Summer Hours - 2008 ***

I was first attracted to this film by the cover picture, and am captivated by French films set in the countryside or in the Summer months ( France does Summer so much better than Britain does!) and so didn't really know much about the story. The film is basically centred around a family who have to put their past behind them when it comes to sorting out the estate and possessions of their recently deceased mother and it takes place during those gorgeous summer months where it is light until 10 at night. The film moves at a gentle pace, and there is no violence which I praised ( although the odd reference to drugs). Binoche looks about 10 years younger which is disturbing as this was only made 3 years ago but she still puts in a fine performance. I didn't dislike this film, because to be honest there wasn't anything to dislike about it, but it wasn't one that leapt out at me like a Bergman might either.