French Kiss

Plot synopsis:
A fastidious and wholesome history teacher named Kate (Meg Ryan) is living in Canada with her fiancé, Charlie (Timothy Hutton), a dentist. While waiting for her Canadian citizenship to come through, Kate has been busy planning their wedding and the purchase of their first house, complete with a white picket fence. When Charlie urges her to accompany him to Paris for an upcoming conference, she declines due to her fear of flying and her general intolerance for cheese, secondhand smoke, and the French.
A few days later, Kate's plans for the future are crushed when she receives a phone call from Charlie, who informs her that he has fallen in love with a beautiful French "goddess" named Juliette (Susan Anbeh) and that he will not be returning. Determined to win him back, Kate boards a flight to Paris and is seated next to a crude Frenchman, Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline), whose every word seems to annoy her. Unknown to Kate, Luc is smuggling a vine cutting and a stolen diamond necklace into France hoping to use both to start his own vineyard. With the help of a few drinks, Kate is able to tolerate her "rude" and "hygiene deficient" seating partner long enough to arrive safely in Paris. Before de-boarding, Luc sneaks the vine and necklace into Kate's bag, knowing she will not be searched at customs.
At the terminal, Luc is spotted by Inspector Jean-Paul Cardon (Jean Reno) who insists on giving him a ride during which he searches his bag. Jean-Paul knows of Luc's vocation, but feels "protective" of him because Luc once saved his life. Meanwhile, Kate arrives at the Hôtel George V where she encounters new levels of French sarcasm and rudeness from the concierge (fr:Laurent Spielvogel). While waiting in the lobby with a petty thief named Bob (François Cluzet), Kate sees Charlie and Juliette kissing in a descending elevator and faints. Bob steals her bag and leaves just as Luc arrives. After reviving Kate, Luc realizes that Bob now has the necklace, goes with Kate to Bob's apartment, and recovers the bag, absent her money and passport.
Upset with Luc, Kate heads off on her own and learns that Charlie is traveling south to Cannes to meet Juliette's parents. Luc, meanwhile, realizes that the necklace must still be in Kate's bag. He tracks her down to the train station, offers to help her "win back Charlie", and together they board a train to Cannes. After lactose intolerant Kate samples some of the 452 official government cheeses of France, she becomes sick, and they get off the train at Luc's hometown of La Ravelle in Paulhaguet, where they stay at his family home and vineyard. Kate learns about Luc's past and how he gambled away his vineyard birthright to his brother in a single hand of poker; she also learns that while he may be a schemer, he knows a lot about wine, and dreams of someday buying land for his own winery. As they board the train to Cannes, Kate shows him that she in fact has the necklace.
At Cannes, the two check into a room at the Carlton Hotel using a stolen credit card. Following Luc's advice, Kate confronts Charlie in front of Juliette on the beach pretending to be indifferent to him. To make him jealous, Luc pretends to be Kate's lover, and the deception works. Later that afternoon, Jean-Paul approaches Kate and urges her to convince Luc to return the necklace anonymously to avoid jail. Luc was planning to sell the necklace at Cartier, but agrees to Kate's "new plan" to have her sell the necklace, as that would be safer. At dinner, Charlie apologizes to Kate and accompanies her to her room where he tries to seduce her. Rejecting his advances, Kate realizes she no longer wants him, and that she has fallen in love with Luc. Meanwhile, in an effort to "ensure victory" for her, Luc takes an all-too-willing Juliette to bed, but his plan fails when he calls her "Kate".
The following morning, Kate tells Luc that Charlie wants her back, but quickly leaves the room, saying, "Cartier is waiting". She returns the necklace to Jean-Paul and purchases a Cartier check for $45,782 with her own savings to create the illusion that she sold it. After giving the check to Luc, she leaves for the airport pretending to meet Charlie. Soon after, Jean-Paul approaches Luc and reveals the charade and all that Kate has done for him. Luc rushes to the airport, boards the plane, and confesses that he's in love with her and wants her to stay with him. Sometime later, he and Kate embrace each other in their beautiful new vineyard.

Tags: comedy, romantic

Review:
I'm not particularly a Meg Ryan fan - (funny that I just named two of her movies in a top comedy list!).
The movie is funny but has more heart than most comedies - the scenes with Luc's family are lovely and memorable - not at all overdone, just right.
The Meg Ryan character's primness is irritating - but then one must see why Timothy Hutton found her so (comically, the movie's idea of primness is that she was deflowered at 18 not 13!).
Meg Ryan reveals herself as a true comedienne and Kevin Kline is the funniest Frenchman you ever loved to hate.
