A Very Long Engagement
We rented the French film “A Very Long Engagement” last night. It starred Audrey Tautou and was directed and co-written by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the writer and director of Amelie. So, we had high expectations.
I liked this movie even better than Amelie (which I loved).
It had the same simplicity of story successfully combined with a depth of sub-plots and supporting characters. Everything working together to add to the whole story. It had the same magical realism feel to it, but since the story largely revolved around the execution of five French soldiers for self-mutilation (to get out of service) during the end of World War I, the magical part of the magical realism was even more effective and meaningful.
The entire film was beautiful, both thematically and cinematographically. The usual cast of French actors were well utilized, and the addition of a mystery-genre feel to the movie gave it an enduring sense of suspension and urgency.
Five stars.
I just watched “Equilibrium.” It was a pile of crap.
No YOU’RE stupid! Hey, taste is subjective. Some people like piles of crap, like me. More accurately, I like movies sometimes for the idea they represent, and how much I see in what they could have been. Equilibrium is no doubt a B movie, but it’s story is interesting, its attempts at action are worthy, and it cast is surprisingly strong considering how low-budget the thing looked.
I agree totally. A beautiful movie, wonderfully staged and with spellbinding storytelling. Though I wish my memory was a little better as it was confusing at times as to which of the five she was on the track off. Loved the Tina character – brilliant assasination technique!