Up for Love is not an entirely original story; it is a remake of the 2013 Argentine film Corazón de León (Lion's Heart), directed by Marcos Carnevale. This shows the universality of the theme, as the story was adapted to suit a French romantic comedy setting while maintaining the core message of unconditional love. Conclusion: Is It Worth Watching?
While Alexandre is the spectacle, Diane is the soul of Up for Love 2016 . Virginie Efira delivers a career-best performance as a woman who knows she is being shallow but cannot help the social conditioning that makes her hesitate.
The film excels when it shines a light on the subtle, micro-aggressive ways society treats people who deviate from physical norms. From the patronizing smiles of waiters to the overt shock of Diane’s mother, the narrative exposes how deeply ingrained patriarchal beauty standards dictate who is deemed "worthy" of love. The Myth of the Perfect Partner
However, their meeting comes with an unexpected twist. The man Diane has connected with is only . The film follows their journey as Diane must confront her own superficial prejudices and the relentless, often cruel, judgment from her family, friends, and a jealous ex as she decides whether she is truly "up for" this unconventional love. up for love 2016
Some critics noted that the film—which is a remake of the 2013 Argentine comedy Corazón de León —occasionally relies too heavily on predictable romantic comedy tropes. However, its upbeat pacing, dazzling Parisian backdrops, and feel-good resolution make it a standout entry in contemporary French mainstream cinema.
Dujardin was frequently filmed alone against green screens, then digitally downsized and inserted into scenes with Efira.
One day, she receives a call from a man named Alexandre (Jean Dujardin). He has found her phone, which she accidentally left at a restaurant. Their phone conversation is electric—witty, flirtatious, and surprisingly deep. They banter like old friends; he makes her laugh, and she challenges his intellect. There is a palpable chemistry, built entirely on voice and words. Up for Love is not an entirely original
After a series of meet-cutes (including a classic mistaken-identity elevator scene), Ye Shancheng bets she can make Jiang Haode fall in love with her within a month. The film then follows every rom-com trope in the book: playful dares, awkward dates, a sudden career opportunity abroad, and, of course, the obligatory airport chase.
The chemistry between the two leads anchors the emotional weight of the film:
The scene is a masterclass in awkward comedy. Diane, conditioned by societal norms, is visibly stunned. She panics, makes an excuse about a forgotten phone charger, and flees. But Alexandre, undeterred and utterly comfortable in his own skin, chases after her—not with anger, but with empathy. He confronts her prejudice head-on, not with bitterness, but with humor. While Alexandre is the spectacle, Diane is the
Up for Love (2016) is not a film about a short man. It is a film about a tall woman who learns to see the world from a different perspective—literally and figuratively. It argues that being "up for love" means being willing to fall for someone who doesn't fit the mold.
So, pour a glass of wine, settle into your couch, and give Up for Love a chance. You might just find that the best things in life—and in romance—come in unexpected packages.
Up for Love / Un homme à la hauteur (2016) - Teaser (French)