In Jacques Audiard’s drama, “De Battre Mon Coeur s’est Arrêté” (English title: “The Beat that My Heart Skipped”) is a French remake of James Tobak’s 1978 American film “Fingers.” Thomas Seyr (Romain Duris) runs his criminal real estate activities with his father and two brutish business partners in Paris. Tom harbors a dream to be a classic pianist and prepares for an audition with a young Chinese piano teacher who doesn’t speak French. Their dialogues and scenes are some of the funniest and most touching in the movie.

In following this newly-awakened passion, Tom loses interest in his business activities but remains entangled in sex and violence. Romain Duris, as Tom, is mesmerizing as a thug who transforms into a musician. His expressions and character, from the tormented pianist, illicit lover, street-smart son, and seedy business man, make Audiar’s film a treat.