Changing Times 2006
Directed by
André Téchiné
Made by
Koch Lorber Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Changing Times (2006). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Antoine, a prosperous French civil engineer, embarks on a journey to Tangiers primarily to oversee the construction of a media center, but deep down, his true intention is to reconnect with his first love, Cécile. After discovering Cécile’s residence in Tangiers, Antoine anonymously sends her a bouquet of roses daily at the radio station where she hosts her French-Arabic show, unaware that Cécile is indifferent to her mysterious admirer. Cécile, who had married soon after her affair with Antoine, found herself divorced before marrying Nathan, a younger Moroccan Jewish doctor.
Antoine has meticulously tracked the time since they last met—31 years, 8 months, and 20 days—and his desire to rekindle their romance drives him to Morocco. Having remained unmarried, he enlists Nabila, his Moroccan aide, to explore the intriguing possibility of using witchcraft to win Cécile’s heart back. Fate intervenes when Antoine and Cécile serendipitously encounter each other in a supermarket, leading to an unfortunate incident where Antoine injured his nose by walking into a glass window. Nathan, being with Cécile at the time, swiftly comes to his aide.
Coinciding with Antoine’s arrival, Cécile and Nathan’s son, Sami, comes to visit Tangiers along with his girlfriend Nadia and her young son Saïd. Sami often leaves the pair alone, opting to meet his Moroccan boyfriend Bilal instead. Their relationship rekindles as Bilal embraces Sami’s indecision. Meanwhile, Nadia yearns to reconnect with her twin sister Aïcha, a conservative observant Muslim who works in a fast-food joint and ignores Nadia’s attempts to meet. Eventually, Nathan uncovers Nadia’s struggle with prescription pills, prompting Sami to consider returning to Paris.
Cécile, now a woman with cold demeanor, suppresses her youthful aspirations and wrestles with a life filled with dissatisfaction. Her marriage to Nathan is far from perfect; Nathan’s stalled career is exacerbated by his infidelity. With encouragement from her friend Rachel, Cécile reluctantly acknowledges Antoine’s advances, suggesting a fleeting romance rather than a lifelong commitment. As they share an intimate moment, Antoine’s hopes seem to finally flourish, just as despair looms on the horizon. Shortly thereafter, a catastrophic incident at Antoine’s construction site leaves him in a coma, with Cécile by his side throughout his recovery.
The separation between Cécile and Nathan follows Nathan’s relocation to Casablanca for work, rumored to have ignited a relationship with Aïcha. Meanwhile, Bilal grapples with the decision of whether to join Sami in Paris. Months pass, and during one of Cécile’s hospital visits, Antoine awakens from his coma, leading to a poignant moment as their hands intertwine, rekindling a flicker of hope in their complex love story.
Timeline
Track the key events of Changing Times (2006) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Antoine's Decision to Visit Tangiers
Antoine, a successful civil engineer from France, decides to embark on a journey to Tangiers. His primary motivation is to oversee the construction of a media center, but deep down, he longs to reconnect with his first love, Cécile, whom he hasn't seen in over three decades.
Daily Romantic Gestures
Upon discovering where Cécile lives in Tangiers, Antoine begins to anonymously send her a bouquet of roses every day. Unbeknownst to him, Cécile remains indifferent to her mysterious admirer, unaware that the gestures are coming from her long-lost love.
Cécile's Marital Journey
After her affair with Antoine, Cécile quickly married but then found herself divorced. She eventually married Nathan, a younger Moroccan Jewish doctor, revealing a complicated love life that's left her feeling a bit emotionally distanced.
The Countdown
Antoine meticulously counts the days since he last saw Cécile, which totals **31 years, 8 months, and 20 days**. This obsessiveness underlines his deep emotional connection to Cécile and intensifies his desire to win her back during his trip.
Cultural Exploration and Witchcraft
To enhance his chances of rekindling romance with Cécile, Antoine seeks the assistance of Nabila, his Moroccan aide. They explore the intriguing possibility of using witchcraft, showcasing Antoine's desperate yearning to regain Cécile's affection.
The Supermarket Encounter
In a twist of fate, Antoine and Cécile unexpectedly meet at a supermarket. However, their encounter takes a comical turn as Antoine accidentally injures his nose by walking into a glass window, drawing concerned attention from Cécile and her husband Nathan.
Sami's Visit
Coinciding with Antoine's arrival, Cécile and Nathan's son, Sami, visits Tangiers with his girlfriend Nadia and her young son Saïd. Sami often leaves Nadia and Saïd behind to pursue his relationship with his Moroccan boyfriend, Bilal.
