New Movies: La Pie Voleuse (2024) by Robert Guédiguian: A Marseille Microcosm of Humanity and Hope

"La Pie Voleuse" (The Thieving Magpie) is a 2024 French drama film directed by the acclaimed Robert Guédiguian. Set in his beloved Marseille, the film is a contemporary fable that follows a group of diverse characters—a judge, a former thief, a probation officer, an activist, and a former fisherman—whose lives intersect around themes of justice, redemption, and community. Against the backdrop of a changing Marseille, the film explores how these individuals navigate their personal dilemmas, strive for justice, and find hope and solidarity in their shared humanity. It's a signature Guédiguian work, blending social commentary with profound humanism.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35319926/

About movie: https://playtime.group/film/6616a5ffd527400002a1d8b4

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/la-pie-voleuse-2025 (France)

Detailed Summary

"La Pie Voleuse" (The Thieving Magpie), released in 2024, is the latest feature film from veteran French filmmaker Robert Guédiguian, known for his socially conscious and humanist dramas, often set in his native Marseille. With a runtime of 103 minutes (1 hour and 43 minutes), the film continues Guédiguian's exploration of community, class, and the resilience of the human spirit in contemporary France.

The film's narrative weaves together the lives of several characters in a vibrant, yet complex, Marseille. At the heart of the story is the interaction between justice and human nature. We meet a determined judge, a former thief attempting to go straight, a dedicated probation officer working to support rehabilitation, a passionate activist fighting for social justice, and a former fisherman deeply connected to the city's maritime heritage. Their paths converge in a series of events that highlight the intricacies of their lives and the broader societal issues at play.

The title, "La Pie Voleuse" (The Thieving Magpie), immediately brings to mind Rossini's opera, which deals with themes of false accusation and petty crime, hinting at the film's exploration of justice, appearances, and the human propensity for both good and ill. The film is described as a "fable for our times," blending social critique with a deeply felt humanism, a hallmark of Guédiguian's work.

Set against the backdrop of Marseille, a city constantly evolving but retaining its unique character, the film explores how these diverse individuals grapple with their personal dilemmas, strive for justice in their own ways, and ultimately find solace and strength in solidarity and shared humanity. It features many of Guédiguian's long-standing collaborators and ensemble cast members, contributing to the familiar, lived-in feel of his cinematic world. The film screened in the Official Selection of the 2024 San Sebastian International Film Festival.

Plot Summary

• Marseille Setting: The film is set in Robert Guédiguian's signature city, Marseille, portraying its evolving urban and social landscape.

• Intertwined Lives: The narrative follows a diverse ensemble of characters: a judge, a former thief, a probation officer, an activist, and a former fisherman, whose lives intersect.

• Themes of Justice and Redemption: The characters navigate individual and systemic issues related to law, crime, punishment, and the possibility of a second chance.

• Community and Solidarity: Despite their different backgrounds and roles, the characters gradually find common ground and demonstrate the power of human connection and mutual support.

• Contemporary Fable: The film uses its characters' stories to comment on modern societal issues, blending social realism with a hopeful, humanist message.

Director's Vision

Robert Guédiguian's vision for "La Pie Voleuse" is consistent with his lifelong cinematic project: to explore the complexities of society through deeply human stories, often set in his beloved working-class Marseille. His vision includes:

• Humanist Approach: To focus on the dignity, resilience, and interconnectedness of ordinary people, even when facing hardship or moral dilemmas.

• Social Commentary: To weave critiques of social injustice, class disparities, and the challenges of contemporary society into a relatable, character-driven narrative.

• Marseille as a Character: To continue portraying Marseille not just as a backdrop, but as a living, breathing entity, with its unique atmosphere, challenges, and spirit.

• Ensemble Storytelling: To tell a story through multiple perspectives, showing how different lives intersect and influence one another within a close-knit community.

• Hope and Solidarity: Despite exploring difficult themes, Guédiguian's vision typically aims to find moments of hope and highlight the power of collective action and mutual support.

Themes

• Justice and Injustice: The film delves into the legal system, personal accountability, and the broader societal forces that lead to justice or injustice.

• Redemption and Second Chances: The character of the former thief, in particular, highlights the possibility (or difficulty) of rehabilitation and starting anew.

• Community and Belonging: Guédiguian's consistent theme of strong community bonds and the importance of belonging to a collective.

• Social Class and Inequality: The film likely touches on the struggles of working-class individuals and the disparities within society.

• Hope and Humanism: Even amidst challenges, the film aims to find optimism in human resilience, empathy, and the capacity for change.

Key Success Factors

• Robert Guédiguian's Acclaimed Direction: A respected auteur with a loyal following, Guédiguian's name ensures critical attention and audience interest for his signature style.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: Featuring many of Guédiguian's long-term collaborators (who feel like a true acting family) lends authenticity and depth to the character interactions.

