What is a women's shoe?
20 grams of dyed leather,
80 grams of fine sole and 100 grams of heel.
A tiny bow,
a sparkling strap or a buckle.
It's here in Romans, the luxury shoe capital,
this 200g stiletto was born.
200 grams requiring hundreds of hours' work from 15 men
before the order was given to make a few pairs.
For days on end, designers sketched models,
colorists chose different tones,
footwear experts modeled the shape,
measured for sizes,
created the template,
then technicians perfected the prototype
and bootmakers manufactured the model.
The boss was delighted with the result.
It took 15 men, 15 artists, to make the shoes, madam,
that will adorn your feet.
Sales at Shoe Heaven!
3 pairs for the price of 2.
Offer valid on Red Dot stickers.
At Shoe Heaven, you're always in 7th heaven!
Julie, do you have a minute?
Your trial period ends today...
I'm hired? You're keeping me?
Hang on...
You've done your best, worked overtime
but we've decided to keep Cynthia instead.
What's special about her?
Nothing, nothing at all!
But there's a recession.
What can I say? I can't keep everyone.
I had to choose.
Cynthia?
Don't take it like that!
I won't let you leave empty-handed.
Have any pair you like.
- They're on the house. - Thanks!
"Beginners accepted"...
"High school diploma"...
"Permanent Contract"...
"Maintenance"...
"Sales Representative"...
"Supervisors"...
Restaurant Workers
I'll give it to my manager. He'll call you.
Park Maintenance Worker
We'll call you.
Stock Packer/Handler Permanent Contract
Is walking your only hobby?
It says so here.
"Hobbies: walking."
I can't afford to go clubbing or to the movies.
You've no experience in shoes at all.
I do, it says so on my resume: "Shoe Heaven".
I don't mean footwear!
Luxury shoes, do you know anything about them?
And Jacques Couture means nothing to you, huh?
You're just interested in the permanent contract.
For all you care, we could make sausages!
Who told you to leave?
Save your breath! I know the story.
You'll say there's a recession then show me the door.
I bust a gut, get up at dawn,
keep my mouth shut... You people love that!
But not one of you will hire me!
I can show myself out.
Wait!
Muscle and a bit of common sense, that's all I'm after.
Pass the trial period, and the job's yours.
Interested?
I can feel the tide turning
The clouds parting
And my heart soaring so high
This morning is brighter
The air around me lighter
The time has come today
Right here and now
To sweep my old life away
Afraid of what's in store?
Not me, not anymore!
A future of uncertainty?
Bright prospects for eternity!
Everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine
A thousand doors are opening
The joy of it makes my heart sing
Everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine
So many possibilities in store
Enjoy your meal!
I can feel the tide turning
The clouds parting
And my heart soaring so high
Looking to be hired?
That time has expired!
I hope with all my heart
I'm making no mistake
But will I have what it takes?
What it takes?
Julie!
You're a month behind. I'm not the Salvation Army.
Why are you smiling?
Because everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine
A thousand doors are opening
The joy of it makes my heart sing
Everything's fine Sweeter this life of mine
So many possibilities in store
At least I think so...
I can feel the tide turning
The clouds parting
And my heart...
soaring so high
JULIE AND THE SHOE FACTORY
This is the leather store.
Leather is a precious material. Treat it with respect.
There are thousands' worth on these shelves.
Mind where you put your feet and hands.
Our department is the stock.
All new pairs go there.
You're the storeperson. You receive, sort, pack and send.
It's easy, but you have to get it right.
We have all kinds of shoes here.
Lamb, kid, nubuck, velvet, suede...
patent, speckled, braided, satin finish, matt, flat and wedge.
Got that?
Why are the scissors on the floor?
Oh, sorry.
- If you mess it up, you start over. - OK.
Go easy with the tape, we don't get it for free!
Slowly with the cart!
Do you know what those shoes are worth?
If you're not up to the job, say so now.
You're not the only girl available.
Sorry.
Who's the new girl?
- What do you want? - What do you think?
We work for Bourdin. We've come for the boxes.
Is the boss here?
