SUMMER HOURS (L’HEURE ETE) (France 2008) ***1/2
Directed by Olivier Assayas

Unconventional drama of a family in the midst of the decision on what to do with property and estate following a death.  The two brothers (Charles Berling and Jeremie Renier) and a sister’s (Juliette Binoche) biggest problem is whether to sell the family house.  But the contents pose a problem as well as the estate contains many artistic ornaments – some valuable and some not so as expected. 

Assayas’ easy going style varies from steady shots to handheld camera as he takes his viewer on a tour of the French art circles while keeping the story grounded in the strength of the family.  The best shots are the film’s opening and ending sequences where the children and teen at play and the innocence as well as maturity of the offspring. 

Very watchable and pleasurable like an art painting!