The title may give some the impression the film is but a travelogue about our fair city, showcasing its cultural high points — and downplaying its potholes et al.

There with you then. Here with you now. As a critical part of the community for over 245 years,The Gazette continues to deliver trusted English-language news and coverage on issues that matter. Subscribe now to receive:

There with you then. Here with you now. As a critical part of the community for over 245 years,The Gazette continues to deliver trusted English-language news and coverage on issues that matter. Subscribe now to receive:

There with you then. Here with you now. As a critical part of the community for over 245 years,The Gazette continues to deliver trusted English-language news and coverage on issues that matter. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Hardly.

The city simply plays Cupid in Montréal, ma belle (Montreal, My Beautiful), serving as the backdrop for an impassioned immigrant love story. It’s only fitting the film opens Friday, just in time for Valentine’s Day on Saturday.

The much-acclaimed Joan Chen (The Last Emperor, Twin Peaks) — who learned French for the role — turns in an emotionally powerful yet tender performance as Feng Xia, a long-repressed, middle-aged Chinese immigrant, wife and mother who undergoes both a sexual and spiritual reawakening at a time in her life when she had just about given........

© Montreal Gazette