On this page: THE INNOCENT | LOVE LIFE | SIMONE: WOMAN OF THE CENTURY

< < F O R E I G N > >

Garrel is a likeable protagonist, the innocent guy pulled in various directions by his rather naive assumptions about everyone around him. His general state of panic feels both realistic and ridiculous, and is also very easy for the viewer to identify with. He has terrific chemistry with the sparky, bracingly witty Merleant. And he's a great foil for the riotously prickly Grinberg. She creates a sweet and sexy connection with Zem, who brings the film some calm gravitas as the smart, thoughtful Michel

As the plot embraces its more farcical elements, the narrative's strong momentum carries it through a few rather jarring tonal shifts. And in the end, this becomes a charming tale about a group of people who learn to balance their own feelings with the needs of the others around them. So the story packs a few emotional punches as it heads to a conclusion that's both satisfying and perhaps a bit more complex than expected.

themes, language, violence

1.Jun.23

Each of these people has giant steps to take as they deal with their feelings and the knotted bonds they have with each other. Every moment of interaction in this film is staggeringly complex, working on various levels. Because of the film's hushed, often silent ambience, the performances are unusually subtle, revealing inner thoughts in inventive ways that have a strong impact. Even without speaking, scene-stealer Sunada has the most expressive role. And both Kimura and Nagayama find wonderful textures in brittly distant scenes with each other and the characters around them.

There's a remarkable fragility in the combination of happiness and pain depicted in this story, as big feelings ripple through each softly spoken scene. The drama that emerges is jaggedly pointed and would be much more difficult to watch if the interaction was heightened or shouty. Instead, Fukada's thoughtful storytelling brings the viewer in, so we can feel each wrenching moment. There are glimpses of joy here and there, but the feelings run so deep that our reaction has to be more complicated.

themes, violence

7.Aug.23

Performances are terrific, embodying the characters with passion and internalised energy. Both Zylberstein and Marder have terrific scenes as Simone, a strong-minded woman whose life experience pushed her to fight for unity, equality and justice in a variety of ways. Bouchez (as her mother) and Chemla have very strong moments along the way, most notably in the World War II scenes, while the male roles kind of fade into the scenery.

Simone Veil had a noted impact on so many issues over her career that the film begins to feel overwhelming, shifting from one intensely emotional situation to the next. Her work in Algerian women's prisons is so harrowing that it almost eclipses her hellish experience in Auschwitz. But then there are significant events in each decade, marking Veil's astonishing groundbreaking work. And seeing her stand up to hatred again and again is a nasty reminder of how bigotry and totalitarianism continue to plague the world.

themes, language, violence

17.Aug.23