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Green Card [1990]


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Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review

In the delightful romantic comedy Green Card, Georges (Gérard Depardieu), a composer and one-time petty thief who grew up in poverty, attempts to escape his life in Paris and begin anew in America by illegally marrying Bronte (Andie MacDowell), a prim and repressed young lady from a privileged life in Connecticut. Bronte, who has agreed to the scheme for her own self-serving reasons, is exasperated when the Immigration & Naturalisation Service investigates their case, and she and Georges, whom she detests, must spend time together studying each other's lives to avoid disaster. The fallout is infinitely better handled than any run-of-the-mill Hollywood romantic comedy, and the very ending itself stops deliciously short of where Hollywood would feel compelled to drag the story. Fine performances are given by MacDowell, Depardieu--who is fiercely charming pounding the keyboard of a Steinway at an upper class Manhattan dinner party--and Bebe Neuwirth, who is perfect as an upper-class child turned artist who revels in her irresponsibility. --James McGrath, Amazon.com


Bona Fide or Sham Marriage?
Review date: 2008-02-02 Rating: 8 out of 10

This amusing romantic comedy stars the beautiful and talented Audie MacDowell who plays Bronte, a botanist and gardner, and the charming teddy-bear like Gerard Depardieu, who is a music composer but moonlights as a waiter until he hits the big time. Each with their own agenda, agree to a marriage of convenience and break the law. Bronte's purpose is to have enough money to continue her projects of creating gardens in the inner city for the disadvantaged. George's purpose is to obtain the coveted green card, since he arrived only on a visitor's visa. The unexpected twists and turns in this creative comedy provide great entertainment, making it a "must see" film ...

The Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) pull a surprise visit to spoil their plans ... Bronte had just moved into an exclusive apartment. She had been interviewd by the tenant's committe to whom she lied that her husband was in Africa, doing academic research on music of the region. George moves in with Bronte as they scheme how to outwit the INS who are investigating if theirs is a "real marriage" or a ruse to trick the government. When their personal habits clash - the two realize just how little they know about each other. They share personal information and create a detailed nonexistent past - to outwit the government agents. Gerard Depardieu is amazingly funny as he ad libs scenes inventing stories to cover up his fake husband role ... He is especially effective in scenes where Bronte meets her good friend Lauren, played by the ever dead-pan comedienne, Bebe Niewirth, who is intrigued by George. George does an outstanding performance to impress Lauren's parents at a dinner party in their home. He wins Bronte's affections due to his creativity. Even Bronte's parents are won over by George's antics. Bronte does all she can to make their relationship appear like her cover story: they are good friends from the past and he could not find a hotel, so she let him stay at her place. When Philip, her boyfriend enters the picture, the sparks begin to fly ...

The INS visit appears to go well ... with one exception. George had a hard time finding the bathroom when one agent heeded the call of nature. Another mandatory meeting is set up with Immigration Services. Bronte and George *really* get down to work, creating what they hope is a solid indisputable past, complete with photos of vacations together, skiing, sunning themselves and even dancing together. During these shared moments ... the two start developing stronger feelings for one another. The film has a realistic bitter sweet ending which leaves the viewer satisfied but craving more. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

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Reviews


A class above most other modern rom-coms
Review date: 2007-09-09 Rating: 6 out of 10

A very decent premise for a rom-com is nicely written, nicely directed, and very smartly played by the stars. Well, that's mainly Depardieu to be honest, but McDowell at least is well cast in her role. The ying-yang contrast of their polarised personalities is the source of most of the fun, and much of it is far more credible than is usually the case in rom-coms now. It's not too silly, certainly in plot line it is almost believable, and it's actually quite a mature example of the genre, and credit must go to the screenwriter. It also owes much of its class to the acting pedigree of the big nosed Frenchman. He brings the whole movie alive with his charisma and presence. It is a tad predictable, and some may even say a tad dull, by today's standard of rom-com, but I'd rather watch this more believable, more classy film than most of its modern day rivals. It reminded me somewhat of the old Cary Grant or Clark Gable rom-coms and very few other modern rom-coms do that. If there was any on screen chemistry at all between the two leads, then this would be a celebrated movie.

France and USA - Great Combination
Review date: 2007-05-26 Rating: 8 out of 10

For those looking for an offbeat, uplifting romantic comedy, this one fits the bill. Andie McDowell plays Bronte; she is a young city gardener who has her eye on a beautiful apartment with a greenhouse. The problem is she must be married in order to apply for it. Enter Gerard Depardieu. He plays an immigrant Frenchman looking to marry an American so he will have permanent residency status in the United States. A mutual friend arranges a paper marriage between the two. Bronte gets her apartment; Depardieu has what he wants, also. Unfortunately, the INS suspects it is a bogus marriage and the two have to "temporarily" move in together in order to prove their marriage is real. From the start, Bronte and her immigrant husband dislike each other. Yet, strange things can happen. This is a sweet story with plenty of laughs sprinkled throughout. McDowell looks stunning and Depardieu, despite carrying a lot of extra weight, charms and delights. Nice little touches, such as the scenes where the couple take fake photographs of their honeymoon, are prevalent. Take a chance on Green Card; it's guaranteed to give the viewer permanent smiling status. Just remember all the items in the bathroom..That's a spoiler in disguise.

very romantic film - a modern day beauty and the beast
Review date: 2006-06-17 Rating: 8 out of 10

There are not many French actors that are well remembered for their role in a Hollywood film but I think that Gerard Depardieu will be long-remembered for his part in Green Card.The events in this film are believable,the dialogue is lively and the acting of a high standard.The flat that Andie Macdowell lives in is probably only surpassed in its beauty by Macdowell herself who looks,as always,ravishing.Georges (Depardieu) is initially seen by Bronte (Macdowell)as a bit primitive and uncultured - someone who belongs in the garden/jungle that she has been entrusted to care for by a committee.As the film progresses her attitude to Georges changes and the prejudices she has against him disappear as she sees him for what he really is.

A Refreshing Surprise
Review date: 2005-09-26 Rating: 10 out of 10

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this film but I really did. The story is saved from cliche by a very surprising ending and superb acting throughout. I'm now off to see if there's a sequel ...

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Gérard Depardieu
Andie MacDowell
Robert Prosky
Gregg Edelman
Bebe Neuwirth

Creators:
Gérard Depardieu (Primary Contributor)
Andie MacDowell (Primary Contributor)
Geoffrey Simpson (Cinematographer)
Peter Weir (Producer)
Peter Weir (Writer)
Duncan Henderson (Producer)
Edward S. Feldman (Producer)
Ira Halberstadt (Producer)
Jean Gontier (Producer)

Director(s):

Recording label: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
EAN: 5017188884426
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-06-15
Number of discs: 1
Audience rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 102 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1991-01-11
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)

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