Even after having seen it at least a dozen times, we still laugh when Ryan sneaks up on her absconded fiancee and his new girlfriend and in the process causes major havoc in a posh French cafe; or when Kevin Kline tells her how the uptight nature of the Americans makes his 'ass twitch'..
The story revolves around a young history teacher, Kate, who's afraid of flying but forces herself to hop on a plane for Paris to try and win back her fiancé, Charlie, who has dumped her for a gorgeous French woman.
Then, casting himself as an expert in affairs of the heart, he resolves to help Kate win back her man, later complicated by the fact that he falls for her himself.Their adventures across France, from Paris to Cannes, in pursuit of the fiancé and his new girlfriend, make for some pretty amusing scenes.
My sole complaint with this movie is a couple of unnecessary f-words and a fair bit of profanity, especially on Kate's part (taking the Lord's name in vain), reflective of the screenwriters' laziness in avoiding clever dialogue in these scenes.Meg Ryan is her usual cute, bubbly, rather ditsy self in the role of Kate and Timothy Hutton is suitably obnoxious and despicable as Charlie, the fiancé who dumped her.
However, the real star of this film is Kevin Kline, who puts genuine charm into the role of this rakishly endearing thief, Luc, and demonstrates an extremely credible French accent, in my opinion.
Also, there is great on screen chemistry between Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.It's a delightful, light hearted film, a good date movie, and not necessarily just a chick flick as my husband enjoyed it too..
Bringing Up Baby, Nothing Sacred, and Twentieth Century come to mind.Kevin Kline is one of my favorite performers and I love his French accent and rakish charm, kind of like a subdued Pirate King!
The scenes between him and Ryan are hilarious as he tries to draw her out of her shell and she indignantly stick to her "American puritanism."  In the end, the French joie de vivre of course wins out.Jean Reno has a good supporting role as the amoral cop who lets friendship take precedence over the law.
Meg Ryan in her low key but hyper way (now, if that seems like an oxymoron, watch her performance) is wonderful.
Next to her sits a French thief, beautifully played by Kevin Kline, who has problems of his own, most notably how to smuggle a diamond necklace out of the country.It's a character-driven plot that Cary Grant would have loved - two people who are seemingly so "repelled" by each other but all they need are the right elements to fall in love.
I'm generally not a fan of the romantic-comedy, but the French setting sucked me in as did a supporting role played by the always excellent Jean Reno.
As for the authenticity of Kline's accent, I had a good friend from France who claimed it was "formidable." So there.Very entertaining and worth a watch.Want more French choices?
Try "Frantic" with Harrison Ford, it's Hitchcockian; "Green Card," who can resist Depardieu?; and my all-time favorite Meg Ryan film "Addicted to Love." It's a great black comedy and it has the sizzlingly sexy Tcheky Karyo.
I would basically just like to say that every woman that loves a good romantic comedy should see this movie.
This film is one of the better romantic comedies, maybe just because Kevin and Meg are perfect together.
Both with excellent comic timing, and a chemistry that was quite wonderful.Jean Reno and Timothy Hutton round out a wonderful cast.The soundtrack is fantastique-I own and listen to it often.Hey-if my husband the NASCAR addict will sit,watch,laugh, and enjoy then I say guys can enjoy this too.The ending scene is inspired, WHAT a kiss!Definitely one to add to your DVD collection.
This movie is sheer unabashed indulgence...indulgence in romantic comedies, in Meg Ryan, in France and a whole lot of other things and people!!
To date this may be my favorite romantic comedy.I've seen it many times and all I can say is that I can recommend it for those who enjoy funny, witty, and entertaining romantic comedies.Also, if you are a fan of Meg Ryan you might enjoy this movie a lot.
I've never seen Meg Ryan or Kevin Kline play better - they had a fantastic chemistry and it was a roller coaster ride of fun the whole way through - I just wish the film were longer!
The arc of the film manages a difficult feat: two plots, one involving Meg Ryan and the other focussing on Kevin Kline, maintain their integrity and also merge together.
The scene in which Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline first hop in the stolen car in Paris tickles me every time.
And the relationship with Meg and Timothy Hutton is entirely believable.Once she is on the plane, going to Paris, Kevin Kline appears and introduces himself and distracts her from the takeoff.
Kevin Kline really proves himself in this movie, or at least shows how good he is at accents.
And Meg learns that she really likes the cheese!Once she sees the vineyard and begins to learn more about Kevin Kline's character, the story gets under way nicely.
The scenes used in the film are vibrantly beautiful with locations which include Paris, Cannes and Provence regions.I'm not a big fan of Meg Ryan but this film compares to the warm, funny, romantic appeal that Sleepless in Seattle offered.
