Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle

Four scenes in the evolution of a friendship, in each of which we see character differences leading to a potential for conflict that in more conventional films would become the narrative focus, but here are just opportunities to take the next step in forging a lasting bond. Rohmer's moral philosophy may sometimes be considered minor or insular, avoiding larger questions addressed by more "political" directors, but his aim is different: to involve us in a process by which we first begin to think.

What at first appears to be one of Rohmer's most minor and unassuming films (a sort of kid sister to The Green Ray, so to speak) gradually reveals itself to be, if anything, one of his most morally precise. That is to say, whereas each of his six Moral Tales was essentially devoted to a single idea, here each scene is essentially it's own discreet, self-contained moral parable/quandary (overall presented beautifully). The film seems to sort of just stop rather than end, but so it goes.

Not the best Rohmer, but it's still a lot of fun and, except for a few parts, has good dialogue driving it. Mirabelle is a great character and while I found Reinette to be a bit annoying the contrast and interplay between them was very well done. In terms of production quality, though, this is one of Rohmer's most mediocre efforts. The shots were pretty drab and the credit sequences are unbearably 80's complete with bad synthesizer music. It's not hard to get over, but it's no help to the film.

Viewed September 13, 2020.

Straight up funniest Rohmer?

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Waiters just don't understand

Great Movie

Typical of Rohmer's films, this is a lightly amusing but deceptively deep little film masquerading behind a veneer of triviality. Reinette and Mirabelle's "adventures" are all very small scale, but they lead to witty and literate discussions of philosophy and ethics. It's talky, but far from a slog ... an absolute delight.

Rohmer's Unfinished Tales: First two adventures reminded me of The Green Ray of Rohmer and The Nazi Soup of Seinfeld. Stories could be better if they were longer. 4/5.