In Hanoi, a French couple who had come to adopt a baby met Maï, an old woman who had a love affair with a French officer in 1945. She tells how, sent by de Gaulle to restore order, Leclerc negotiates with Ho Chi Minh, against the advice of d'Argenlieu, the high commissioner.
Paul
A series of events unfold like a chain reaction, all stemming from a minor event that brings the film's five characters together. Set in Paris, France, Anne is an actress whose boyfriend Georges photographs the war in Kosovo. Georges' brother, Jean, is looking for the entry code to Georges' apartment. These characters' lives interconnect with a Romanian immigrant and a deaf teacher.
Pierre
It’s December 1999, and 25-year-old Jonah has just graduated from film school. As the new millennium begins, Jonah marries his longtime sweetheart Lila. Over the course of six months, the couple meet a number of interesting people, including Irina, an exiled Russian actress, as well as spending their time with Jonah’s sister Cecile and his filmmaking mentor Anziano. The discussions Jonah has with these friends and strangers help him to gain some perspective on his life and the new millennium.
Juliette loves Bruno, but he does not notice. Perhaps because he is mad about Corinne, and Corinne is not aware of it. She does not seem to love anybody, but she has an affair with Luc. Luc is gay, and he wonders how to tell Bruno he loves him.
An indecisive, shy young woman is profiled in this French drama. Benedicte is 20 years old and lives with Henri who is considerably older. She is still haunted by two former loves, Pierre, whom she still cares for, and Paul, who still cares for her. She is faced with a major decision when she finds a bag filled with a fortune of francs and a gun. Should she keep it for herself, or should she return it? This question plagues her; she gets no help from family, friends, or lovers.
(voice)
A young woman named Juliette is faced with a series of confrontations that she hears as those close to her discuss matters directly affecting Juliette offscreen.
Marc
Three young friends steal some music equipment for their struggling post-punk band and, in a panic, kill the shop’s owner. Assayas’ debut feature examines, with characteristic restraint and acuity, the psychological fallout as the band unravels—and each of its members grapple with their own feelings of guilt, paranoia, and despair.