This is a pretty decent romcom featuring a typically off-kilter performance from everymouse Meg Ryan, and another lovable rogue from Kline, with some nice little set-ups and lots of fun gags.
Kevin Kline is delightful as Luc, a scoundrel of a Frenchman, who befriends Kate in her quest to steal Charlie back from the lovely Juliette.
The usual romantic comedy adventure ensues as Kate and Luc pursue Charlie throughout France.What sets this film apart from the usual date flick is the interaction between Kline and Ryan.
I watched this movie yesterday and I have to say it is one of the worst romantic comedies I have ever seen.The story is dull and far more predictable than even the genre would allow, the characters are unbelievable and that of Meg Ryan so irritating there is no way to identify with her or with Klein's belated liking for her.
Kline is great, you forget he is not really French, Ryan is adorable (as always) and the plot was interesting and funny enough to keep even my husband glued.
I bought the movie just for that kiss and I now believe that Kevin Kline must be the best kisser in all the world.
if you understand Indian language then you will find that Anees Bazmee has copied 'French Kiss' line by line .In 'French Kiss' Meg Ryan (Kate) was looking very beautiful and her expression is just excellent in this movie.
If you ask me, the way that Kate (Meg Ryan) and Luc (Kevin Kline) met was romantic.
I love Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan.
I also love the fact of the premise of the movie that the things you plan for in life don't always happen but what does actually happen is so much better than what you had planned for yourself - it give hope and inspiration for the dark times that something wonderful and fulfilling could just around the corner.About my question, ANY help would be profoundly appreciated!
While this predictability is most definitely a problem, occasionally a movie appears that despite following the typical pattern of the genre, manages to stand out among the rest; and even when at its core it still is a typical romantic comedy, it shines with a light of its own due to the way the film is executed.
"French Kiss" is one of those movies, a film that despite being no masterpiece of cinema, achieves its original purpose without problem: to provide good light hearted entertainment by telling a charming story about two equally charming characters."French Kiss" is the story of Kate (Meg Ryan), a young woman who after moving to Canada, where his boyfriend Charlie (Timothy Hutton) lives, begins to make preparations for a future with him.
At first sight it would seem that it's just another typical romantic comedy (with the addition of a French setting); however, and despite the far fetched plot, Brooks makes the story somewhat believable and it surprisingly works in the end.
While the romance is the focus of the film, Brooks makes some cleverly written scenes, playing with the French and American stereotypes of each other in small, yet very funny scenes with his assortment of quirky supporting characters.
Kasdan follows Brook's theme of making jokes about American tourists, and constructs visual gags (a simple, yet very creative pun about watching the Eiffel Tower is cleverly used through the film) that spice up the love story between Kate and Luc, adding some diversity to break up the monotony.The cast is what really makes "French Kiss" to stand out among similar movies.
At the peak of her "romantic comedy phase", Meg Ryan was delightfully charming as the main character, Kate.
Kevin Kline is the highlight of the film, making a very convincing Frenchman in his portrait of Luc. It's a shame that the producers decided to hire a non-Frenchman for the role, but fortunately Kline delivers an excellent and very believable performance as the witty crook more interested in what's inside of Kate's purse than in her person.
Don't get me wrong, Brooks' story is fun and charming, but it the events before Kate's trip to France really drag and make the film look uninteresting."French Kiss" is a very 90s romantic comedy but with touches of those classic screwball comedies of old, where realism was sent to the backseat and romance used to drive the story.
French Kiss tells the story of a woman (Meg Ryan) that travels to France to win back her fiancé who left her for another woman.
Jean Reno is in this playing a french cop, and he's as good as usual.The first half of the movie is funny, but when it gets into the second half they start focusing on the romantic aspect of the film and it starts to dwindle.
His role as a Frenchman is superb--all the way from the accent to the 'hygene-challenged' attire.This movie was released in 1995, when Meg Ryan was still unafraid to be different.And, I love Mr. Cool Jean Reno in this movie.
Along the way, unsuspecting love occurs.Follow the movie to the end when Kevin Kline sings La Mer in French.
Also there are many clever and funny lines in the movie.Kevin Kline is great and does the French accent so well you'll forget he's from St. Louis.Meg Ryan, what can you say about her?
The chemistry between Kevin Kline as Luc and Meg Ryan as Kate was thoroughly enjoyable.
This movie has got to be one of my favorite Kevin Kline AND Meg Ryan movies.
I highly recommend this movie if you're looking for a comedy, a love story, or just for a good way to pass an hour and a half!!!.
i saw it first in 2000 and i love Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline!
Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan made a great couple.
I've loved Reno & Kline in other movies so I'm sure the chemistry they have in this film was not an accident.
Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline are wonderful and hilarious.
The premise is a bit far-fetched, but the French scenery is beautiful, although Kevin Kline's French accent is not.But  watch this film anyway, as Meg Ryan earns every buck and  almost single-handedly carries this film.
Meg Ryan does her little cute thing in this lovely romantic comedy that also stars a hilarious Kevin Kline as the Frenchman who tries to help her win back her fiancé.
But if your a fan of romantic comedy's in general and Meg Ryan you will definitely love this one..
For years French Kiss has been one of my favorite movies just because it's so enjoyable to watch.Everytime you see this motion picture you falls in love with Meg Ryan playing Kate.This character is so funny just because Ryan adds sweatness and a crazy style to her .It's incredible how this actris has the gift to do romantic comedy and be so marvelous in all characters that she ever made .Like Sleapless in Seatle,You've Got mail and many others.
In "French kiss" we have to talk too about Kevin Kline in his best role ever like the smart french trump that steals Kate heart.The chemestry between the two characters it's so fantastic .Watch this movie and falls in love!I'd give 8 out of 10 to this movie..
Enjoyable romantic comedy; Meg Ryan doing her thing.
It is a romantic comedy very well-cast with Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline (who manages to seem French even when he is walking down a hillside) and a good supporting cast, especially Jean Reno.
Kevin Kline sticks close to Meg because she has something he needs to recover and the inevitable friction at the start of their relationship is made believable - their characters are two very different people.This movie doesn't try to be more than it is.
Both Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline give stunning performances- Kevin Klines's French character difficult to like at first, but our hearts warm to him.
It's very hard to believe that he isn't French.Meg Ryan, on the other hand, plays a fragile young woman, who goes to France on the spur of the moment to search for her unfaithful fiancé.
Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan shine in this highly entertaining romantic comedy filmed in south France..
meg ryan and kevin kline just irresistible!!.
just watch this film and all i can say is how can someone not love Meg Ryan??
How can you go wrong with two such amazing actors as Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline?
French Kiss is a wonderful romantic comedy starring the always-lovely Meg Ryan.
She is so lovely, and Kevin Kline is so charming and funny as the French man Luc. It's hard to believe he's not French when you see the character.
Lovely, funny movie, with beautiful French settings, a must-see for people who are not crazy about romantic comedies because there are so many silly ones out there -- but this was quite a pleasant surprise..
Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline are excellent for the roles!
The plot is not exactly sophisticated and it is highly unlikely that "Kate" Meg Ryan (You've Got Mail) would fall in love with someone like "Luc Teyssier" Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda) because she is too wise for that.
Meg Ryan gives a cracking good comedic performance as a woman jilted by her fiancé, flying from Canada to Paris, France to retrieve him, but finding love instead with a scruffy French thief.
Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan are among that class of actors which I am always interested in seeing, despite reviews.
I have always found Ms. Ryan to be a charming and winsome actress in nearly all her roles, and Kevin Kline is almost always worth watching.I say "nearly" and "almost" in large part because of this movie.First off, Meg Ryan does not play a likeable character, she plays a weak-willed whiner who begins grating on your nerves shortly after the opening credits and doesn't give up until several days later.
Starring Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, and Timothy Hutton, this is a most enjoyable little film.
Along the way, she meets up with a fast-talking crook, Kevin Kline, and her plans don't go exactly as she expected.It's hard to love the movie FRENCH KISS, though it is a diverting little romantic-comedy.
And for his new girlfriend, she was no better.Despite all this, there is lots of lovely music, nice scenery and Kevin Kline did an amazing job playing a French man, though I do wonder why they just didn't have the supporting actor, Jean Reno, play the part.
Kate (Meg Ryan) has discovered that her fiancé has fallen in love with another woman in Paris, France.
The whole French city setting for this romantic-comedy is perfect for the love story that anyone would enjoy..
This film seems to establish something more than a by-the-numbers tale of how the woman in question (Meg Ryan) finds her true love (Kevin Kline), making it unique and entertaining among so many others of its kind that miss the mark.
I love this movie Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline have great chemistry, it was very believable.
That's right, this movie hasn't got much original to offer and in a time in which the streets seem to be paved with romantic comedies, that's not always a good thing...When the man that she loves is in Paris with another woman, Kate is determined to win him back.
Their chemistry is not quite right but it is still Meg Ryan with Kevin Kline.
The talent of Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline were more than suitable to the task.
This film brings out the true stages of finding love.Meg Ryan and her supporting actor,do an amazing job of showing how love can transcend through everything in life and in happiness, even with that already perfect boyfriend...It really is a great Romantic comedy to enjoy.