Some critics noted that the film—which is a remake of the 2013 Argentine comedy Corazón de León —occasionally relies too heavily on predictable romantic comedy tropes. However, its upbeat pacing, dazzling Parisian backdrops, and feel-good resolution make it a standout entry in contemporary French mainstream cinema.
Eager to meet this "perfect gentleman," Diane agrees to a date. However, she is caught completely off-guard upon arrival: Alexandre stands only . Despite her initial shock and the discomfort of public gawking, Diane finds herself increasingly drawn to Alexandre’s charisma, intelligence, and zest for life. Cast and Characters
Overall, "Up for Love" is a lighthearted and entertaining romantic comedy that explores themes of love, family, and identity. While it received a mixed response from critics and audiences, the film was a commercial success and features a strong chemistry between its lead actors. If you're a fan of romantic comedies and are looking for a fun and feel-good film, "Up for Love" may be worth checking out.
While these techniques occasionally push the film into a slightly uncanny visual territory, Dujardin’s expressive physical acting helps ground the character, ensuring Alexandre never feels like a mere special effect. Performance and Chemistry: The Saving Graces
Despite the casting debate, the film stands out as a well-meaning, feel-good romantic comedy that uses humor to challenge shallow societal standards. It reminds audiences that true stature is measured by character, kindness, and confidence, rather than physical height.
Up for Love excels in its portrayal of microaggressions. Tirard highlights the casual cruelty Alexandre faces daily: the double-takes from waiters, the patronising tones of strangers, and the outright mockery from Diane’s ex-husband. The film argues that ableism and heightism are among the last socially acceptable forms of prejudice, often masked as "harmless" jokes.
While it uses classic rom-com tropes, it puts a unique spin on the "mismatched souls" theme by focusing on physical difference and how society reacts to it.
Up for Love (2016) may not be a perfect film, but it is a memorable and heartfelt one. Its decision to digitally shrink the leading man, rather than cast an actor of short stature, is a point of valid critique that many critics emphasized. Its charm offensive is led by two of France's most magnetic stars, whose performances make its central relationship feel wonderfully real. For those looking for a romantic comedy that steps outside the formulaic box, Up for Love offers a sweet, funny, and ultimately life-affirming experience. It’s a film that encourages us to challenge our own superficial judgments and see people, and potential partners, for what’s inside—a timeless message delivered with a particularly French flair for romance and wit.
Dujardin was frequently filmed against green backdrops and shrunk in post-production.
Diane’s ex-husband and professional partner.
However, I believe you might be referring to a different "Up for Love," possibly with a similar plot or theme. One such movie that comes to mind is "Up for Love" (French title: "Les Tuche"), but that's more of a family comedy and doesn't exactly match.
The film drew criticism from some advocacy groups and industry insiders for not casting an actual actor with dwarfism or restricted growth. Critics argued that utilizing expensive CGI to shrink a naturally tall actor missed an opportunity for authentic representation in European cinema.
The story begins when (Virginie Efira), a successful but recently divorced lawyer, loses her mobile phone. She is soon contacted by Alexandre (Jean Dujardin), the man who found it. Over the phone, Alexandre is witty, cultured, and charming, and the two develop an instant, effortless chemistry.
The Up for Love (originally titled Un homme à la hauteur ) takes the classic "boy meets girl" premise and gives it a literal twist of perspective. Directed by Laurent Tirard, the film stars Oscar-winner Jean Dujardin and the charismatic Virginie Efira in a story that attempts to blend high-concept visual trickery with a heartfelt message about social prejudice and romance.
