Liebe und andere Turbulenzen (Girl on a Bicycle)
Germany 2013

Opening 7 Mar 2013

Directed by: Jeremy Leven
Writing credits: Jeremy Leven
Principal actors: Vincenzo Amato, Nora Tschirner, Paddy Considine, Louise Monot, Kellie Shirley

Although this flick has its moments, writer/director Jeremy Leven “borrows” heavily – Greta’s “crying” scene smacks of Sally’s faking an orgasm in When Harry Met Sally – to achieve comedic interest throughout his tired screenplay. Driving busloads of tourists through Paris, Paolo’s (Vincenzo Amato) spiel invariably contrasts Paris with his birthplace Rome, which is naturally grander. After proposing to Greta (Nora Tschirner), his girlfriend of three years and a German flight stewardess, he inadvertently sees Cécile (Louise Monot). A single Parisian mother supporting two youngsters from modeling, she maneuvers between assignments on her bike. Totally infatuated, Paolo seeks counsel from best friend Derek (Paddy Considine). Driven, Paolo causes Cécile’s mishap and consequently tends to her and children Julian (Alexander Boden) and Claire (Fanny Scherer), thus arousing Greta’s suspicion. Greta turns to friend and confidant Francois (Stéphane Debac) for advice; proceeding predictably, the ending is equally unsurprising.

Visual Parisian delights accompanied by energetic melodious music from Robert Fraisse (cinematography) and Craig Richey (original music) boost this film’s stature, as well as Boden and Scherer’s engaging performances. Equally delightful is Andrea Bocelli’s singing his "Time to Say Goodbye" (Con te partirò) with Paolo in the plane. Which help excuse the corny scenes, nationality generalizations, and the selfishness portrayed by Paolo and Greta toward their friends. Produced in English, perhaps in the process of translating and dubbing wit and nuances were lost. However that does not excuse the film’s inherent triteness. (Marinell Haegelin)