In today's tech-savvy world of smartphones, iPads, laptops and even the antiquated colossi known as desktop PCs, almost everyone over the age of 5 is at least a passable typist. If you were born in the mid-1990s, your typing skills are likely coded into your DNA, occupying space in your genetic makeup occupied in generations past by passé talents like "sabertooth tiger avoidance". Even if you're a lousy typist, due to a tragic Sawzall accident or something, there's speech-to-text software to help you keep pace with your 10-fingered brethren. (Thou id doze halve lids shirt combings.) But believe it or not, there was a time when being able to type was a highly specialized and coveted skill.

Populaire is the latest from French writer-director Régis Roinsard. Set in the late 1950s, the film focuses on Rose Pamphyle (Déborah François), a young French girl who leads a simple life working in her father's market and counting the days until she marries the local auto mechanic's son. Unfortunately for Rose, she's "counting the days" in the manner of a condemned inmate. She doesn't want to be a wife; she wants to be a secretary.

Rose applies for a secretarial job with an insurance agency. There's just one problem, Rose can't type ... sort of. Her 10-key skills are very poor, but Rose can "hunt and peck" with extraordinary speed. Rose's boss, Louis Échard (Romain Duris), hires her on the condition that she learns to type properly and competes in speed-typing competitions. With Louis training her, Rose is soon on her way to becoming the fastest typist in the world. But things are never that simple, are they?

Populaire is an absolute feast for the eyes. The attention to detail in both set design and costuming is incredible. The 1950s have never looked so believable or so stylish. Seriously, every single character in this movie is dressed to the nines. The guys all look like extras from Mad Men, and the gals all look like Audrey Hepburn. It's a world that's never known sweatpants. (I'm not exaggerating; Rose jogs in slacks!)

Wonderful performances abound. Déborah François' Rose is a woman out of time, with dreams and ambitions that don't fully mesh with the prevailing attitudes of her era. She's sweet, congenial, determined and just a little bit naïve. She's impossible not to like. Romain Duris plays Louis to a "T". A prototypical 1950s businessman, he has a good heart, but he's not completely unaffected by the gender biases that permeate his world. In short, he is a likable, French version of Don Draper. Shaun Benson gives a stellar performance as Louis' business partner and American expatriate Bob Taylor. The Canada-born Benson does a great job playing Bob as one who is acclimated to the French culture, but is by no means assimilated into it.

Populaire is a funny, heartwarming and at times tear-jerking romantic comedy. Even if romantic comedies aren't your thing, for Populaire, I strongly urge you to go against type.

POPULAIRE, opens Friday, Oct. 11, The Grand Cinema, 606 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, $4.50-$9, 253.593.4474