No, she had to go.
Did she brief you about deliveries?
She didn't brief you?
About deliveries?
She's in deep shit!
Yeah, but we don't have all day.
Come on, pal, let's go.
Hang on!
Why am I in deep shit?
Hey, why am I in deep shit?
When boxes don't go, Franoise gets upset.
She gets upset.
She didn't brief me.
Yeah, but that's your problem!
Sandrine...
She was last week's girl.
Jacques Couture: Shoe Factory Upgrade
Maybe it's a mistake?
It isn't rocket science.
Cathy's right, an upgrade is good news.
I don't want upgrading!
Franoise,
what do you think?
We'll go in,
but we'll make it snappy.
Franoise!
Franoise, wait!
What are you doing here?
You didn't tell me about deliveries.
The morons!
Now you're here, stick with me.
- What's wrong? - We're being upgraded.
That's a good thing.
Downsizing. Ever heard of that?
We want to see the boss.
You have an appointment?
Now.
Sir, some people to see you.
- What for? - It seems pretty urgent.
Give them an appointment.
They insist on...
Where do you think you are?
How about you and your upgrade?
It's in today's paper, sir.
Nathalie thinks you're downsizing.
Isabelle and Rachida say there'll be layoffs.
The group is considering...
...an upgrade. That's all.
I'm doing my job. Do you want it?
Do you want ours?
For all we know, you're up to something.
You want to screw us!
It's just an upgrade!
Why make a drama out of it?
We know what you mean by it!
Would I have hired her if we were closing?
No one is being laid off.
I give you my word.
See, ladies? No need to panic.
- The matter is closed. - Back to work!
What's this crap?
I don't believe his smooth talk.
- Let's call Paris. - What for?
To ask them directly.
- Call Paris for us. - Try asking nicely.
- Want us to call? - All right!
Welcome to Jacques Couture.
Please hold the line.
Your call will be answered shortly.
Cathy is the funniest.
Rose is the nicest.
Isabelle is the dumbest.
You're still here! Do I have to say it in Chinese?
Back to work!
What's your name?
Julie.
Julie what?
Lebas.
I need a handler not a union leader.
Slip up again, missy, and you're out!
Sophie, get Paris for me.
We have to be logical
Act with dignity
Not panic at all
Quick, a plan of attack!
Girls, let's fight back!
We can't take this lying down
Let's protest Sunday in town
We'll steal the show!
Thumbs down!
A TV fundraiser is the way to go!
No way!
With our plain looks, who'll pay?
Girls, let's fight back!
We can't take this lying down
Here's a better plan to gain renown
And to ensure its success
I have a secret arm
The ultimate way to charm
A calendar of us in sexy poses
Sporting panty hoses
A gaze of desire
These shoes we create our sole attire
A sensual pout
A fragrance so sweet
And licking their boots would be neat!
He's coming!
Everything OK?
Hard at work?
As usual, sir.
I don't like her.
Keep an eye on her.
Girls, let's fight back!
We can't take this lying down
Your ideas are crappy
The only strategy
Here it is, comrades!
We girls go on hunger strike
You go on a diet if you like!
An online petition today
Lock the boss away
No way!
The jerk would love it, I say!
We could kidnap his brat
My own are a handful
No thanks, enough of that!
Girls, let's fight back!
We can't take this lying down
We could sabotage the shoes!
And lose a law suit?
Be given the boot?
We conceal a bomb in the toe!
And if they try to fire us,
up this factory will go!
Boom goes the bomb
Blown to smithereens
We're gonna save our jobs, we shoe queens!
Not eating with your buddy?
Check out this ride!
It's the first thing I'll buy.
- In your dreams. - Gimme a break!
You have dreams.
Sandrine does too.
Do you have dreams?
I've no time to dream.
Not even a small dream? Something? Anything?
She says she didn't.
Pass my trial period.
Get hired here.
Dream on!
What's your dream then?
To get out of here.
Hit the road.
Drive without stopping.
Get far away.
To roll. To keep on rolling.
There are dreamers and sloggers!
You wanna roll?
Pack up, we leave in 5 minutes!
