All the ingredients, through cast (one exception), direction, location and camera work, were present to make this English language remake of 'La Grande Seduction'(2003) a fine film, but the script tried to hold too close to the original and lost some of the elemental charm in translation.Firstly, the romance fell short. I mean, the setting and characters were initially fine and the lens shots are gorgeous throughout. Truly the setting is primed for a rich story, but characters eventually(not the actors) seemed pasted and lacked the chemistry to achieve overall romance. If the scenes of Paul and Kathleen had been written better, and directed with care, a deeper tone would have surfaced. One that would have had their first meeting become a sticky thread that bound the narrative fabric, instead of simply creating a glaring conflict that literally was, in the end, resolved off screen (weak writing or production failure).Secondly, if you are gonna translate another writers work, be creative without losing the essential elements. This story is charming through the gills (pun intended) and deserves more attention to details far beyond set design and actors. The direction could have been stronger had it paid closer attention to the idea and not the intent.Cast was fun, Brendan was solid as usual, Taylor got it mostly. Oddly, I felt almost nothing from Liane beyond her strange, one-note blend of constantly pretty hostility. I could see her doing femme fatale roles much more suited to her skills and attitude, but not this role. Kinda iced it, really. Even the script was not to blame, there. Her last shot, fishing pole on shoulder, strolling on the beach with an almost stranger, looked entirely unnatural, forced. Giving more time and depth to their interactions would have gone further toward building a solid narrative. One more scene! As it ended, it sucks to be Paul, I guess. Ha ha.The final shots were cute, but without closing the key romance, they felt tacked on, especially considering that they were inclusive to the opening (not closing) theme of the original film. Hollywood apparently was hoping the kids would be asleep before adding a splash of spice. Liberal insanity.Oh, and also, the soundtrack, in comparison, was completely unremarkable. I can't recall a single note. All in all, a well recommended film despite the poorly explored romantic elements.The original, well, that's another story. Good night.

The Grand Seduction (2013): Dir: Don McKellar / Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Brendan Gleeson, Gordon Pinsent, Liane Balaban, Mary Walsh: Grand and amusing Canadian comedy about a small harbor community under threat when its residence mostly collect welfare cheques. They wish to open the local factory but those in power rule that the harbor community must have a doctor on hand. Taylor Kitsch plays a young doctor caught with cocaine at the airport. He ends up at this harbor to perform his duties for a month. This means that all 120 people there must manipulate him into believing that this is the paradise he has been searching for. This becomes formula and predictable but it is not without a great deal of hilarity as the community band together to commit the ultimate deceit. It is similar to Waking Ned Devine with the exception that the ending here is more satisfactory. Kitsch is well cast as the doctor thrown into this community and dealing with a variety of amusing issues with patients. Unfortunately his girlfriend back home isn't as committed. Brendan Gleeson is excellent heading the charade against Kitsch. His wife went to find work in town leaving him to scheme a way to keep his life and home in tact. Gordon Pinsent plays Gleeson's friend who struggles to adapt to cricket, which is discovered to the sport Kitsch is into. Liane Balaban plays a sensible young female Gleeson wants to flirt with Kitsch but she refuses. Mary Walsh plays Gleeson's wife who decides it is time to depart to the city to earn a living. Gleeson is determined to bring her back. Low budget comedy presenting a grand representation of home. Score: 8 / 10

It's the small habour (not village) of Tickle Head, Newfoundland, Canada. Murray French (Brendan Gleeson) remembers the days when his proud father worked hard to fish cod. The pride is gone now and everybody lines up to receive their welfare. To add to the indignity, Murray's wife gets a job in the big city. The town is bidding for a petrochemical plant but they need a full-time doctor. Dr. Lewis (Taylor Kitsch) gets caught with some cocaine at the airport and the town's former mayor blackmails him to work in Tickle Head for a month. The town conspires to seduce Lewis with lies, cricket, fishing and Murray even tries to push Kathleen (Liane Balaban) to flirt. Then it gets more complicated when the oil executive implies that he needs a $100k bribe.This is a sweet little movie. The place looks nice. Brendan Gleeson is especially great. Taylor Kitsch and Liane Balaban are nice. Everything and everyone is nice and charming. There are a few good laughs but only a few. The romance could have been better. Gleeson and gang are able to keep the little charmer on track.

The Grand Seduction is a small tale beautifully written in the margins of the big book of life. It's character-driven and presents us with a vibrant acclamation for humanity with all the flaws that make us who we are. Kudos to my Canadian cousins...For those here that have poo-pooed this film because of perceived flaws in the story line, I say balderdash! One of the prerequisites of watching a work of fiction is your suspension of reality. One shouldn't dissect a film looking for gaffs or other reasons to criticize, especially with one such as this with so much warmth and love for the human condition.Although it has been said here before, I must say It's refreshing to see a low budget, independent film with quality and impact. Not one violent scene. Not one special effect. Not one swear word.