The Housekeeper (2002)

77% of critics liked it
(60 reviews)
34% of users liked it
(187 ratings)

One of France's most respected filmmakers, Claude Berri here brings viewers the story of Jacques (Jean-Pierre Bacri) a middle-aged sound engineer whose wife has just left him. Living on his own for the first time in years, Jacques decides it's high time to clean up his life, literally and… More One of France's most respected filmmakers, Claude Berri here brings viewers the story of Jacques (Jean-Pierre Bacri) a middle-aged sound engineer whose wife has just left him. Living on his own for the first time in years, Jacques decides it's high time to clean up his life, literally and figuratively. In short order he hires Laura (Emilie Dequenne, a bright, vivacious young housekeeper, to bring order to his apartment. Laura's presence makes Jacques realize what has been missing from his life, and as their relationship evolves over the subsequent months, both Jacques and Laura gain uncomfortable knowledge of one another, and of themselves. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 31 min.
Directed By: Claude Berri
Written By: Claude Berri
Genres: Drama, Romance, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 1, 2003 Wide
On DVD: Nov 11, 2003
Studio: Palm Pictures

Critic Reviews

Susan Walker, Toronto Star
Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton make the life of a middle-aged single person look highly desirable. The Housekeeper doesn't deal in such delusions.
Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail
None of this is profoundly new, but the delicacy of the telling is well worth the experience.
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
With their reverse-chemistry, [Bacri and Dequenne are] so good together -- hot and hilarious simultaneously -- that you'd think they'd been a team for ages.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Berri makes very personal works about men who learn something about themselves rather late in life -- something important -- and The Housekeeper continues to analyze this very worthy theme.
Richard Nilsen, Arizona Republic
It's a slight film, well-acted by Bacri and Emilie Dequenne.
Eleanor Ringel Gillespie, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An acutely observed (and felt) essay on loneliness.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
I wouldn't want this Housekeeper around my house, but your mileage may vary.
Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
...possesses a shrewd understanding of the way human beings crave and pursue affection.
Matt Kelemen, Las Vegas CityLife
Dequenne fills the free-spirited role of Laura adequately enough. But there's precious little chemistry or understanding as to why she's attracted to Jacques...
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...a refreshing alternative to the myriad of overcranked stories churned out by Hollywood.
Jim Slotek, Jam! Movies
It's as if it's being told to you by a distracted middle-aged narrator who's looking at a beautiful college girl out of the corner of his eye.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Sells sex like how ice cream is hawked on a hot July day at the beach.
Marcy Dermansky, About.com
A lovely film about sadness and mess, both inside and out, and how we are able to make ourselves feel better - temporarily

Read all 13 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Wahida K

It is similar to the House Sitter, nothing special.
Mark A

A sweet bit of fluff. Very entertaining. May not be great movie making, but the characters are fully believable and the story progresses smoothly. Bittersweet ending may be a comment on the inevitable breakup of such May-December romances. Solid cast, beautiful scenery, minimal… More
A sweet bit of fluff. Very entertaining. May not be great movie making, but the characters are fully believable and the story progresses smoothly. Bittersweet ending may be a comment on the inevitable breakup of such May-December romances. Solid cast, beautiful scenery, minimal dialogue. Very entertaining, but not designed for thoughtful dissection or introspection. Enjoy this on a warm summers day, or even better, in the depth of winter. Enjoy it for what it is: a real trip to the beach, in more ways than one.
alan j

Nice decent tale of a middle age man meeting and having a relationship with a much younger, very pretty woman. A bit slow in spots, but pretty wistful by film's end. Small story told well.