The defence The Prestige Tourist
“Ambition earns the room.”
The film reaches for consequence and scale, accepting the risk of seriousness instead of shrinking from it.
Back to trending 
Happiness
Drama · Romance · 1965
Though married to the good-natured, beautiful Thérèse, young husband and father François finds himself falling unquestioningly into an affair with an attractive postal worker. One of Agnès Varda's most provocative films, 'Le bonheur' examines, with a deceptively cheery palette and the spirited strains of Mozart, the ideas of fidelity and happiness in a modern, self-centered world.
Movie details
Happiness
“Only a woman could dare to make this film.”
1965 Drama · Romance 1h 20m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
7.4 / 10
Community rating
Though married to the good-natured, beautiful Thérèse, young husband and father François finds himself falling unquestioningly into an affair with an attractive postal worker. One of Agnès Varda's most provocative films, 'Le bonheur' examines, with a deceptively cheery palette and the spirited strains of Mozart, the ideas of fidelity and happiness in a modern, self-centered world.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over Happiness?
For the defence
The Prestige Tourist
“You like your greatness pre-approved.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Popcorn Loyalist
“Big screen, big feelings, no apologies.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
Taste neighbourhood
Nearby on the taste map.
TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.
Cesar and Rosalie
Romance · 1972
A young woman becomes entangled with a successful businessman, but her ex tries to win her back, provoking intense jealousy that leads her to reconsider her choice. Ultimately, one man's actions force a resolution to her dilemma.
The Woman Next Door
Drama · 1981
Two ex-lovers wind up living next door to each other with their respective spouses. Forbidden passions ensue.
The Married Woman
Drama · 1964
A superficial woman finds conflict choosing between her abusive husband and her vain lover.
Summertime
Drama · 2015
In 1971, a young woman moves from the French countryside to Paris and begins a passionate love affair with a feminist leader.
Je Tu Il Elle
Drama · 1974
A woman suffers a subdued psychological breakdown in the wake of a devastating breakup.
The Young Lovers
Romance · 2022
Elegant, retired architect Shauna (70) crosses paths with Pierre, a happily married doctor in his 40s, who first made an impression on her in a brief meeting 15 years previously. Both are quite troubled to meet again and begin an affair. While Pierre’s family life is soon turned upside down, Shauna struggles with feelings she thought belonged to the past.
Lady Chatterley
Drama · 2006
After a crippling injury leaves her husband impotent, Lady Chatterly is torn between her love for her husband and her physical desires. With her husband's consent, she seeks out other means of fulfilling her needs.
Emmanuelle
Drama · 1974
An employee at the French Embassy in Bangkok invites his wife to join him – and enjoy the benefits of their open marriage.
Madame Bovary
Drama · 1949
In 19th-century France, doctor's wife Emma Bovary seeks to escape her dull provincial life through various extramarital affairs and extravagant spending, leading to tragic consequences.
Clash by Night
Drama · 1952
An embittered woman seeks escape in marriage, only to fall for her husband’s best friend.
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Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Agnès Varda
Written by
Agnès Varda
Jean-Claude Drouot
François Chevalier
C
Claire Drouot
Thérèse Chevalier
O
Olivier Drouot
Pierrot Chevalier
S
Sandrine Drouot
Gisou Chevalier
Marie-France Boyer
Émilie Savignard
M
Marcelle Faure-Bertin
Bertin
M
Manon Lanclos
Mrs. Mesquier
Court is in session
Put Happiness on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist
“Importance has entered the chat.”
The production keeps announcing its significance, as though awards-season posture were proof of insight.