Family,Comedy,Drama
France
Summer Hours is a 2008 French film directed by Olivier Assayas. The film explores the theme of family and the meaning of cultural heritage through the story of three siblings: Frédéric, Adrienne, and Jérémie. The siblings are faced with the challenge of deciding what to do with the family's country home, a place filled with their memories and the possessions of their late mother.
When their mother passes away, the siblings come together to decide what to do with her estate. The brother living in China proposes to sell off all the antiques and paintings, while the sister living in America sides with him. However, their elder brother Frédéric, who lives in France, wants to preserve the family heritage and keep the country house and its belongings intact. But his efforts are in vain as he has to comply with legal procedures for the estate to pass to him and his siblings. After much disagreement and confrontation, they finally reach a compromise.
In the end, the siblings come to realize that the memories they share are more important than the objects that are connected to them. Through this realization, they learn to confront their own past and embrace their cultural heritage. The movie is a poignant portrayal of the fragility of memory and the importance of family relationships. It showcases the emotional journey of the siblings as they navigate the difficult process of letting go of the past and moving on with their lives. The film is praised for its understated yet powerful storytelling and poignant performances by its lead actors.
