Not on the Lips Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: Not on the Lips
| Movie | Not on the Lips |
| Release Year | 2003 |
| Director | Alain Resnais |
| Genre | Comedy / Romance |
| Runtime | 115 minutes (1h 55m) |
| Language | FR |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Not on the Lips (2003) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Not on the Lips are led by Sabine Azéma . The supporting cast, including Isabelle Nanty and Audrey Tautou , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Not on the Lips does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Not on the Lips has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Not on the Lips
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2003, Not on the Lips is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Alain Resnais, written by André Barde. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Sabine Azéma as Gilberte Valandray.
Ending Explained: Not on the Lips
Not on the Lips Ending Explained: A musical drawing room farce set in Paris circa October, 1925. Directed by Alain Resnais, this 2003 comedy film stars Sabine Azéma (Gilberte Valandray), alongside Isabelle Nanty as Arlette Poumaillac, Audrey Tautou as Huguette Verberie, Pierre Arditi as Georges Valandray. Rated 5.7/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Not on the Lips?
A musical drawing room farce set in Paris circa October, 1925. Middle-aged Gilberte flirts with men but loves her husband Georges, wishing he were more demonstrative. He's negotiating a deal with American Eric Thomson, who turns out to be Gilberte's first husband from an annulled and secret stateside marriage. Along with her sister Arlette, Gilberte begs Eric not to tell Georges about their past. Meanwhile, a young artist, Charly, pursues Gilberte while Arlette tries to match him with the young Huguette, who loves him. Will Eric play along or try to re-win Gilberte's affection? Can Gilberte play one off against another? And who will manage to kiss whom on the lips?
Alain Resnais's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Sabine Azéma (Gilberte Valandray)'s journey. Middle-aged Gilberte flirts with men but loves her husband Georges, wishing he were more demonstrative.
How Does Sabine Azéma (Gilberte Valandray)'s Story End?
- Sabine Azéma: Sabine Azéma's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Isabelle Nanty (Arlette Poumaillac): Isabelle Nanty's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Audrey Tautou (Huguette Verberie): Audrey Tautou's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Not on the Lips Mean?
The ending of Not on the Lips brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Sabine Azéma's story may not satisfy all audiences.
Not on the Lips Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Not on the Lips Based on a True Story?
No, Not on the Lips is a work of fiction. While the comedy, romance film directed by Alain Resnais and starring Sabine Azéma may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Not on the Lips?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Not on the Lips Parents Guide & Age Rating
2003 AdvisoryWondering about Not on the Lips age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Not on the Lips (2003) is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Directed by Alain Resnais, the film runs for 115 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, Not on the Lips is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2003 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Not on the Lips worth watching?
Not on the Lips is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Not on the Lips parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Not on the Lips identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Not on the Lips (2003)?
The runtime of Not on the Lips (2003) is 115 minutes (approximately 1h 55m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