Samy, can you come here?
Samy, keep the orgy short!
We should be gone already.
The new handler...
does she handle well?
It'll be perfect tomorrow!
Hey!
They're not practical for driving.
You don't have that problem.
They're a gift.
- See you tomorrow. - Hang on!
How was your first day?
Like a first day.
Want to go for a drink?
Downsizing? Why not a permanent closure?
The factory is all they have.
They're freaked out about working elsewhere.
Elsewhere or nowhere?
What?
If you're motivated, you always find work.
What planet are you from?
You don't get work, just McJobs.
Part-time, casual, casual part-time...
Shitty jobs!
You take what's going.
By doing everything, folks think you're good at nothing.
Bring tissues next time,
I'll do you my life story.
At first it wasn't that bad
Actually
We were quietly happy, glad
As can be
Not broke, not yuppies
Just us and the puppies
Then wham With no warning
My guy left one morning
Then my banker went berserk
Life was no blast
I had to find work
Real fast
All spruced up
Jobhunting non-stop
Yours truly!
Julie! That's me!
In boots a size too small
And no gloves at all
I cleaned toilets and fried fries
At the same time
In abattoirs I scrubbed floors
And sang so sweet
Spent Xmas as Santa Claus
In the cold of the street
Part-time jobs ain't fine
Filling in forms, standing in line
Impossible to shine
Sinking with time
Then in the darkest hour
A glimmer of hope for me
A permanent contract!
Quit playing the clown
Not a word, head down
I zip my lips
And toe...
the line!
Morning!
Coming with us?
- Where to? - To make ourselves heard.
- Well, are you? - I don't want trouble.
Don't come then.
Rose, please, make sure they behave.
Wait!
I knew you'd come.
Getting on or not?
Where are you going?
Hop on, you'll see.
Get on!
Where are we going?
Bourdin Travel welcomes you aboard this coach bound for Paris.
Our estimated arrival time is 3pm.
Please refrain
from smoking and drinking.
Don't you forget, Cathy.
Oh, please!
And now our charming hostess
will tell you about the program.
The Parisians take us for sheep.
Let's show them we're lionesses!
Guess who's interviewed in here.
XL, XL, XL!
Who's that?
Xavier Laurent, the boss's boss. A total bastard.
"Let's look beyond the shrewd businessman,
"the prince of the Paris stock index.
"Beneath the armor
"is a man who enjoys life's simple pleasures,
"an ordinary guy
"who has always understood the most priceless thing of all
"is the love of your dear ones."
Does it mention his love of layoff plans too?
Too right!
Get back to work,
or there will be a layoff plan!
Get back in your office!
- A protest won't solve a thing! - What would you know?
You want to be laid off, do you?
Well, you will be, but don't say you weren't warned!
Just calm down.
Open the door, you! Let me get off.
If you don't let me off, I'll call Flicien.
Give my phone back!
Paris, here we come!
In a group such as ours, the human element is crucial
for the manufacture of shoes of high quality.
- Thank you, Mr. Laurent. - You're welcome.
Flicien!
Great collection. You've spoilt us again!
What's this about an upgrade? How many layoffs this time?
Calm down. This isn't the time.
Six years of cost cutting!
Quality costs. You can't skimp on luxury.
Hold this, please.
My suit...
Where was it made?
Flicien, my suit?
I don't know...
Italian?
My tie?
English, I imagine?
My shirt?
What do you think of it?
French-made.
Made in China, from head to toe.
- Chinese? - From head to toe.
No way!
If you don't want your dad's brand killed off by competition,
you'll have to make sacrifices.
Honey!
Our guests will be here soon.
I'm coming, honey.
Our customers don't care who makes our soles.
What they care about is quality.
Think about it.
We'll talk after the show.
Cut that out!
You will not stitch up the Couture girls!
You're not allowed in here!
There's a layoff plan...
Please leave.
Please leave, ladies.
Get off me!
Ladies, it's a private space.
You will not stitch up the Couture girls!
Please leave, ladies!
You will not stitch up the Couture girls!
You will not stitch us up!
