It might feel simple in its premise (what romantic comedy doesn't? Only a few might have a real complex story),but the actors are really good in it. Actually it is very reminiscent of classic movies and its not a coincidence that the costumes and or haircuts are very much in the style of Audrey Hepburn. It could have starred the actress from the past easily and feel the same.

So while the viewer might know where this movie is leading (no real surprise here),it is the journey that makes it worthwhile. Rich, poor it doesn't really matter, as long as you follow your dreams. Whatever they are and whatever obstacles are in your way.

My daughter recently saw this film at a festival in Philadelphia and insisted I should see it as well. Fortunately, it's now streaming on Netflix and I got a chance to see it myself today.

The subject matter for this film is incredibly mundane--so mundane and dull that it's a wonder that the film would hold your interest. However, it managed very well. Who would have thought a film about a woman training to be a speed-typing world champion could be so much fun? Plus, while I am not sure about this, I assume there never has been any sort of international speed-typing competition and I KNOW if there had been one, they wouldn't have been celebrities like the folks in this film. However, I kind of liked this, as it was a bit silly and added to the kooky charm of the film.

The movie begins with Rose (Déborah François) leaving her small town and going to the city to get a job as a secretary. However, despite being able to type remarkably fast using the hunt and peck method, she isn't a very good secretary. However, her grouchy boss, Louis (Romain Duris) hires her anyway, as he's VERY impressed by her typing. However, it's soon obvious he's not that interested in her being a secretary and much more interested in training her to be a speed-typing champion. He moves her into his home, cooks for her and coaches her unmercifully--all to make her a champion. However, despite Rose winning competition after competition, Louis never acts happy--and keeps driving her. Rose is adorable and sweet, and yet Louis is almost machine-like in his detachment. What's next? See this strange and quirky film.

The best thing about the film is its design. I love the late 1950s look and unlike some period films, this one tried very, very hard to get the look right. I also loved Rose as a characters. But the film also had problems. Despite liking it very much, Louis' character is too unlikable--and her falling for him (like Liza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady") made no sense. Sure, he's handsome but he's also incredibly selfish and under-emotive. Additionally, the film is pure formula throughout--the only difference are all the nice trappings and nice way the director handled the familiar themes. Overall, a great date movie and a nice rom-com that isn't too demanding. I would like to give the film a 7.5, though IMDb won't allow that. I enjoyed it a lot even with its clichés (such as how Rose's father behaves late in the film).

By the way, I looked it up and there really was a Japy typewriter company in France--it was not created for the film.

In 1958, the young Rose Pamphyle (Déborah François) dreams on leaving the small village in the countryside of France where she lives with her grumpy father Jean Pamphyle (Frédéric Pierrot),who is a widower that runs a store and wishes that Rose get married to the son of the local mechanic. Rose learns by herself how to type using only two fingers and when she sees an advertisement for a secretary for the insurance agent Louis Échard (Romain Duris) in Lisieux, Lower Normandy, she immediately travels to city.

Rose has a bad interview but she impresses Louis typing at very high speed. Louis decides to hire her for a short period of experience and Rose shows that she is a clumsy secretary. But Louis is a former sportsman and he decides to train Rose how to type correctly to dispute a speed typing competition. He brings Rose to his home and she learns how to play piano to help her typing with Louis's childhood friend Marie Taylor (Bérénice Bejo) that is married with the American Bob Taylor (Shaun Benson). She becomes close to his friends and family. Rose becomes the fastest typist in France and now she needs to train to compete in the world title in USA. But Louis, who has fallen in love with her, believes that he is not enough to help her and decides to sacrifice his love to make Rose's dream come true. Is his attitude correct?

"Populaire" is another sweet French romantic comedy, with stunning art direction and two of the most contemporary charming French actress, the unknown Déborah François and the lovely Bérénice Bejo that became internationally famous with "The Artist". "Populaire" is not a masterpiece, has ups and downs, but is delightful to see and one of the most entertaining movies that I have seen this year. It is also nostalgic, for experienced viewers like me. Any fan of romantic comedies will certainly love the clumsy but charming Rose Pamphyle. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "A Datilógrafa" ("The Typist")