La cage dorée

I saw this lovely comedy about Portuguese immigrants to France and their identity issues at a showing that also featured an interview session with director Ruben Alves. Alves himself was born in Paris to Portuguese parents and with this film tried to aid people like himself in finding a place for themselves and better understanding their identity.

It is about José and Maria, a hard-working couple that never complains and both have made themselves valuable to their employers. So much so that they profit off them and trample all over them in the process. When José's brother, who he has not spoken to in 30 years, passes away he leaves the family house and wine business to José under the condition that they will keep the business going.

They are reluctant to tell anybody about it before they have really made up their minds about actually going. But then Maria's pushy sister finds out and word spreads like fire. Suddenly, their employees offer them benefits and tell them how important and irreplaceable they are. What complicates matters more is that José and Maria have two children that were born in France and have reservations about leaving.

Many funny and sentimental situations spawn from this set-up. Really charming.

8/10