I'd rather we'd met in different circumstances.
I wasn't expecting you in Paris.
I'd planned to come to Romans.
Anyways...
let's say no more about it. You're here now.
Ladies
This is my opportunity to say
To all of you today
Thank you
Your talent and expertise
Astound, leave me speechless
For me business is a breeze
But you
Your genius is limitless
Why yes!
These high heels are a perfect fit
Their leather stretched so prettily
The best bootmakers in Italy
Before such perfection
Would most certainly admit
They can't better our collections
And to whom do we owe
This finishing so fine?
To us, sir!
May I know your names?
Rachida, Sonia
Isabelle
Well ladies...
I am impressed
And cannot stress enough the importance
Of heels
You are, for sure With your stilettos galore
The queens, I swear Of luxury footwear
Women in every town and city You make their feet so pretty
That I wish on their behalf to say
Bravo!
Our talent and expertise
Astound, leave him speechless
For him business is a breeze
- But we... - But you...
Your genius is limitless
Our genius is limitless
Why yes!
I acted without guile or style
Like a goon
I failed to explain our strategies
We shall meet in Romans soon
So...
it won't be long, ladies
Believe me
No thanks.
Is the upgrade still on?
Your workers are wonderful, Flicien, absolute wizards.
But their Chinese counterparts are cheaper and quieter.
I'm off to Shanghai with my wife.
Let's chat when I get back.
Another incident like that,
and I'll fire you too.
Up the stitchers!
I won't be a trucker all my life.
I'm gonna take off to the States.
Excuse us for a minute.
I have to go.
Stay a bit longer!
I really have to go.
My hubby's expecting me.
See you tomorrow.
Be careful, OK?
Got the money for Samy?
What money?
For the coach rental.
Did you think it was free?
- Well, yeah. - Well, no!
How much?
20 per person.
20? He's taking the piss!
He takes checks too.
I've only got 3.50.
How generous!
I'll take it anyways.
What's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Where are you off to?
Home.
On foot?
Keeps me fit.
Hey, Sandrine,
what's your name?
Cinderella!
Left your pumpkin at home?
You'll wear out your slippers!
Got a boyfriend, Cinderella?
My name's Julie. Happy now?
I'll drop you home.
- I'm broke. - Broke, huh?
Goodnight then.
Wait!
Hey, you bastard, open the door!
I'm just a lonesome trucker
Hauling 10 tons of the blues
Year after year I cruise
A poor sucker
Who keeps rolling on
Heading south to the sun
As it rises on the horizon
A light heart, a heavy load
So much nicer is the road
I feel the urge to drive on
I'm just a lonesome trucker
With time on my hands
Often in my rear-view mirror
I devise grand plans
Between Valence and Montpellier
Throw in the towel, be enterprising
A leader like Geronimo
Be my own boss, vote rightwing
On my way to El Dorado
I'm just a lonesome trucker
Longing for a change of scene
Seeing myself as a movie star
On a technicolor screen
With a gold-digger's zeal
I dream of adventure at my wheel
Of canyons and sheer cliffs
Of the whispering wind blowing
Along Route 66
A rugged good-looker
I've had girls a-plenty
I'm just a lonesome trucker
Who at night feels so empty
And I figure it would be so fine
If the blue-eyed girl were mine
If she agreed to share
The life of a lonesome cowboy
In foul weather and fair
What are you doing today?
Working.
You?
Me too.
Yesterday was nice.
Yes, it was.
- See you soon. - Sure.
Wait!
I'm going to be late.
Can I have your number?
Why?
Because co-workers usually exchange numbers.
Or give me your email address.
PROFITS = UNEMPLOYMENT
YOU WILL NOT STITCH US UP
What the hell's going on?
They refuse to go back to work unless Mr. Laurent visits.
This is absolutely insane!
Rachida and Nathalie are calling the shots.
As if things weren't bad enough!
You've picked your moment!
Now kindly get back to work.
We'll only negotiate with the decision makers.
What's he doing?
What should I do today?
That's up to you.
You can pack boxes or help hold the picket line.
Damn!
Hey you!
