Memories (2014 film)

Plot

While 23 years old nightporter Romain Esnart dreams about writing a great novel his father becomes a pensioner. Romain's father Michel doesn't like his new life and neither does his wife Nathalie like to have him around moping all the time. When Romain's 85 years old grandmother Madeleine runs away from a retirement home, the family friction is rocketing. Eventually Romain receives a postcard from Madeleine who visits Normandy. He borrows his father's car and joins her. As he learns she once attended a certain school when she was a little girl. Thanks to an understanding female young teacher she is allowed to get to know the pupils who are now as old as she was when she had to leave back then. Yet in the end it turns out that all this joy has been too exciting for her health. Time has come for Romain to say adieu.

Production

The film premiered at the "Festival du film francophone d'Angoulême" on 23 August 2014. Annie Cordy and the entire crew received a standing-ovation at the end of the projection.

On 5 October 2014, the film was also screened at the Festival International du Film Francophone de Namur, where it was also praised by the audience. On 11 October 2014, the film was screened at the "Festival International du Film de Saint Jean de Luz".

Reception

The Hollywood Reporter's Jordan Mintzer judged Les Souvenirs as a "pleasant" film and described it as easygoing "family dramedy".
A number of French celebrities including journalist Yves Bigot, and TV host Daniela Lumbroso suggested on social media Annie Cordy should be awarded a César Award for her performance as Madeleine. Cordy went on to receive a nomination for Best Actress at the 6th Magritte Awards.