Not the most uplifiting experience!

Set in Marseille, against a background of rising right wing politics and lowering job prospects Guediguian portrays a short period in the lives of a number of unrelated occupants of the town.

The main characters in the film include Michelle, whose daughter Fiona is struggling with heorin addiction, leaving her mother to deal with Ameline, her illegitimate child.

Michelle's path crosses that of taxi-driver Paul, made redundant from the docks, and struggling to make ends meet.

There are many other characters, and Guediguian does well to combines the plot elements and characters.

Whilst the film could in no way be described as light hearted, Guediguian manages to capture joy from the smallest act of kindness.

The film reaches a stunning climax - just don't watch it if you're already feeling low!