• Timeless Themes: Justice, redemption, and community are universal themes that resonate deeply with audiences.

• Unique Marseille Setting: The city provides a vibrant and characterful backdrop that is integral to Guédiguian's cinema.

• Festival Presence: Being part of the Official Selection at the San Sebastian International Film Festival enhances its prestige and international visibility.

Awards and Nominations

"La Pie Voleuse" (The Thieving Magpie) premiered in the Official Selection of the 2024 San Sebastian International Film Festival.

As a 2024 release, it is still early for major awards and nominations beyond its festival premiere. However, its selection for a prestigious A-list festival like San Sebastian indicates strong critical recognition and potential for further festival accolades.

Production Summary

"La Pie Voleuse" is a 103-minute (1 hour and 43 minutes) French drama film, produced in 2024.

• Directed by: Robert Guédiguian

• Written by: Robert Guédiguian, Serge Valletti (frequent collaborator for dialogue/screenplay contribution on Guédiguian's films)

• Cast (likely featuring many of Guédiguian's regulars):

  • Ariane Ascaride

  • Jean-Pierre Darroussin

  • Gérard Meylan

  • Anaïs Demoustier

  • Robinson Stévenin

  • Alice Darroussin (likely, as part of the new generation in his ensemble)

  • Serge Valletti (often appears in small roles)

• Cinematography: Pierre Milon (frequent Guédiguian collaborator)

• Production Company: Agat Films & Cie (Guédiguian's long-standing production company)

Production Companies

• Agat Films & Cie (France)

• France 3 Cinéma (Co-production)

• (Other potential co-producers from Europe or public broadcasters)

Sales Companies

• mk2 Films (International Sales – a major French sales agent often handling Guédiguian's films)

Distribution Companies

• Diaphana Distribution (France – often distributes Guédiguian's films domestically)

• International distributors will vary by territory, secured by mk2 Films.

Theatrical Release

"La Pie Voleuse" premiered in the Official Selection of the 2024 San Sebastian International Film Festival. Its theatrical release in France occurred in late 2024 or early 2025. It will likely have limited theatrical runs in other countries that acquire its distribution rights.

Why to recommend this movie

• For fans of Robert Guédiguian: It's a classic example of his humanist and socially engaged cinema.

• Strong Ensemble Acting: Guédiguian's films are known for their cohesive and naturalistic ensemble performances, especially from his long-term collaborators.

• Socially Relevant Story: It addresses contemporary issues of justice, poverty, and community in a nuanced and empathetic way.

• Authentic Marseille Setting: The city is beautifully captured and serves as a vital character in the film.

• Hopeful Message: Despite exploring difficult themes, the film ultimately offers a message of solidarity and resilience.

Why to Watch Movie

• If you appreciate character-driven dramas with a social conscience: It blends intimate human stories with broader societal issues.

• To experience the unique cinematic world of Robert Guédiguian: His films have a distinctive warmth and authenticity.

• For a look at contemporary French society and Marseille: The film provides a grounded perspective.

• If you believe in the power of human connection and redemption: These themes are central to the narrative.

• To see master actors at work: The ensemble cast delivers powerful and subtle performances.

Movie Trend

"La Pie Voleuse" aligns with the enduring trend of Social Realist Dramas in European Cinema, particularly from France, which focus on the lives of ordinary people, often in working-class settings, and explore their struggles within contemporary society. It also fits into the trend of Auteur Cinema with a Strong Humanist Bent, where directors like Guédiguian consistently explore themes of community, solidarity, and hope.

Social Trend

"La Pie Voleuse" taps into the social trend of Renewed Focus on Community, Solidarity, and Social Justice in the Face of Increasing Inequality. In many Western societies, there's a growing awareness of and concern for economic disparities, the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and the vital role of local support networks. The film's themes of a fragmented society seeking connection and justice resonate with a broader societal desire for greater empathy, collective action, and solutions to social problems, emphasizing that even small acts of justice or solidarity can make a difference.

Final Verdict

"La Pie Voleuse" (The Thieving Magpie) is a quintessential Robert Guédiguian film: a deeply humanist and socially conscious drama rooted in the vibrant, complex heart of Marseille. Through its interconnected ensemble of characters – from judge to former thief, activist to fisherman – the film weaves a compelling contemporary fable about justice, redemption, and the enduring power of community. With his characteristic warmth and unwavering belief in human solidarity, Guédiguian delivers a timely and moving exploration of everyday struggles and the quiet triumphs of resilience. Its selection for San Sebastian and the presence of his beloved acting family ensure that "La Pie Voleuse" is a significant and heartfelt addition to his remarkable body of work, reaffirming his status as a master chronicler of ordinary lives facing extraordinary circumstances.