Chouchou (2003)

In the bustling heart of Paris, an innocent and endearing character named Chouchou steps off the train from North Africa. With a mind as scattered as his belongings, he spins a fantastical tale of escape from Chile's oppressive dictator, Pinochet. Blessed by fate, he stumbles upon the compassionate Father Leon, a priest residing in the city's working-class quarters, who not only provides him shelter but also helps him secure a position as a receptionist and cleaner for the enigmatic psychoanalyst, Dr. Milovavich. Cloaked in a woman's dustcoat while performing his cleaning duties, Chouchou's heart reveals a deep longing - to fully embrace his identity as a woman. Dr. Milovavich, unphased by this confession, encourages Chouchou to express his true self, thus giving birth to the radiant Mlle Chouchou. Despite the jarring contrast of her feminine grace and his lingering beard shadow, she navigates her new identity with a convincing flair. When Dr. Milovavich departs on a short trip, Chouchou is left to manage the consulting rooms. Her solitude is interrupted by a disgruntled client, Inspector Gregoire, who is grappling with the mental toll of his violent occupation. Chouchou attempts to soothe his anger with amateur psychoanalysis techniques gleaned from the doctor's textbooks, but only succeeds in escalating his rage. A narrow escape from Gregoire's wrath lands Chouchou in the heart of Paris' red-light district, Clichy, where she encounters her cousin working as a cross-dressing entertainer, Vanessa, in a bar known as the Apocalypse. Chouchou joins Vanessa at the Apocalypse, taking on the role of a waitress. It is here that she catches the eye of Stanislas de la Tour-Maubourg, a patron visibly smitten by her charm. Stanislas, a perfect gentleman, desires to introduce Chouchou to his family, treating her with the respect and dignity of a lady. Despite her initial hesitation, Father Leon's reassurance empowers Chouchou to accept the invitation. However, a daunting challenge awaits her at the extravagant dinner as she must keep up the pretense of being a psychoanalyst, a title bestowed upon her by Stanislas to his parents. Chouchou's life takes a dramatic turn when an irate Gregoire reappears at Dr. Milovavich's office. In a desperate attempt to protect herself and the doctor, Chouchou knocks Gregoire unconscious with a priceless vase, a treasured memento of the doctor. With the shattered vase and an assaulted policeman to answer for, Chouchou finds herself on the run, seeking refuge from both Dr. Milovavich's wrath and Gregoire's vengeance. As her journey unfolds, one question remains - where will Chouchou's vibrant tale culminate?

Chouchou is a comedy movie featuring Claude Brasseur and directed by Merzak Allouache.

Chouchou is currently streaming on Cinessance.