The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (re-released) 2004
Directed by
Jacques Demy
Plot Summary
In the picturesque coastal village of Cherbourg, Normandy, Madame Émery and her 17-year-old daughter Geneviève run a small umbrella shop, striving to make a living. Amidst their struggles, Guy, a devoted auto mechanic, prioritizes caring for his ailing aunt and godmother, Élise. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Geneviève and Guy are completely smitten with each other and dream of a future together, even naming their first child Françoise. However, lurking in the shadows is Madeleine, a reserved young woman who looks after Guy’s aunt while secretly harboring feelings for him.
As Guy prepares to face the Algerian War, he and Geneviève share an unforgettable passionate night, solidifying their love. Back in Cherbourg, Geneviève discovers she’s expecting and reaches out to Guy, but his replies are infrequent. Her mother pressures her to move on, convinced that Guy has forgotten her. Shortly afterward, she catches the attention of Roland Cassard, a thoughtful jeweler from Paris, who promises her stability despite her pregnancy. Interestingly, Roland had previously shown interest in the title character from Demy’s earlier film, Lola, and shares this tale with Madame Émery, encouraging Geneviève to prioritize a secure future over her passionate feelings.
Eventually, Geneviève ties the knot with Roland in an opulent cathedral, though her hesitance about the marriage is evident. Simultaneously, Guy returns from war, grappling with his traumatic experiences and struggling to adapt to life away from the battlefield. Following a fallout with his boss, he resigns and drowns his sorrows at a dingy bar, seeking solace with a prostitute. The next day, Madeleine brings him heart-wrenching news: his aunt Élise has died.
As Guy faces the repercussions of Geneviève’s absence coupled with his internal conflicts, he starts to piece his life back together, aided by Madeleine’s support. With his inheritance, he opens a modern “American-style” gas station, signaling a new chapter. Although Madeleine agrees to marry him, she can’t help but wonder if his feelings are genuine or just a fallout from losing Geneviève.
On a chilly Christmas Eve, four years later, Guy and Madeleine—along with their adorable son François—find themselves cozily situated in their gas station. As Madeleine and François head to visit Santa Claus, a sleek sedan pulls up, revealing Geneviève, now radiating elegance in her mink coat. She is accompanied by Françoise, their lovely daughter.
When Geneviève steps out, Guy warmly invites her into his office, and they share a significant conversation as a diligent attendant services her car. Geneviève mentions this being her first visit back to Cherbourg since her marriage and sorrowfully informs him about her mother’s recent passing. When asked if he wishes to meet his daughter, Guy calmly declines.
As their conversation winds down, Geneviève prepares to leave. She pauses in the cold, adjusting her collar against the chill, and throws one last lingering look at Guy before stepping into the night. With Françoise comfortably seated in her car, she drives off into the wintry landscape.
Meanwhile, Madeleine emerges from her visit to Santa Claus, joined by François, and is greeted with a loving kiss from Guy. After a playful snowball fight, Guy scoops up their son and follows Madeleine inside, where they joyfully bask in the warmth of their home.
Timeline
Introduction to Cherbourg
In the charming coastal village of Cherbourg, Normandy, life unfolds for Madame Émery and her daughter Geneviève. They own a small umbrella shop, navigating the challenges of daily life while striving to make a living amidst the picturesque setting.
Geneviève and Guy's Romance
Geneviève, despite her mother's disapproval, falls deeply in love with Guy, a dedicated auto mechanic. Their love blossoms with dreams of a future together, culminating in their aspirations to name their first child Françoise.
The Algerian War Approaches
As Guy prepares to leave for the Algerian War, he shares a passionate night with Geneviève, solidifying their bond. This moment becomes a bittersweet memory as their paths head toward uncertainty.
Geneviève's Pregnancy
Back in Cherbourg, Geneviève discovers she is pregnant and reaches out to Guy, hoping for support. However, his infrequent replies lead her mother to pressure her into moving on, fearing he has forgotten her.
Roland Enters the Picture
Geneviève catches the attention of Roland Cassard, a thoughtful jeweler from Paris. He promises her stability during her pregnancy, enticing her with the idea of a secure future despite her lingering feelings for Guy.
