Entre Nous (film)

Entre Nous (translated as "Between Us", also referred to as Coup de foudre) is a 1983 French biographical drama film helmed by director Diane Kurys, who collaborated with Olivier Cohen on the screenplay. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century France, the cast features Isabelle Huppert, Miou-Miou, and Guy Marchand. The alternative title Coup de Foudre means "love at first sight".

Plot

During 1942 in France, Léna, a young Jewish woman, is threatened with deportation by the Vichy regime. To protect her, Michel, a guard, marries her, and together they escape across the Alps into Italy. Following the war, they establish their life in Lyon, where Michel runs a garage and Léna raises their two daughters. At a school function, Léna meets Madeleine, another mother whose son attends the same school. Their growing friendship provokes envy among their husbands.

Madeleine engages in an affair with her former art instructor, which Michel uncovers, causing tension between the two women. When Léna plans to launch a dress boutique with Madeleine, her husband agrees to fund it only if Madeleine is excluded. During a visit to Madeleine in Paris, Léna experiences her first sexual encounter outside her marriage and later shares an evening that culminates in a romantic liaison with Madeleine.

Madeleine's mental health deteriorates, leading to her hospitalization. After discharge, Léna brings her to the new shop, but Michel destroys it upon seeing Madeleine there. Subsequently, Léna relocates with Madeleine and their children to a coastal residence. Michel attempts to mend their relationship but is unsuccessful. The narrative concludes by noting that Léna never reconciles with Michel and that Madeleine passes away two years later.

Cast

• Miou-Miou as Madeleine Segara née Vernier
• Isabelle Huppert as Lena Korski née Weber
• Guy Marchand as Michel Korski
• Jean-Pierre Bacri as Costa Segara
• Robin Renucci as Raymond
• Patrick Bauchau as Roland Carlier
• Jacques Alric as Mr. Vernier
• Jacqueline Doyen as Mme. Vernier
• Saga Blanchard as Sophie
• Guillaume Le Guellec as René Segara
• Christine Pascal as Sarah
• Corinne Anxionnaz as 'unnamed'
• Jacques Blal as Lionel Feldman
• Bernard Cazassus as Le chef de gare
• Gérard Chambre as Flirt

Critical response

Entre Nous boasts a flawless 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 10 critic reviews and an average rating of 8.3 out of 10.

Won

• FIPRESCI Prize at the San Sebastián Film Festival awarded to Diane Kurys

Nominated

• Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards
• At the César Awards, nominations included Best Supporting Actor (Guy Marchand), Best Leading Actress (Miou-Miou), Best Film, and Best Original Screenplay (Diane Kurys and Alain Le Henry)

See also

• Isabelle Huppert on screen and stage
• List of submissions to the 56th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film
• List of French submissions for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film