Nadia's Connection with Her Sister
Nadia expresses a strong desire to reconnect with her twin sister Aïcha, who leads a conservative life and works at a fast-food joint. Aïcha's indifference to Nadia's outreach highlights the strain in their relationship, which remains unresolved.
Nathan's Discovery
Nathan learns about Nadia's struggles with prescription pills, which causes concern for Sami. This revelation prompts Sami to contemplate returning to Paris, bringing tension to the family dynamics during their time in Tangiers.
Cécile's Inner Turmoil
Cécile, now jaded and unfulfilled, grapples with her life of dissatisfaction alongside Nathan. As their relationship deteriorates, she reflects on lost aspirations yet finds herself drawn to Antoine's attentions, complicating her emotional landscape.
The Fleeting Romance
Encouraged by her friend Rachel, Cécile begins to entertain the idea of a brief romance with Antoine. They share an intimate moment that brings both hope and despair, encapsulating the complexity and fragility of their rekindled connection.
The Construction Site Tragedy
Tragedy strikes when an accident occurs at Antoine's construction site, resulting in a serious injury that leaves him in a coma. Cécile remains by his side throughout his recovery, showcasing her loyalty despite the complexities of their relationship.
Nathan's Move to Casablanca
Following the accident, Nathan relocates to Casablanca for work, which contributes to the growing distance between him and Cécile. Rumors circulate that Nathan's new life has sparked a relationship with Aïcha, complicating Cécile's emotional state further.
Bilal's Dilemma
Amidst the unfolding drama, Bilal grapples with his own decision of whether to follow Sami to Paris. His internal conflict mirrors the larger themes of love, choice, and identity that intertwine throughout the story.
Antoine Awakens
Months later, during one of Cécile's hospital visits, Antoine surprisingly awakens from his coma. Their hands intertwine in a poignant moment, reigniting a flicker of hope for their future amidst the complexities of their shared history.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Changing Times (2006) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Antoine
Antoine is a prosperous French civil engineer whose deep-seated love for Cécile drives him back to Morocco after decades apart. His character embodies longing and nostalgia, revealing a man grappling with unresolved feelings. Despite his success, Antoine's solitary life hints at his emotional struggles and his determination to reclaim a lost love.
Cécile
Cécile is a complex character, portrayed as cold and dissatisfied despite her outward appearances. Once vibrant and filled with dreams, her experiences and marriage to Nathan have dulled her spirit. Her interactions with Antoine reveal her internal conflicts, as she balances her past feelings with her current life circumstances.
Nathan
Nathan is depicted as Cécile's husband, a young Moroccan Jewish doctor whose career struggles and infidelity reveal the tensions within their marriage. He represents the complexities of modern relationships and the challenges of navigating cultural differences. His protective nature towards Cécile complicates Antoine's attempts to reconnect.
Sami
Sami, Cécile and Nathan's son, grapples with his identity and desires amidst familial expectations and romantic relationships. His storyline explores themes of acceptance and belonging, especially in the context of his relationship with Bilal. Sami's internal struggle reflects the broader generational conflicts faced by young adults today.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Changing Times (2006), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
Present Day
The story unfolds in contemporary times, showcasing the complexities of modern relationships and the emotional struggles of its characters. This period sees a blend of traditional and modern influences, especially within Moroccan society, reflecting societal norms and personal choices that shape the characters' lives.
Location
Tangiers, Casablanca
Tangiers is a bustling port city in Morocco, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant streets. It serves as a backdrop for international influences, often seen as a meeting point between Europe and Africa. Casablanca, another major Moroccan city, is known for its modern business district and historic architecture, often symbolizing romantic dreams and aspirations.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Changing Times (2006). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Lost Love
The theme of lost love permeates the narrative as Antoine's longing for Cécile drives the plot. Their past relationship symbolizes the wistfulness of missed opportunities and unfulfilled desires. The story explores how time and circumstances can transform love, leading to both reconciliation and heartache.
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Time and Memory
Time plays a crucial role in the film, as Antoine meticulously counts the years since his last meeting with Cécile. This theme highlights how memory can linger and shape our actions and emotions. The characters navigate the weight of their past decisions while confronting the reality of their present lives.
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Connection
The quest for connection is central to the characters' journeys, whether it's Antoine's yearning for Cécile or Sami's search for his identity through relationships. The film examines the complexities of familial bonds, friendships, and romantic entanglements, emphasizing the human need for companionship and understanding.
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