Geneviève Marries Roland
In a lavish ceremony at a cathedral, Geneviève marries Roland, although her doubts about the union are apparent. This decision marks a significant turn in her life as she chooses security over passion.
Guy Returns from War
After serving in the war and dealing with traumatic memories, Guy returns to Cherbourg struggling to find his place. He faces personal challenges while attempting to adjust back to civilian life.
Tragic News
Guy's life takes a turn for the worse when he is informed by Madeleine that his beloved aunt Élise has passed away. This devastating news compounds his feelings of loss and confusion after returning from war.
New Beginnings
With the inheritance from his aunt, Guy starts anew by opening a modern gas station, symbolizing a fresh chapter in his life. Despite Madeleine's willingness to marry him, Guy grapples with his lingering emotions for Geneviève.
Family Christmas Eve
Four years later, on Christmas Eve, Guy is seen with Madeleine and their son François at their gas station. This moment captures the warmth of their family life contrasts with the past's unresolved emotions.
Geneviève's Unexpected Visit
As they celebrate the holiday, Geneviève arrives unexpectedly, now elegantly dressed, and accompanied by their daughter Françoise. This surprising reunion brings a rush of emotions for Guy as he confronts his past.
Confronting the Past
In a heartfelt conversation, Guy and Geneviève reminisce about their past, revealing their emotional wounds and the choices they made. Geneviève shares the sorrowful news of her mother's passing, deepening the emotional weight of their reunion.
A Distant Farewell
As the conversation comes to an end, Geneviève prepares to leave, stealing one last look at Guy in a moment filled with nostalgia and longing. This poignant gesture encapsulates the unresolved feelings between them.
Joyful Family Moments
After Geneviève departs, Madeleine returns from her time with Santa Claus and shares a loving reunion with Guy. They engage in playful interactions with their son, emphasizing the awareness of their family's warmth amidst past choices.
Reflections on Love and Choices
The Christmas evening concludes with Guy and Madeleine enjoying their family time, providing a sense of closure to their story. However, the memories of Geneviève linger, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
Characters
Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve)
Geneviève is a spirited young woman who is deeply in love with Guy. Her character showcases the struggle between passion and duty, particularly as she faces her mother's insistence on a more secure life. Throughout the film, Geneviève exhibits resilience in the face of adversity, yet remains haunted by her past love.
Guy (Nino Castelnuovo)
Guy is a devoted auto mechanic who embodies loyalty and passion. His character evolves significantly throughout the film, grappling with the challenges of love, war, and loss. Despite his tough exterior, Guy struggles internally as he comes to terms with the emotional repercussions of his choices.
Madeleine (Anne Vernon)
Madeleine is a nurturing character who cares for Guy's aunt and quietly harbors feelings for Guy. Her personality is marked by a sense of duty, yet she battles with her insecurities regarding Guy's past love. Madeleine represents the stability and safety that contrasts with Geneviève's passionate relationship with Guy.
Setting
Time period
1960s
The film is set in the early 1960s, a time of significant socio-political changes, including the backdrop of the Algerian War. This period influenced the characters' lives, intertwined with feelings of love, war, and loss. The shifting dynamics of relationships against the changing world lend depth to their emotional experiences.
Location
Cherbourg
Cherbourg is a picturesque coastal village located in Normandy, France, known for its charming streets and vibrant seaside atmosphere. The village serves as the backdrop for the film, reflecting both the beauty and the emotional turmoil of its characters. Its umbrella shop symbolizes the daily struggles of the inhabitants, while also hinting at their aspirations.
Themes
❤️
Love
Love is the central theme of the movie, showcased through Geneviève and Guy's passionate romance. Their relationship endures many challenges, including distance and societal pressures, illustrating the complexity of love amidst changing circumstances. As they navigate their feelings for each other and their obligations, the theme of love remains poignant throughout.
💔
Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative, notably through the deaths of significant characters and the emotional distance created by war. Guy's separation from Geneviève, along with the loss of his aunt, impacts his ability to heal and move on. This theme serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made during tumultuous times.
🔄
Change
Change is evident in both characters' lives as they evolve through their experiences. Geneviève transforms from a hopeful young lover to a mother seeking security, while Guy's return from war forces him to reevaluate his past choices. The film poignantly illustrates how life alters their paths, emphasizing the inevitability of change.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.