I told you to keep your head down.
I'm sick of you. Just take your things and go!
What have I done wrong?
You'll have time to think about it now!
- I tried to stay out of it. - Too late!
Get out of here!
She's telling the truth, sir.
The girls kidnapped us.
Are you pulling my leg?
No. I wouldn't dare.
They took our phones.
We were helpless.
OK, I'll give you one last chance.
But this is your final warning.
Thank you.
DOWN WITH DOWNSIZING
The biggest of cars
Suits made-to-measure
Hand-rolled cigars
And shoes of Italian leather
A sweet-smelling mistress...
For the boss!
A bathrobe from the Ritz
A suite in Biarritz
It's not paying subs
To the most exclusive clubs
It's getting your point across...
When you're boss!
It's knowing you're popular and taking for granted
People are grateful
And enchanted
A charming secretary
An army of workers
Model employees
Devoted, not shirkers
Willing to bear their cross...
For the boss!
A flattering photo
On the front page of Le Figaro
Cries of hurrah and bravo
Good job, way to go!
And a strong sense...
Boss!
Of respect...
Boss!
Of respect...
Boss!
Mr. Bourdin, please.
Hello there.
I require your services.
See you soon?
See you Monday, sir.
Yeah, right, goodnight.
For 50 years,
Couture's chic footwear
has been worn by the well-heeled from Paris to Tokyo.
But the firm's stitchers are now striking
to save their jobs.
Why upgrade the factory?
We demand an explanation from the big boss.
Management flatly denied layoff rumors,
refusing to comment further.
In an area already hard hit by job losses,
will another French flagship fold?
So you got hired by a factory that's closing?
Good job!
Will you pay me with your dole money?
Why believe the TV?
I've got a job now.
You'll get your cash!
It's give and take, Julie.
Clean the rooms, and I'll give you a break.
Clean your lousy hotel?
No way!
My lousy hotel?
Well, my lousy hotel is all you've got!
Oh yeah? I'm out of here.
To go where? You've no hubby, no pals.
You've nowhere to go!
Julie, don't be stupid!
Pay me right now, or get the hell out!
Don't be stupid.
I'll badmouth you to every hotel around!
Guess where I am.
I'm busy, I can't talk right now.
What do you want?
Want to meet later?
I'll be in touch.
My stock's worth a fortune.
Do whatever it takes, but empty the warehouse by tonight.
Call me when it's done.
And tell your guys to be discreet!
Get a move on, guys!
They're here!
Look...
Come on, guys!
Hands off!
Out the way.
No way!
Let me do my job!
Get out!
Get off me!
Bastard!
Jerk!
You shit!
Stop!
Just calm down. Get off!
How could you? I trusted you.
What about me?
What about my job?
Job, my ass!
Franoise snaps you up, and you don't wonder why?
Just shut up.
Remember Sandrine?
She lasted 3 days.
A month's trial period!
They all crack up first.
- Shut up. - Fucking wake up!
If you don't screw people, they screw you.
Shut up.
- What the fuck? - Stop!
Come back!
Stop!
Leave me alone.
- Get off! - Calm down.
Stop this crap!
They promised us a bonus.
You'd have done it too.
You disgust me.
Open your eyes, your factory's closing!
There's your bonus!
You've reached Xavier Laurent.
Please leave a message and I will call you back.
What? I want to work, that's all!
I want to work!
Why occupy the factory?
To protect our machines.
As long as we're here, they'll be safe.
- Are you armed? - Of course not!
We knit and sew.
We're ready for them though. They'll be sorry!
Our objective is to relaunch the firm.
It's a viable business. We're fighting.
There's only one solution.
Everyone wants to continue.
It's a show of strength.
You scared me!
What are you doing?
Just tidying up.
These shoes are priceless.
They tell our story.
They can't be thrown out.
Look!
The Capricious.
Fall 1965.
Handsewn, patent calfskin leather...
A real gem!
I'll be heartbroken if they end up in the trash.
It's been empty for years.
In our heyday, dozens of designers worked here.
Just imagine!
The Cossack?
The Oriental?
The Tease?
