Populaire (2012)

Set in spring 1958, Populaire follows Rose Pamphyle, a bright but awkward young woman from the French countryside who can’t type conventionally — except that she can type unbelievably fast using only two fingers. When she stumbles into a job interview with charismatic insurance boss Louis Échard, her raw talent awakens Louis’s dormant love of sport: he decides to train her like an athlete so she can compete in speed-typing contests, rise from village life, and even aim for the world title in the United States. As Rose improves, her relationship with Louis grows complicated: he’s both her coach and the man falling for her, and the film explores whether ambition and romance can coexist. Watching Populaire is a delightfully stylish, old‑Hollywood–flavored experience: the film pairs light, screwball comedy with careful period detail — colorful 1950s costumes, glossy production design, and a lively, era-tinged soundtrack. Expect playful, expertly choreographed typing sequences that feel almost like dance, spirited training montages, and warm supporting characters who add humor and heart. The pacing balances laugh-out-loud moments with sincere emotion, building toward high-stakes competition scenes that are tense yet charming rather than hyper‑dramatic. If you enjoy romantic comedies with a sporty twist, polished visuals, and a sentimental core about ambition, self-discovery, and sacrifice, Populaire offers a winning mix of romance, comedy, and vintage style that’s entertaining and emotionally satisfying.

Actors: Romain Duris, Féodor Atkine, Déborah François

Director: Régis Roinsard

Runtime: 111 min

Genres: Comedy, Romance, Sport

5.6 /10 58 /100 6.8 /10 6.1 /10