Chinese Puzzle

As the curtain closes on their tumultuous decade-long romance, Xavier Rousseau (Romain Duris) is left to pick up the shards of his shattered heart. The once-blissful lovers, Wendy (Kelly Reilly), have parted ways, and she's started anew with John (Peter Hermann) in a luxurious Manhattan apartment overlooking Central Park. Xavier, however, chooses to remain in New York, driven by his unwavering dedication to their two children. His own path takes a detour when he finds himself rooming with Isabelle (Cécile de France), Ju (Sandrine Holt), and their child – the product of Xavier's previous union.

As he navigates this new reality, Xavier discovers solace in his writing, drawing inspiration from the philosophical musings of Arthur Schopenhauer and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. His creative juices flow as freely as the visions that haunt him, guiding him towards a fresh narrative.

But life has other plans for Xavier. Without a green card to call his own, he's forced to confront the harsh realities of illegal employment and the prospect of marrying for convenience. It's against this backdrop that he crosses paths with Nancy (Li Jun Li), a willing participant in a marriage of expediency.

Meanwhile, Martine (Audrey Tautou) – Xavier's former flame – makes a surprise appearance, her visit punctuated by moments of tender nostalgia and fleeting attempts to rekindle their romance. The stakes are raised when Isabelle's apartment is unexpectedly raided by the authorities during Ju's infidelity, leaving Xavier facing an uncertain future.

In the film's climactic moment, Xavier seizes the opportunity to confess his love to Martine as she prepares to depart with her children. Miraculously, she agrees to stay and start anew with him.

As the dust settles, the film concludes with a celebratory procession winding its way through Chinatown's vibrant streets – a poignant reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, life can surprise us with unexpected joy and redemption.