Half-Sister(Demi-sœur)

Name: Half-Sister
Genre: Comedy, Drama

France · 2013
1h 25m
Director Josiane Balasko
Starring Josiane Balasko, Michel Blanc, Brigitte Roüan, Françoise Lépine
Genre Comedy, Drama

When Nénette (Josiane Balasko) discovers the identity of her father in a letter, she quickly goes off in search of him. But instead of finding her father, she is met by her half-brother, Paul (Michel Blanc). Paul, a bitter man who gave up his dream to take over his father’s pharmacy business, is less than thrilled at the arrival of his ‘embarrassing’ half-sister. After refusing to take her in, he soon gets a taste of his own medicine. Under the influence of a potent drug, for one day Paul is generous, happy and sensitive. The next morning, however, once the drug has worn off, his nasty side comes back...

We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.

What are people saying?

Be the first to comment about this film.

What are critics saying?

New York Daily News by

Broad comedy and a little slapstick ensue. In the end, you’ve got to have a heart harder than a tortoise shell not get a little misty.

The Hollywood Reporter by Frank Scheck

This sentimental French farce unsuccessfully strains for laughs while lurching towards its all too predictable denouement.

The New York Times by Jeannette Catsoulis

This sickly sweet concoction sets your teeth on edge.

NPR by Mark Jenkins

If Nenette as a character is more a narrative convenience than a depiction of an actual condition, her permanent childhood does provide the 63-year-old Balasko with an exuberant, unpredictable role. That she continues to make work for herself as both an actress and a director is a good thing, but it would be better if she found a more ambitious writer.

Village Voice by Nick Schager

The film indulges in much wannabe-funny wailing, shrieking, and flopping about by Nénette and Paul, only to then lace its buffoonish material with semi-serious undercurrents.

Variety by Ronnie Scheib

French actress-writer-director Josiane Balasko plunges in with all the finesse of a hopped-up Pollyanna, her simplistic interpretation of an impaired sexagenarian coming close to outright parody.