told in flashbacks, she illustrates her point with that of Nicholas who confides in his friend Judith (Virginie Ledoyen) that he is addicted to physical intimacy but is afraid to start a new relationship with someone. Judith is married to Claudio (Stefano Accorsi) and doesn't want to be in a relationship with Nicholas so they come up with a plan to help Nicholas. The simple plan quickly goes wrong and escalates the problems and complications it develops throughout the story as told by Emilie. Fredrique Bel is also in the ensemble cast as Caline. The film of course a story within a story and both are delightfully spun. Mouret has delivered an absolutely charming, smart, fresh and witty film here that I would highly recommend and give it a full 10 out of 10.