French Kiss Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman with severe lactose intolerance and a fear of flying chases her cheating fiancé to France, only to find love with a charming thief who makes her ass twitch.

🍿 French Kiss: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Fateful Phone Call

Kate (Meg Ryan) and Charlie (Timothy Hutton) are a devoted couple with a meticulously planned future. However, their idyllic world is shattered when Charlie travels to Paris for a medical convention. He unexpectedly calls Kate to confess his love for another woman, Juliette, and ends their engagement, leaving Kate heartbroken and determined to win him back.

Overcoming Fear and Meeting Luc

Despite her crippling fear of flying, Kate bravely boards a plane to Paris, determined to salvage her relationship. On the flight, she encounters Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline), a charming yet roguish Frenchman. Unbeknownst to Kate, Luc is a petty thief using her as an unwitting accomplice to smuggle a stolen necklace and a grapevine cutting through customs.

A Chaotic Pursuit Begins

Upon arrival in Paris, Kate’s bag, containing the stolen necklace and the grapevine, is stolen. This sets off a frantic chase across France, with Kate and Luc reluctantly joining forces. Luc is desperate to recover the necklace, while Kate remains focused on winning back Charlie. Their journey takes them from Paris to Cannes, encountering various obstacles and comical situations.

Unexpected Feelings Emerge

As Kate and Luc spend more time together, their initial animosity gradually transforms into affection. Luc’s playful charm and unconventional perspective begin to chip away at Kate’s rigid plans. Meanwhile, Kate’s genuine kindness and determination touch Luc’s heart, leading them to question their initial goals and consider a different future.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kate (Meg Ryan): A neurotic and risk-averse woman who overcomes her fear of flying to win back her fiancé, ultimately finding love elsewhere.
• Luc Teyssier (Kevin Kline): A charming and opportunistic French thief who uses Kate to smuggle goods but develops genuine feelings for her.
• Charlie (Timothy Hutton): Kate’s fiancé who impulsively breaks off their engagement for another woman, setting the plot in motion.
• Inspector Jean-Paul Cardon (Jean Reno): A police inspector who is also an acquaintance of Luc, adding a layer of complication to Luc’s criminal activities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kate: “Happy, smile. Sad, frown. Use the corresponding face with the corresponding emotion. But no. You want this mysterious…” – Kate expresses her frustration with Luc’s attempt to be enigmatic and ‘French’ when she prefers straightforwardness.
• Luc: “I want you… I want you…” – Luc confesses his growing feelings for Kate, after initially only wanting her help to recover the stolen necklace.
• Kate: “You’ll become one of those hunchbacked, lonely old men, sitting in the corner of a crowded café, mumbling to yourself, ‘My ass is twitching. You people make my ass twitch’.” – Kate delivers this line to Luc in a moment of frustration, highlighting cultural differences and his annoying behavior.
• Luc: “All men are bastards…but I am not one of them” – Luc comforts Kate, who says all men are bastards in distress, after her fiance had broken up with her

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $38,896,854
• Worldwide Gross: $101,982,854

💥 French Kiss Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched ‘French Kiss’ again last night, and I have to say, it still holds up! Kevin Kline is hilarious as Luc, and his “Frenchman” act is just too good. There is the scene where she’s sitting down and talking to Charlie in the hotel lobby after she gets off the plane, you can see his hotel room door right behind her, and the number is 302. Then the scene where she faints and drops all of her stuff, when she looks up at the door again to see what room he’s in, the door is behind her, and the number is now 201. I know it is a small thing, but I noticed it and it cracked me up. But all in all, it’s the perfect feel-good movie when you need a good laugh and a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are unplanned.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy light-hearted romantic comedies.”
  • “Anyone who appreciates films set in beautiful locations like Paris and the French countryside.”
  • “People looking for an easy-to-watch, feel-good movie.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language.”
  • “Suggestive humor.”
  • “Some thematic elements involving petty theft and infidelity.”

Professional Reviews

• Entertainment Weekly: “French Kiss coasts on the charm of its leads, particularly Kevin Kline, whose comedic timing and surprisingly convincing French accent elevate the predictable plot. Meg Ryan is her usual effervescent self, though the film leans a bit too heavily on her quirky persona.
• The New York Times: “While Kline steals the show with his portrayal of a mischievous Frenchman, the film’s reliance on tired romantic comedy tropes ultimately hinders its potential. Ryan’s character feels underdeveloped, and the narrative meanders without a strong sense of purpose.
• Variety: “French Kiss is a delightful rom-com that works well in its genre, offering charming performances, scenic European locations and a story that is both predictable and heartwarming. Kline has delivered a great performance.

Audience Reactions

Kevin Kline’s portrayal of Luc is hilarious and endearing.: Viewers consistently praise Kline’s comedic performance and his surprisingly convincing French accent.

The film’s picturesque French settings enhance the romantic atmosphere.: The beautiful scenery of France contributes significantly to the film’s overall charm and appeal.

Overall Consensus: French Kiss is a lighthearted romantic comedy carried by strong performances, particularly Kevin Kline. It is a bit predictable but enjoyable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The role of Luc was originally written with Gérard Depardieu in mind.”
• “Filming took place in various locations across France, including Paris, Cannes, and the Provence region.”
• “Kevin Kline worked with a dialect coach to perfect his French accent for the role of Luc.”

🖥️ How to Watch French Kiss?

French Kiss is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services or for potential broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed French Kiss, you might like these similar films:

• A Good Year (2006): Features an American protagonist inheriting a French vineyard and finding romance amidst the picturesque scenery, similar to the eventual outcome of ‘French Kiss’.
• Before Sunrise (1995): Another romantic film released the same year, it also involves a chance encounter between two strangers traveling in Europe who form a deep connection.
• Under the Tuscan Sun (2003): A woman impulsively buys a villa in Tuscany hoping it will lead to a change in her life, a similar theme of personal discovery and romance in a foreign country.
• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988): A comedy involving charming rogues on the French Riviera, sharing the element of con artists and humor set in luxurious European locations.

🛒 French Kiss Related Products

• French Kiss (Blu-ray): High-definition Blu-ray edition of French Kiss, perfect for collectors and fans looking for the best possible viewing experience. Enjoy the movie in enhanced visual and audio quality.
• French Kiss: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: The original soundtrack featuring classics like ‘La Mer’ performed by Kevin Kline, and ‘I Love Paris’ by Ella Fitzgerald. A perfect way to relive the romantic ambiance of the film.
• French Vineyard Tour in Provence: Book a tour of vineyards in Provence, France, inspired by Luc’s dream in the movie. Explore the beautiful countryside, taste local wines, and experience the charm of rural France.
• Set of French Cheeses: Enjoy a selection of artisanal French cheeses like Kate enjoyed on the train! Recreate the experience from the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

French Kiss features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “La Mer” – performed by Kevin Kline
• “I Love Paris” – performed by Ella Fitzgerald
• “Dream a Little Dream of Me” – performed by The Beautiful South

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Cry-Baby (1990) : How to French Kiss Scene

Remember that awkward but kinda cute ‘first time’ scene in Cry-Baby? This is it! Check out Johnny Depp teaching Amy Locane how to French Kiss – classic!

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