Despite his lifelong efforts, Jean is one of those unfortunate men who can never understand women. This arty, metaphorical French film presents three examples of Jean's difficulties over the course of his long life. Each of the three episodes takes place beside the same river. He is first seen as a small boy playing on the river banks with the teenage girl he secretly loves. She mischievously promises to tell him her darkest secret if only he will perform a certain task for her. The story then takes a more surreal turn as a now-grown Jean, once again beside the river, toys with a beautiful woman at a picnic. She wants a commitment from him, but wily Jean is unwilling to satisfy her. In the final segment, Jean has become an old man and is once again deeply in love.
Robin Renucci
as Jean
Maruschka Detmers
as Françoise
Jean Benguigui
as Monsieur Salmain
Frankie Pain
as Madame Salmain
Philippe Dormoy
as Rémi
Marina Tomé
as Dominique
Gamil Ratib
as Monsieur Lambert
Marina Golovine
as Claire
Yves Verhoeven
as Jean-Pierre
