French dramedy. Original title: La Pie Voleuse. AKA The Thieving Magpie
Maria works as a devoted home helper for elderly people in Marseille. She dreams of buying a piano for her grandson so he can become a great pianist. To pay for the expensive instrument, she starts stealing small amounts of money from the elderly clients she cares for. Her actions catch up to her when legal charges are brought against her for the abuse of vulnerable adults, all of whom adore her.
I couldn’t get through this one. It’s the sort of film that AARP places in its “movies for adults,” and by adults they mean the elderly. Totally lacking the healthy skepticism that often makes French films great, this film is more syrupy than a table at IHOP. It’s not a bad film if your taste has been Disneyfied, but 72-year-old director Robert Guédiguian has made much better ones.
