Ian
This is a sort of feel-good movie with aspirations of profundity and moralising (that seems to be a def fato inclusion for the Americans) although the source seems to be French (but I've not confirmed that).I'm being overly-picky (which comes of watching too many movies) but there's just a touch too many coincidences in it and although there are some 'light' moments, there are also some dark ones and I'm not sure that it truly qualifies as a 'comedy' unless they're also including 'odd moments of whimsy'.That aside, it's weird to see Simon Pegg in this role. and although he performs admirably, I'm not sure he's 100% suited to it. Him and Rosamund Pike? Well, stranger things have happened.But Pike is great and there's also Jean Reno - yay! - and Christopher Plummer in a cameo.I'm mainly being picky about the script but most folks won't notice. Yeah, go watch it. It's a bit of light fluff and may inspire you to,well, something. Or not...
dierregi
Simon Pegg is the titular Hector, a psychiatrist stuck in a pleasant rut, living a comfortable life in a beautiful apartment with hot girlfriend Clara (Pike), but still feeling inadequate to treat his patients.Hector decides to start a classic physical and metaphysical journey to discover what makes people happy. He leaves behind a shaky relationship and flies to China for some encounters with rich people and all that money can buy, followed by the inevitable meeting with a Buddhist monk.More traveling to Africa and Los Angeles brings Hector in contact with two old friends, both living happily, following their chosen path. Rather predictably Hector discovers that you could avoid going around the world searching for happiness, because it is not in the destination but in the pursuit. Also, that you'd better try to be happy in the moment because you don't know how long you have.Despite the oversimplified message, Pegg does a great job as Hector, playing his role with sensitivity. The scene with the terminal patient is particularly moving and not manipulative. I also liked the non excessive use of the notebook and Hector's childhood memories as visual complement.A remark about the Chinese "student": Hector is slightly naive and men tend to overestimate their attractiveness, but it is strange that Hector did not consider other motivations for the girl to join him in his room. Also, the gay angle felt sort of contrived. Otherwise, a perfect feel-good movie.
faisalfaves
It's like I been through a whole Experience of one's Happiness in the Life. True meaning to be Happy.I just loved the movie...!! You Must Watch it.Now Some of the best Notes from the movie, which I really loved."I'm not afraid. People who are afraid of death are afraid of life.""Everything was up for change. And he loved like he never loved before.""There a big difference between being here, and being here to be photographed being here.""Listening is loving.""Happiness is feeling completely alive.""Happiness is being loved for who you are.""Making comparisons can spoil your happiness."And the Last one I loved"Avoiding unhappiness is *not* the road to happiness."Enjoy Life... Be Happy :)
siderite
Simon Pegg was a brilliant choice for this movie and the whole film is almost perfect as reflected in my rating. Based on a book, the script is pretty bloody good and, while I am usually not a fan of touchy-feely wisdom-on-a-cup kind of things, I really enjoyed the movie.OK, sometimes it was a little bit too heavy handed and I believe that choosing an actor for the lead that didn't have Pegg's silly happy funny face could have doomed this film. As such, I wonder how have I not heard of this movie? Why is everyone talking about superheroes and no one about this film? Is it just because it is not an American film?I thought that the script juggled very well with the viewers expectations. Then there are Jean Reno's role, Rosamund Pike's - especially after Gone Girl, I know that this movie comes first, but the result of watching it now is quite unexpected - and, of course, Christopher Plummer - may he live forever. Quite small, but perfect in their value to the story.Bottom line: watch the film. It can't hurt and it can really help. Give it a try. It's not a new age hum and meditate thing, it's ... real? It feels so.
AD
