La Joie de vivre

At the end of the 19th century, an orphan comes to live with her aunt and uncle in Normandy. The girl is taken in not only out of philanthropy, but because she has a large inheritance that is held in trust. The child grows up and is attracted to her cousin, an underachieving airhead, whom she later helps out of financial difficulties as a young woman. After her aunt's death, she takes over the household and helps the family financially. The planned marriage to her cousin fails when a rival appears. This is the story of a selfless woman who, despite her disappointments and low lives, refuses to let them take the joy out of life.

Directed by Jean-Pierre Améris, La Joie de vivre leans on a strong ensemble — Anaïs Demoustier, Swann Arlaud, Marianne Basler — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2011.