Paris 36 (Faubourg 36)

"Schematically scripted tale revels in its multiple story arcs, but shows signs of battle fatigue in the later reels."

"Lacking the vital quirkiness of Amélie, and saddled with banal if perky musical numbers, it soon feels predictable despite tip-top ensemble playing and Tom (Changeling) Stern’s sweeping cinematography."

"So shameless in its pandering, sentimental vision of Frenchness as to constitute something of a national embarrassment."

"It's pleasant and amusing. If I had seen it before I was born, I would have loved it."

"French director Christophe Barratier has bought into the romantic notion of how a stage show comes together but he also wants to force-feed us great lumps of reality."

"They don't make movies like this anymore."

"Paris 36 has a beguilingly authentic sound and offers a blend of impassioned sentiment and harsh, even brutal grit"

"The movie is almost rescued by the wonderful 1930's style songs (written by Reinhardt Wanger and Frank Thomas) that populate its final act."

"Beautifully realised homage to 30s theatre and French cinema, this is thoroughly charming and entertaining throughout."