The Persian?
The Feline?
The Amazon?
The Amazon oozes appeal
Sassy and brazen
So easy to loosen
With a flick of the heel
The Amazon gets her kicks
From ankle to toe
Slipping into the stirrup
To straddle the stallion!
Madam, it's for you to choose
Madam, it's up to you
In your hands this shoe
Will set you free!
The Flighty?
The Diva?
The Divine?
The Gypsy?
The Boss?
The Cheeky?
The Cheeky is smooth as satin
Seems good and wise
But you have to slip your feet in
To figure out her size
I know many a don
Who under her soles feel
They'd happily be trampled upon
They'd gladly be brought to heel!
The Fatale?
The Faithful?
The Fickle?
L'Insoumise.
L'Insoumise?
L'Insoumise!
The lady's by no means tame
L'Insoumise calls the shot
She speaks her mind this dame
With her color she makes you hot
Color of blood and of revolt
Of kisses stolen and heartbeats
She'll kick, stamp, bolt
And then take to the streets
Madam...
it's for you to choose
Madam, it's up to you
In your hands this Insoumise
Will set you free!
In your hands this Insoumise
Will set...
you free!
L'Insoumise...
They have panache.
They're shiny.
They're soft.
Yet firm too.
Ravishing.
Paradoxical.
Original.
Flat yet feminine.
One does not exclude the other.
Rebel, Rebel, Rebel!
In our hands this Insoumise
Will set...
us free!
Jenny, same again.
Closing time!
Xavier?
What the fuck have you done?
I told you to restore order. It's a damn mess now!
L'Insoumise... Ring a bell?
L'Insoumise?
Yes.
"You think it has character?
"Visit our factory while you still can.
"With the compliments of the Jacques Couture staff."
I'm on the hot seat because of you! Half the bitches in Paris...
Honey?
Do you think I have character?
You're divine, honey.
Divine.
Sophie?
I made you a bouquet
To ask your forgiveness
I'm ashamed, believe me,
Of spoiling everything
Of ruining it all
Ruining it all
You want to make me pay for this mess
I feel so small
I made you a bouquet
To ask your forgiveness
To hell with your remorse Just pack your bag
I ain't riding into the sunset On your horse
To hell with your remorse I'm too old for that
Too old for that
I have plans for us
Beyond the horizon
Now hold on tight
I love you
Honey
There's room for you
In the warmth of my wagon
You're the one for me
I have plans for us
Beyond the horizon
What are you doing?
To hell with your plans Just pack your bag
I ain't riding into the sunset On your old nag
To hell with your plans Get out of my life
And that's...
that!
No plans to upgrade. It was a misunderstanding.
Got that?
Hello, ladies! How are you?
Hello.
How are you?
What adds value to a luxury brand?
Its history, origin and pedigree.
Jacques Couture has thrived for 50 years
with elegance and finesse.
Before your eyes is this very wealth,
this inimitable asset known as French craftsmanship.
We value this heritage.
And that's why we decided to produce once again
the vintage model of the Jacques Couture brand:
L'Insoumise.
Isn't that inconsistent with the upgrade rumors?
Take this Insoumise fresh off the assembly line
Admire the heel and its fine design
The upper is fastened here
After gluing into position
Then come the stitching
And pins of metal
L'Insoumise
I want a word with you.
I've seen worse...
I've seen better, but I've seen worse.
I'll tell Flicien you fit the bill.
Isn't Samy here?
Samy?
He's packed up. He's hitting the road.
Do svidaniya, Samy!
He'll see where life takes him.
When I started here, I was even younger than you.
On my first day,
Mr. Jacques Couture
looked at my cheap little sneakers
and said,
"From now on, Miss,
"you will wear real shoes,
"or go barefoot."
It was a different age.
Don't mess up
your permanent contract.
A contract like this shouldn't be signed lightly, OK?
It isn't just luncheon vouchers,
a healthcare plan
or a corporate hamper at Christmas.
It's more than that.
It's a real promise.
Subtitles by Susannah Rooke, a.s.i.f.
Subtitling TITRA FILM Paris