director: Pierre Pinaud (on air)

starring: Catherine Frot, Manel Foulgoc and Fatsah Bouyahmed

REVIEWER: lyall carter

Eve used to be one of the most famous rose creators in the world. Today, her company is on the verge of bankruptcy. On top of that, her secretary Vera has hired three outcasts with absolutely no gardening skills. Though they have nothing in common, they come up with the craziest plan that could change their lives forever...

Let's be honest. With everything going on in our little country of Aotearoa, we all need a bit of a pick me up. And what better place to do so than in the glorious French countryside with a bunch of misfits who must seek to triumph over overwhelming odds? While slightly formulaic, The Rose Maker has a superb cast, charm, wit and a bit of allegorical grit to make this a French sojourn worth taking. 

Eve (Catherine Frot) was content living her life focused on her passion: being one of the greatest rose makers in the world. However, when financial ruin threatens her livelihood, desperate measures are required. Her loyal secretary, Véra, comes up with what she thinks is a brilliant idea to save them, and hires three hapless people from a back-to-work program. There is just one small problem: they know absolutely nothing about gardening.

​

Despite their obvious differences the new team comes up with a crazy plan that could change their lives forever, and Eve unexpectedly discovers new parts of life that are worth nurturing.

​

At first glance you know nearly every narrative beat of this tale before you’ve taken your seat, nibbled some popcorn or sipped your chardonnay. But what makes The Rose Maker worth the journey (and the ticket price plus the aforementioned chardonnay) is that it's a gloriously breezy road, that gives you a real pick me up.

​

Elements of the story are also allegorical in nature. While we’re watching the cultivation of beautiful roses we’re also witnessing the growth of our characters with a wonderful ensemble act.

While slightly formulaic, The Rose Maker has a superb cast, charm, with and a bit of allegorical grit to make this a French sojourn worth taking.