The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
dir. Jacques Demy · 1964
Plot
16-year-old Genevieve and 20-year-old Guy are very much in love. Her kind mother, who runs an umbrella shop, won't hear of her marrying, particularly as Guy has yet to complete his compulsory military service. Genevieve is heartbroken when he leaves for his army service in colonial Algeria and is upset to have received only one letter from him in two months. Her mother's solution to this situation is kind diamond-merchant Roland Cassard, who has helped them in the past.
Why watch
"The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" is a visually stunning musical that captures the bittersweet essence of first love and the heartache of separation, all told through a vibrant color palette and lyrical dialogue. This film is a poignant exploration of love's fragility against the backdrop of war, making it a timeless classic that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced the ache of longing.