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Kate Hudson, Naomi Watts, Jean-Marc Barr, Leslie Caron, Stockard Channing ... see more see more... , Glenn Close , Romain Duris , Stephen Fry , Samuel Labarthe , Thomas Lennon , Thierry Lhermitte , Daniel Mesguich , Matthew Modine , Bebe Neuwirth , Melvil Poupaud , Nathalie Richard , Catherine Samie , Sam Waterston , Rona Hartner , Lambert Wilson

Based on the 1997 National Book Award-nominated novel of the same name by Diane Johnson (co-writer of the script for Stanley Kubrick's The Shining), Le Divorce is a romantic comedy from director James... read more read more... Ivory. Revisiting the "Americans in France" theme that Ivory explored in 1998's A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries, the film stars Kate Hudson as Isabel Walker. When she receives word that her pregnant poetess sister Roxy (Naomi Watts) has been left by her philandering French husband, artist Charles-Henri de Persand (Melvil Poupaud), Isabel offers her help and moral support. As the depressive Roxy struggles with the separation proceedings -- which include the rights to ownership of a work of art that's a family heirloom -- Isabel takes a job with author Olivia Pace and has a fling with the bohemian Yves (Romain Duris). But things get complicated when the younger, more impudent sister decides instead to pursue Charles' uncle, the snooty, married diplomat Edgar (Thierry Lhermitte), and when a mysterious man (Matthew Modine) starts stalking Roxy. Eventually, the rest of the plucky Walker clan has to come to the aid of the siblings. Stockard Channing and Sam Waterston co-star. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

Flixster Users

25% liked it

17,268 ratings

Critics

37% liked it

134 critics

PG-13, 1 hr. 55 min.

Directed by: James Ivory

Release Date: August 8, 2003

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DVD Release Date: January 27, 2004

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Stats: 685 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (685)


  • April 11, 2007
    nothing special
  • August 22, 2010
    This film is supposed to be a comedy of manners. Comes up short.
  • July 15, 2011
    Sorry, but I liked it every time I've seen it.It's Got several things that work for me in a Chick Flick (or in this case CHIC Flick):
    1) Paris 2) Great Classic Actresses (Glenn Close, Leslie Caron)as well as"It" Girl Actresses (Kate Hudson & Naomi Watts) 3) Shopping in Paris 4)... read more Fine Art 5)Fashion & Parisian Accessories such as Purses, Shoes, Jewelry 6) European Men (My Husband, R.I.P. was from Switzerland)
    7) French Restaurants /Artsy French Cuisine & Deserts 8)Lingerie
    What can I say? I'm a Shallow Girlie Girl & I Love this stuff ,so I ate up this Film with a Spoon & my Pinky Out .I can't help but want a little of that Joie De Vivre for myself & I admit to coveting a Kelly Bag too
    I know some of this Movie is about Adultry , and that goes against my personal Morals, but this is a Movie.Adultry is a human struggle that couples deal with all over the world, hopefully not while the Wife is Pregnant, as in this case though.In some ways, this seems very much like an Upscale Woody Alan Movie, only with a favorite Actress from my Childhood, Leslie Caron !
  • November 9, 2007
    A disappointment considering that the director and the likes of naomi watts,kate hudson,etc are well known actors
  • August 12, 2007
    I actually enjoyed this movie. Didn't agree with some of the things they did or chose to do but how they recovered from their bad choices made this story a movie.
  • July 5, 2007
    This was a but on the slow side, but perfect for a rainy day chick movie when you a bit bummed by silly men in your life.
  • March 25, 2007
    I thought this film would be good because Kate Hudson was in it, but I was way wrong it was a big waste of the money that it cost to film it.
  • March 1, 2007
    Like the New Yorker come to life, somehow more smug even, because there is not a consciousness of being smug.

    It is assholish and tortuous to watch. I saw it at Embarcadero, and when I came out a lovely fog had settled over the north part of the City and was heading for Inner S... read moreunset. I cursed the movie and then forgot it until just now.

    Thankfully what I remember is the hushed Tuesday or Wednesday night, the fog and then eventually, the Mission Bus. I am sure I read, and tried to put this disaster out of my mind.

    Go fuck yourself Le Divorce.
  • January 22, 2007
    This movie sucked monkey balls. Nothing about this movie was good, it was bad the whole way through.
  • January 10, 2007
    yea this one was really kinda weird! cheating is not cool no matter how much money the guy has!! but still for the quest of true love is all around in this movie

Critic Reviews


Jay Boyar
August 29, 2003
Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel

Quite le drag.

Tom Long
August 22, 2003
Tom Long, Detroit News

It is a well-dressed film filled with thought and sly observations.

Terry Lawson
August 21, 2003
Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press

It pokes along like a Renault on an interstate, lacking drama or momentum. Full Review

Steve Murray
August 20, 2003
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

It's all perfectly pleasant, but the movie lacks an urgent dramatic pulse, or a clear sense of whose story it's supposed to be, or even, from scene to scene, whether it's meant to be a comedy, drama o... Full Review

Joe Baltake
August 15, 2003
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee

The film's most successful performances come from those actors who have a subtle but firm grip on their otherwise skimpy characters -- Lhermitte and Caron, in particular. Full Review

Rex Reed
August 15, 2003
Rex Reed, New York Observer

A delightful blend of American sensibility and French chaos in a movie that is sunny, surprising and consistently entertaining. Full Review

Jeff Strickler
August 15, 2003
Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

The film comes up short on insight into its characters. Full Review

Eric Harrison
August 15, 2003
Eric Harrison, Houston Chronicle

A charming, always-engaging comedy of manners. Full Review

Lisa Kennedy
August 15, 2003
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post

For all that talent, and the lovely source material, there is something plodding about this comedy. Full Review

Bill Muller
August 15, 2003
Bill Muller, Arizona Republic

Mostly Le Mediocre.

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Le Divorce Trivia


  • Alex and Emma, Le Divorce, Almost Famous Which actress was in these movies?  Answer »
  • which movie did kate hudson and naomi watts star in as sisters?  Answer »
  • Which Actress Was: -Ann Darrow In King Kong -Rachel Keller In the Ring -Julia Cook In Ned Kelly -Roxeanne De Persand In Le Divorce -Ellie Parker In Ellie Parker  Answer »
  • Kate Hudson and Naomi Watts starred together in what French sounding movie?   Answer »

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