A period piece set in contemporary France and early 19th century Europe 24 heures de la vie d'une femme is a film that offers an unusual and highly entertaining narrative. The director of the film, Laurent Bouhnik, has chosen to have not one, not two, but three separate stories told simultaneously and surprisingly they all work exceptionally well. The first story is indeed set at the French Riviera where Michel Serrault's character encounters the nineteen years old Olivia. Shortly after, Bouhnik transports us in the beginning of the century where we see young Louis undergoing a major crisis while being silently seduced by the charm and aristocratic manners of a much older woman (a stunningly beautiful Agnes Jaoui). Louis is visibly shattered by his mother's affair with an Italian man who has been serving his family as a tennis instructor. At the same time in an attempt to explain the actions of Louis's mother Agnes Jaoui's character will take us on another journey recalling her unfortunate affair with a Polish soldier she befriended while visiting a famous casino.

24 heures de la vie d'une femme is certainly a film where style meets a great does of substance. I was quite surprised to read some of the extremely negative reviews the film received from French journalists and to be honest with you having seen Bouhnik's work three times I believe that it is certainly a most rewarding experience. The budget that was provided for this TV adaptation of Zweig's novel is without a doubt allowing for plenty of detail which especially during the second part of the film is rather exceptional. The posh casino on the French Riviera, the stunningly beautiful dresses that Agnes Jaoui wears, the Italian-style villa where Bouhnik sets his final story, everything in 24 heures de la vie d'une femme has been given a great deal of attention.

Aside from the impressive camera work 24 heures de la vie d'une femme also offers a very interesting structure for its narrative where three different stories are being intertwined providing an unusual charm to this film. I was surprised to read that many saw this as an approach diminishing the appeal of the film since all of the flashbacks involving Louis' character had quite the opposite effect on me. I loved the fact that the story was not a one-dimensional journey to a sugary happy ending where the viewer is put to sleep with a big smile on his/her face. On the opposite Bouhnik's film adaptation of Zweig's book most certainly defies the general concept of "made-for-TV" product.

There are two reasons why I enjoyed this film and strongly recommend that you consider it for your library. First of all, it is the excellent cinematography that reveals a side from the French Riviera one is almost impossible to disregard. As far as I am concerned the beautiful beaches, impressive decors, and a stunningly beautiful Agnes Jaoui are not to be missed. Second of all, this is a great romantic story told in three chapters--an older man and a younger woman find themselves attracted to each other yet they are unsure why; an older woman revealing to a younger man that love could be very disappointing; and a young couple faced with a difficult decision which is soon to determine their fate--it is the classic circle of love, with all of its glamour, with all of its drama…splendid!!