Culture

The Regent Theatre - Octagon
Friday 9 August 6.30pm
Tuesday 13 August 11am

This upstairs-downstairs drama/comedy was a break-out hit in France, closing on 1.2 million admissions and sparking a Latino remake that is currently in the works.

Set in present-day Paris, The Gilded Cage tells the story of vibrant middle-aged couple Maria and Jose Ribeiros, who emigrated from their home of Portugal when their children were very young. Maria works as a concierge for the building in which they live, where she can be seen polishing, gardening and taking care of the inhabitants even on her days off. Her husband, a respected construction foreman, is also an integral part of life in the Parisian building, and the people that live there have become highly dependent on, and fond of, the Ribeiros.

The Ribeiros’ dream of returning to Portugal is suddenly made possible when Jose inherits a contested family property, meaning that the they can retire early to the beautiful family home they have always hoped for. Ironically, the employers for whom Maria and Jose have been working tirelessly are the reason why they hesitate to leave – the people of the building rely so heavily on the Ribeiros that they cannot find it in their hearts to break the news.

The Gilded Cage is the debut feature film from director Ruben Alves, whose experience as a Portugese immigrant in France makes the film a personal one for him. He’s helped along by a wry and heartfelt script written by director and producer Hugo Gélin, and by former French Writer’s Guild head Jean-André Yerlès. The cast is huge, kooky and nameless, a welcome break from Hollywood’s tendency to throw the same handful of French actors at any film that requires a shot of sophistication.

Despite being a French/Portugese film, The Gilded Cage has themes and concerns that will resonate with a Kiwi audience. As a country full of immigrants (especially from Europe and Great Britain), many will understand the paradoxical feelings of wanting to return to where our family originated from, yet feeling at home in our current surroundings. This film centred on family, identity and friendship is set to be one of the Festival must-see “warm fuzzies.”