The middle film in Daniel Auteuil’s Marseilles trilogy picks up seconds after Marius . Fanny (Victoire Bélézy) faces a life-changing decision, but Auteuil is in no mood to ratchet up the tension.
What was scandalous drama in Pagnol’s day is now pure soap opera.
It’s best to sit back and luxuriate in the film’s unhurried pleasures: crisp Mediterranean settings, Alexandre Desplat’s mournful score and a clutch of likeable performances, especially when an exuberant Auteuil is sparring with scene-stealing veteran Jean-Pierre Darroussin.
Part three, César , is currently in production…
