Four generations of Oppenheim men gather in Paris for Isaac's 90th birthday. He's "Romeo," still a lady's man, waiting to hear from a woman to whom he has proposed, threatening suicide if she says no. They gather at Isaac's grandson's, Ben, who lives with Peggy and their son Mathias who's 10. Joining them, from Israel, is Isaac's son Elie. Against a backdrop of Elie's attempts to call his ex-wife, Ben and Peggy's marital difficulties, Mathias's budding sexuality, everyone's love of chess and practical jokes, Ben's house (shifting dangerously on its foundation), and the twentieth-century struggles of the Jews, the film explores their relationships and Isaac's aging.
Reviews
French leading man Victor Lanoux stars in this great French comedy about the things that make every family uniquely different. Four generations of Male Oppenheims gather to celebrate the birthday of a senile great Grandfather. What ensues is a reunion of eccentricities quite unbelievable for one family.Jane Birkin is as sexy as ever in this film. Star Victor Lanoux is pretty well known in France, but his only Hollywood Credit is a brief appearance in 'National Lampoon's European Vacation'. Director Peter Kassovitz who made 'Jacob the Liar' w/ Robin Williams, and also did a excellent segment for French t.v. series of Patricia Highsmith's Stories called 'TALES', shows his subtle genius in constructing this film. The French version is the only one too watch, because in the international dubbed version is slightly butchered in dialogue.