Just For Lookin' Thru

  Widowed Walter is a dry old stick. He returns to his long empty New York apartment and finds it occupied by an immigrant couple. Afraid of being deported, they leave, but Walter takes pity on them and invites them to stay. Young, handsome Syrian, Tarek and his energetic Senegalese girlfriend, Zainab, offer a contrast to the academic, lapsed writer whose life has ground to a halt. Zainab barely tolerates almost lifeless Walter but Tarek is kind, encourages Walter to play the drum and their friendship develops. When Tarek is arrested and detained, Walter’s reawakened affections motivate him to help the couple. Tarek’s mother arrives and Walter’s desiccated heart warms even more. Attractive, educated, cultured immigrants engage all Walter’s sympathies but these attributes cut no ice with official policy. Faced with the cold, impenetrable US immigration system, Walter’s passion fails to save his new friend, but he uses his love of music to keep alive Tarek’s...

Refreshing and funny, Audrey Tautou plays Irène, a scheming gold digger, who mistakes a poor waiter for a wealthy businessman. Passive, slightly depressed Jean (Gad Elmaleh) plays along, false prince to her false darling. When he is exposed as a fraud, Irène reveals her true colours. No darling but a shrewd materialistic manipulator, she bleeds Jean dry, dumps him and sets off in search of a new sugar daddy. Unable to shake off jobless, homeless and lovelorn Jean, the pair become allies and Irène coaches Jean in his new role as gigolo to a rich woman. Each has something to teach the other. In this world of grand hotels, chic boutiques and luxury, their collusion brings them closer. Set in the sunny, glamorous South of France, this charming romantic comedy takes a wry look at the vain and superficial, and Irène and Jean’s attempts to survive amongst the rich and idle.