Happenstance

The movie that Serendipity dreamed it could be, the French title of this whimsical romantic comedy translates to "The Beating of Butterfly Wings" (from the much quoted scientific observation that the beating of a butterfly's wings over the Atlantic can cause a hurricane in the Pacific). From a tossed macaroon to bird droppings on a photograph, fickle fate has a field day in bringing together appliance store clerk Irene (adorable Amélie star Audrey Tautou) with Younes, a restaurateur who sits across from her on a train. The pair share the same birthday, and therefore, the same horoscope, which on this day promises that each will meet their soul mate. Altogether, there are some 30 characters whose actions (or inactions) will have far-reaching consequences that, after a series of setbacks, bring on the inevitable and very satisfying happy ending. Recommended, if only for another chance to fall under Tautou's enchanting spell. (K. Lee Benson)