Changing Times

Changing Times

Year: 2006

Runtime: 90 min

Language: French

Director: André Téchiné

DramaRomance

Antoine, haunted by a past romance, travels to Tangiers, Morocco, to find Cécile, now a prominent radio personality. Thirty years after their heartbreak, he hopes to rekindle their passion, but her successful life and marriage present obstacles. Unexpected tragedy further complicates his quest, forcing him to confront the enduring power of memory and the complexities of second chances.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Changing Times yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Changing Times (2006)

Trace every key event in Changing Times (2006) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Antoine's Decision to Visit Tangiers

Antoine, a successful civil engineer from France, decides to embark on a journey to Tangiers. His primary motivation is to oversee the construction of a media center, but deep down, he longs to reconnect with his first love, Cécile, whom he hasn't seen in over three decades.

Tangiers
2

Daily Romantic Gestures

Upon discovering where Cécile lives in Tangiers, Antoine begins to anonymously send her a bouquet of roses every day. Unbeknownst to him, Cécile remains indifferent to her mysterious admirer, unaware that the gestures are coming from her long-lost love.

Tangiers
3

Cécile's Marital Journey

After her affair with Antoine, Cécile quickly married but then found herself divorced. She eventually married Nathan, a younger Moroccan Jewish doctor, revealing a complicated love life that's left her feeling a bit emotionally distanced.

4

The Countdown

Antoine meticulously counts the days since he last saw Cécile, which totals **31 years, 8 months, and 20 days**. This obsessiveness underlines his deep emotional connection to Cécile and intensifies his desire to win her back during his trip.

5

Cultural Exploration and Witchcraft

To enhance his chances of rekindling romance with Cécile, Antoine seeks the assistance of Nabila, his Moroccan aide. They explore the intriguing possibility of using witchcraft, showcasing Antoine's desperate yearning to regain Cécile's affection.

Tangiers
6

The Supermarket Encounter

In a twist of fate, Antoine and Cécile unexpectedly meet at a supermarket. However, their encounter takes a comical turn as Antoine accidentally injures his nose by walking into a glass window, drawing concerned attention from Cécile and her husband Nathan.

Supermarket in Tangiers
7

Sami's Visit

Coinciding with Antoine's arrival, Cécile and Nathan's son, Sami, visits Tangiers with his girlfriend Nadia and her young son Saïd. Sami often leaves Nadia and Saïd behind to pursue his relationship with his Moroccan boyfriend, Bilal.

Tangiers
8

Nadia's Connection with Her Sister

Nadia expresses a strong desire to reconnect with her twin sister Aïcha, who leads a conservative life and works at a fast-food joint. Aïcha's indifference to Nadia's outreach highlights the strain in their relationship, which remains unresolved.

9

Nathan's Discovery

Nathan learns about Nadia's struggles with prescription pills, which causes concern for Sami. This revelation prompts Sami to contemplate returning to Paris, bringing tension to the family dynamics during their time in Tangiers.

10

Cécile's Inner Turmoil

Cécile, now jaded and unfulfilled, grapples with her life of dissatisfaction alongside Nathan. As their relationship deteriorates, she reflects on lost aspirations yet finds herself drawn to Antoine's attentions, complicating her emotional landscape.

11

The Fleeting Romance

Encouraged by her friend Rachel, Cécile begins to entertain the idea of a brief romance with Antoine. They share an intimate moment that brings both hope and despair, encapsulating the complexity and fragility of their rekindled connection.

12

The Construction Site Tragedy

Tragedy strikes when an accident occurs at Antoine's construction site, resulting in a serious injury that leaves him in a coma. Cécile remains by his side throughout his recovery, showcasing her loyalty despite the complexities of their relationship.

Construction site in Tangiers
13

Nathan's Move to Casablanca

Following the accident, Nathan relocates to Casablanca for work, which contributes to the growing distance between him and Cécile. Rumors circulate that Nathan's new life has sparked a relationship with Aïcha, complicating Cécile's emotional state further.

Casablanca
14

Bilal's Dilemma

Amidst the unfolding drama, Bilal grapples with his own decision of whether to follow Sami to Paris. His internal conflict mirrors the larger themes of love, choice, and identity that intertwine throughout the story.

15

Antoine Awakens

Months later, during one of Cécile's hospital visits, Antoine surprisingly awakens from his coma. Their hands intertwine in a poignant moment, reigniting a flicker of hope for their future amidst the complexities of their shared history.

Hospital in Tangiers

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:10

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Movies about midlife nostalgia and second chances like Changing Times

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The narrative pattern here is defined by a patient exploration of relationships. The plot unfolds slowly, allowing time for character introspection and the quiet accumulation of emotional significance. Conflict arises from internal struggles—memory, dissatisfaction, unspoken truths—rather than external events, leading to resolutions that are nuanced and emotionally resonant.

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Movies in this thread share a specific combination of a slow pace, a melancholic or bittersweet tone, and a central romantic plotline. The similarity lies in the overall viewing experience: a thoughtful, emotionally engaging journey that values subtlety and depth over sensationalism.

Unlock the Full Story of Changing Times

Don't stop at just watching — explore Changing Times in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Changing Times is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Changing Times Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Changing Times, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Changing Times Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Changing Times

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Changing Times

Changing Times Spoiler-Free Summary

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Changing Times Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Changing Times

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