Director: Danile Thompson 
Cast: Cecile De France, Albert Dupontel, Valerie Lemercier, Claude Brasseur, Suzanne Flon 

This film is submitted by France for Oscar 2007 ! ;)

The official site 
see 
http://www.marsdistribution.com/xml/flash.html?cfilm=51720 

Synopsis: 
The story revolves around a girl who tries to make it big in Paris, a talented but unhappy pianist, a dramatic soap actress who yearns for cinematic casting, and an old man who tries to auction off his collections … and many other characters … Believe it or not, they are all there because a classical concert, a Feydeau play and an art collection auction are all happening around the area in Paris … 

My thoughts: 

-- The film opened great, with a voice over that narrates … how she loves diamonds, luxury, etc … and so she went to Paris … and decided to work for the Ritz … as a room cleaner … (Imagery: The screen gets lighted slowly, like diamonds … but they are actually the lights of Paris (aka The City of Lights …) 

… This opening also tied in remarkably with the ending scene … as the voice over narrates again … about daring to dream, and being risk taking … after all, it is your life! ;)

-- What really stood out has to be the "realism" of its portrayal of life and characters, even though the plot is not as fast pace … it is light hearted and casually paced … but as you watch the film, you start to feel for the characters and you start to ponder about life … it covers all themes … from family to friends, from career to likes, etc … it deals with the ironies of life, but it all celebrates life … it brings laughters as well as tears … 

… Although it is NOT one of those films that will grip you from the beginning till the end (i.e., with its plot), it is one of those films that will allow you to "experience" life with its characters, chew at it, think about it, laugh at it …  ;)

… and probably with a second viewing or more, you have a "new" realization … like "Les Choristes" and some other films, audience may or may not be gripped by it immediately … but at the end, they are most probably going to feel something for the film … 

-- If you find the story "contrived" (like in other films when they try to make all the characters somehow meet), at least go for the acting of the entire ensemble … they are all commendable, be it the "highly exaggerated" actress, the oppressed pianist, or the young girl, and the old grandmother, etc … they all carried their roles real well … 

Conclusion: 
Recommended. Will it make it to one of the 5 nominees in oscar?! Ha ha … maybe the french knows the voting americans (cf. Les Choristes) … a movie that "feels good" at the end … or more simply, a film about LIFE! 

… it has something that all of us can likely identify with … 

PS: To sum it all, life is like choosing an orchestra seat, you always want the best seat; you want to get closer to the stage, but sometimes you are too near for comfort, and to see the whole picture … 
;)