The themes are deadly serious; social, political, racial and economic barriers divide these characters, with sometimes fatal consequences. The tension and misery--both subtle and catastrophic--increases as each storyline progresses, leading to an almost unbearable desperation. Yet the film is so well-made and impeccably performed that it carries us along effortlessly. We're never bored for a second--it's vibrant and alive, alternately touching and terrifying. Guediguian assembles his usual cast of actors, and as usual Ascaride shines with a startlingly transparent performance that's constantly involving. Darrousin and Meylan are also superb, although Gerard's plot thread is less defined than the others and leaves us full of questions about what went on and why. The ending is shattering, drawing together the themes in a remarkable way. The hopelessness is palpable, and yet there's a glimmer of human spirit in the characters that makes it more than worthwhile. In the face of political and economic defeat, people still have a reason to live.

adult themes and situations, language, nudity, violence

18.Jul.01

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