Montreal Film 'Montréal, ma belle' Serves as Immigrant's Love Letter to the City
Montreal's cinematic landscape welcomes a heartfelt new addition with Montréal, ma belle, a film that transcends mere travelogue to explore profound immigrant experiences. Directed by Chinese immigrant filmmaker Xiaodan He, this production stars acclaimed actress Joan Chen in a transformative role that captures both spiritual and sexual reawakening.
A Story of Repression and Liberation
The film centers on Feng Xia, portrayed by Joan Chen, a middle-aged Chinese immigrant who has spent fourteen years in Montreal running a dépanneur with her husband while suppressing her own desires. Chen's character represents countless immigrants who arrive with dreams that become buried beneath daily survival.
"When I first read the script, I knew I wanted to do this because I've never played a character like her," Chen reveals. "Although our lives are very different, I feel I do know her. As an immigrant, I understand the sense of freedom as well as the sense of exile that Xia experiences in the film."
Montreal as Catalyst for Transformation
Far from simply showcasing the city's landmarks, Montreal serves as Cupid in this narrative, providing the backdrop for an unexpected romance. The story unfolds as Xia, after years of repression, tentatively explores a dating site where she meets Camille, played by Charlotte Aubin, a café server twenty years her junior.
Director Xiaodan He, who has lived in Montreal for twenty-five years, explains her motivation: "This became my second hometown, and I had that need to make a movie in Montreal. As an immigrant, I wanted to make a love letter to the city. This city has given me so much."
Celebrating Montreal's Openness
The film deliberately highlights aspects of Montreal life that native residents might take for granted but that immigrants from more conservative backgrounds deeply appreciate. He emphasizes this theme throughout the production.
"I feel that this movie really celebrates the openness and the tolerance of Montreal to different lifestyles," He states. "This, to me, is the most beautiful value for a human being. It makes me feel so proud about this city that it protects this value."
Joan Chen's Remarkable Preparation
Chen's performance required extraordinary dedication, including learning French specifically for this role. Despite having no prior knowledge of the language, she achieved proficiency within just four months while simultaneously working on other projects.
"Joan was travelling and working on other projects during that four-month period while learning French," He marvels. "She is one hard worker."
Chen found particular resonance in exploring desire across age boundaries: "It's very rare to find a story about a mother when she reaches a certain age and when people seem to forget about her desire, which obviously exists in all ages. An 80-year-old woman still has a longing for that moment when their heart tremors."
Timely Release and Future Possibilities
The film opens appropriately on February 12, just before Valentine's Day, at Cinéma du Musée with English subtitles. Both Chen and He express interest in future collaborations, potentially even a sequel or series set in Montreal.
Chen muses about returning: "I would then be really fluent in French, too." Her previous visit to Montreal decades ago left her with memories of "the whiteness of the snow," but filming during summer provided new appreciation for the city's seasonal beauty.
Montréal, ma belle stands as both a compelling immigrant narrative and a genuine tribute to Montreal's unique cultural landscape, capturing the complex intersection of tradition, liberation, and urban identity.
