Chinese Puzzle (2013)

Chinese Puzzle Poster
Original Title: Casse-Tête Chinois

Xavier is a 40-year-old father of two who still finds life very complicated. When the mother of his children moves to New York, he can't bear them growing up far away from him and so he decides to move there as well.

Film Overview
"Chinese Puzzle", a 2013 French romantic comedy-drama movie directed by Cedric Klapisch, is a distinct mix of humour, drama, and love. It is the final follow up to the two previous motion pictures, "L'auberge Espagnole" (2002) and "Russian Dolls" (2005). The movie's cast includes Romain Duris, Audrey Tautou, and Cecile De France, playing the same characters they depicted in the previous installations.

Plot Summary
The film focuses on the life of a 40-year-old Xavier (Romain Duris), an author whose life has actually drastically changed since the previous 2 installments. He now has two kids with Wendy (Kelly Reilly), however they are no longer together, and she has actually relocated to New York after falling for another guy. In spite of the separation, Xavier decides to follow his children to the Big Apple, guaranteeing that he can be near to them.

Living in New York isn't smooth-sailing for Xavier; he finds it challenging to secure an ideal home and visa. His pal Isabelle (Cecile De France) actions in to assist. She is a lesbian expecting an infant, and Xavier is the private biological dad. Isabelle recommends Xavier wed her Chinese-American girlfriend Nancy (Li Jun Li) to get a permit, to which he agrees.

Individual Struggles and Complications
On the other hand, Xavier is constantly fulfilling Martine (Audrey Tautou), his on-off girlfriend from the previous films, who is vacationing with her kids in New York and is dissatisfied in her own relationship. Old feelings revive as they continue conference. The plot gets even more twisted when Isabelle falls for the babysitter of her and Xavier's child, resulting in humorous confusion while Xavier struggles to navigate through his chaotic mess.

Climax and Ending
Xavier's life in New York turns into a mad pandemonium with constant romantic confusion and looming immigration concerns. He handles in between his role as a buddy, dad, ex-lover, and partner, leading to humorous and chaotic circumstances. His visa issue is eventually fixed as he weds Nancy, and Wendy enables Xavier to keep their kids.

The climactic ending scene at a dining establishment catches all the stars sitting together. They are discussing an elaborate Chinese puzzle on the wall, reflecting the complexity of their interwoven lives. The film ends on a high note with Xavier effectively handling his messy yet varied relationships, signifying finding order within the turmoil.

Total Review
"Chinese Puzzle" masterfully combines human relationships' complexities with emotional, amusing, and dramatic components. The complicated narrative effectively catches Xavier's chaotic life and how he manages his individual relationships amidst a whirlwind of amusing and dramatic situations. The movie's spirited take on complex human characteristics makes it a pleasurable watch, blending funny with real-life battles. Skilfully directed by Cedric Klapisch, "Chinese Puzzle" leaves a lasting impression on its viewers with its amusing dialogue, engaging plot, and well-drawn characters.

Top Cast

  • Romain Duris (small)
    Romain Duris
    Xavier Rousseau
  • Audrey Tautou (small)
    Audrey Tautou
    Martine
  • Cécile de France (small)
    Cécile de France
    Isabelle
  • Kelly Reilly (small)
    Kelly Reilly
    Wendy
  • Sandrine Holt (small)
    Sandrine Holt
    Ju
  • Flore Bonaventura (small)
    Flore Bonaventura
    Isabelle, la babysitter
  • Jochen Hägele (small)
    Jochen Hägele
    les philosophes allemands
  • Benoît Jacquot (small)
    Benoît Jacquot
    le père de Xavier
  • Martine Demaret (small)
    Martine Demaret
    la mère de Xavier
  • Dominique Besnehard (small)
    Dominique Besnehard
    l'éditeur
  • Zinedine Soualem (small)
    Zinedine Soualem
    M. Boubaker