"For others, it is a delightful romance that doubles as a serious essay on dealing with difference. It is heart-warming and awkward, original and familiar, all at the same time." –
Strong performances by Dujardin and Efira; lighthearted, feel-good tone; impressive practical effects.
Alexandre is portrayed as a man who refuses to be defined by his stature. He is a renowned architect, an attentive father, an avid skydiver, and a smooth dancer. The film routinely points out that Alexandre is emotionally "taller" and more mature than the average-sized men in Diane's life, particularly her petty ex-husband. Self-Acceptance
"Very good... In addition to the novel subject matter, there are actually many surprising elements that add points to the film... This is a well-made good movie." –
The story begins when (Virginie Efira), a successful lawyer still entangled in a professional and emotional rivalry with her ex-husband Bruno (Cédric Kahn), loses her mobile phone. She is soon contacted by Alexandre (Jean Dujardin), who has found the device. During their phone conversation, Diane is immediately charmed by Alexandre’s wit, confidence, and sophisticated manner. up for love 2016
Upon arrival, Diane faces an unexpected reality: Alexandre is physically imposing in every way except his height, standing at precisely 4 feet 7 inches (1.36 meters) tall. Tirard uses this initial shock to anchor the film’s central conflict. The story is not about Alexandre’s inability to navigate the world, but rather about Diane’s inability to navigate societal expectations and her own internalized biases. Deconstructing the Protagonists
Actors often performed on their knees or were placed on different elevations to maintain the height disparity.
The narrative kicks off with a classic meet-cute rooted in modern technology. Diane (Virginie Efira) is a brilliant, successful lawyer who is still entangled in a complicated professional partnership with her toxic ex-husband. After leaving her mobile phone at a restaurant, she receives a call at home from the man who found it.
Ultimately, the primary conflict is not Alexandre’s height, but Diane’s courage. The story highlights the difficulty of choosing personal happiness over public approval, proving that true intimacy requires shedding the fear of judgment. Reception and Legacy "For others, it is a delightful romance that
Some reviewers felt the film relied too heavily on predictable tropes and clichéd dialogue. Others criticized the decision to cast a tall actor and shrink him digitally rather than hiring an actor of short stature.
: The film’s primary conflict isn't Alexandre’s height itself, but Diane’s struggle to reconcile her genuine feelings with the "bemused looks" and social stigma she faces when they are in public. It highlights how our self-image is often a reflection of how we believe others see us. Hypocrisy of Acceptance
When she finally calls him back, the voice on the other end is irresistible: deep, confident, witty, and warm. It belongs to Alexandre (Jean Dujardin), a renowned architect who seems to be the perfect man—intelligent, sensitive, and refreshingly direct.
Jean Dujardin’s performance is pivotal to the film’s success. A towering figure in French cinema (both metaphorically and often physically in roles like The Artist ), Dujardin plays Alexandre with a blend of suave confidence and deep-seated insecurity. He is a renowned architect, an attentive father,
Beyond the critical scoreboard, the audience has shared more nuanced perspectives on the film.
If you are interested in exploring similar charming foreign romantic comedies or analyzing the 2016 film market further, I can provide a list of top recommendations. The Guardian
To make Up for Love work, the filmmakers needed more than special effects. They needed an actor of immense physicality and charm. Enter Jean Dujardin, the Oscar-winning star of The Artist . Using a combination of camera tricks, forced perspective, and a double for wide shots, Dujardin was digitally shortened to play Alexandre.