Daniel Auteuil continues his association with author Marcel Pagnol by directing, writing and co-starring as César in a new version of Pagnol’s lauded Marseilles trilogy.

This opening instalment revolves around César’s son Marius (Raphaël Personnaz), whose love for childhood friend Fanny (Victoire Bélézy) is compromised by a secret passion.

The material is a French classic, and Auteuil directs as such: this is cosy, undemanding heritage cinema.

Despite its very Gallic blend of amour and ennui, it’s as if a S🎶unday-night British TV series had crossed the C🌠hannel. For more, see …