Coco Before Chanel (2009)

Audrey Tautou continues her brilliant career. In the slow-moving but lushly photographed bio-pic, she plays the iconic Gabrielle Chanel. The film covers her life from early childhood when she is dropped, by her father, at an orphanage, until she opens her successful hat shop in Paris.

Alessandro Nivola plays the rich Englishman who is Coco's first real love. Benoît Poelvoorde plays her benefactor and friend. The relationships are complex but traditional.

This is richly romantic story with sadly tragic twists and turns. It is as educational as it is entertaining.

Watch this movie with someone who likes period pieces and subtitles.