The Impact of 'La Vie Devant Soi' and Its Film Adaptation

The novel 'La Vie Devant Soi' and its Netflix film adaptation both spark considerable discussion regarding their popularity. The original novel, penned by French author Romain Gary under the pseudonym Émile Ajar in 1975, won the prestigious Prix Goncourt that same year. Gary had previously received this award in 1956 for his novel 'Les Racines du Ciel.' Notably, the Prix Goncourt is traditionally not awarded to the same author twice, making Gary the first to achieve this feat. Until his tragic suicide in 1980, few knew that the two identities belonged to the same person. The novel inspired a popular Korean song in the late 1970s, 'Momo is a Fool~ Momo is a Rainbow~,' named after its protagonist.

The story centers on Momo (Mohamed), a young Arab Muslim boy, and Madame Rosa, a Holocaust survivor and former sex worker who now cares for the children of sex workers. At 14, Momo reflects on his life, particularly why his mother has never come to find him. One of the most poignant lines in the novel occurs when Momo asks his grandfather, Hamid, 'Can a person live without love?' Hamid, a Muslim, serves as Momo's guide to understanding the world.

Mimosas appear in the novel, primarily through Hamid's recollections. He shares stories of joyful giants and dancing clowns, evoking a sense of peace in Momo. Momo sometimes steals mimosas from flower carts at the Paris market, hoping to bring happiness home. While mimosas are present in the narrative, they serve more as a decorative element rather than a central symbol.

In 2020, director Edoardo Ponti adapted the novel into a film titled 'La Vie Devant Soi,' featuring 84-year-old Sophia Loren as Madame Rosa, which garnered significant attention. While the film retains the core storyline, it diverges in many details. In the film, Momo is portrayed as a Black boy from Senegal, and their first encounter differs from the novel. The setting shifts from the impoverished neighborhoods of Paris to a coastal town in Italy, altering the story's atmosphere. Notably, the film omits the crucial scene involving Momo's biological father, leaving viewers without an explanation for his mother's absence.

In the film, mimosas take on a more significant role. Madame Rosa reminisces about a beautiful mimosa tree from her childhood, stating that she would give up all her other memories for that one. A touching scene shows Momo struggling to find a yellow mimosa branch for her as her health declines. The film concludes with Momo placing a postcard adorned with yellow mimosa flowers on Rosa's grave, elevating the flower's symbolic importance compared to its role in the novel.

Currently, the Mediterranean coast is awash with yellow mimosa blooms. Two years ago, during a visit to Barcelona, I witnessed these vibrant flowers, reminiscent of the French city of Nice described in the novel. The mimosa trees were in full bloom, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The official name of this tree is Acacia dealbata, native to Australia but well-suited to Mediterranean climates, thriving in countries like France, Italy, and Spain. Typically blooming from January to March, travelers in southern France, Spain, or Italy can enjoy the sight of these bright yellow flowers.

While mimosas cannot survive outdoors in Korea, they can be grown indoors, and potted versions are available in flower shops. Interestingly, the term 'mimosa' in Korea refers to a different plant known for its sensitive leaves that fold when touched, commonly called 'sensitive plant' or 'sleeping grass.' This plant, native to Brazil, is an annual herb in Korea.