The Names of Love

102 minutes

France

Baya Benmahmoud, a young, extroverted liberal, lives by the old hippie slogan: "Make love, not war" to convert right-wing men to her left-wing political causes by sleeping with them. She seduces many and so far has received exceptional results -- until she meets Arthur Martin, a Jewish middle aged, middle-of-the road scientist. Bound by common tragic family histories (the Algerian War and Holocaust under Vichy), the duo improbably fall in love. Amid the bubbly amour, humorous lasciviousness and moments of sheer madness, filmmaker Michel Leclerc injects satirical riffs on such hot-button sociopolitical issues as Arab-Jewish relations, anti-Semitism, immigration, and racial and cultural identity.

85% on the CINEMETER

STL

87% - May 15, 2011

A profound and bittersweet portrayal of the many ways people try to cope with the painful secrets of their past. I loved it.
St. Louis Member

A bit of everything: sex, love, humor, tragedy, history, all in a good story.
St. Louis Member

A great ending to the series! Such serious issues presented in such a funny, delightful way.
St. Louis Member

75% - May 1, 2011

Sheer joy, of course, and a seduction into some very deep places.
Greater New Haven Member

Charming - Sara Forestier is a French Goldie Hawn.
Greater New Haven Member

A delightfully quirky way to end another terrific season.
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

May 15, 2011

ATL

94% - May 15, 2011

I am not sure I would ever have believed that a movie including the Holocaust, the Algerian War, preying on children, prostitution, deportations, class war, immigration and nuclear power would be funny. I wouldn't have believed it.
Atlanta Member

A brilliant comedy. For a film that has so many deep subjects being touched on, it holds together well while being incredibly funny.
Atlanta Member

This is one of the things I love most about being in this club! It is SO likely that this thoroughly enjoyable little masterpiece (thanks to its title, maybe?) would have passed under my radar screen.
Atlanta Member

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