""Potiche"

"Potiche" means "Trophy Housewife." And that's the unpleasant role that our heroine, Catherine Deneuve, has been relegated by her tyrannical husband, "Robert Pujol," played by Fabrice Luchini. Talk about the need for Women's Lib! She, "Suzanne," takes over the running of her husbands umbrella factory (seems like a ridiculous idea, to start with, but actually the factory is kind of interesting) where the workers have gone on strike (rightfully so!) and taken Mr. Pujol hostage. She enlists the help of the incomparable Gerard Depardieu (a former lover -- one among many, actually, as you discover as the film unwinds) who is high up in government, a respected "MP" who helps her negotiate with the striking employees. Suzanne very compentently takes over the running of the factory. The Pujols have several grown children, who bring their problems, strengths and weaknesses to the story - and to the factory. In every aspect, this is an excellent film. (Enjoy the music, too!) With the French laissez faire when it comes to sex, the complexity of emotions, loyalty, and betrayal -- well, here's another fascinating story, well told. (It was originally a play.) Just watching the marvelous Deneuve and Depardieu is a treat to be savored. (Because I haven't been able to go to the movies for several weeks, I didn't want to be disappointed. Therefore, I did due diligence very carefully -- reading several professional critics reviews before venturing into a theater. I was not disappointed, and I don't think you will be either.) FOUR STARS