2004 Movie
Dir. Jean-Pierre Jeunet · France, United States of America · French
A fiancée holds onto hope over her love’s survival in this stunning historical drama
When reading the synopsis, A Very Long Engagement doesn’t seem like the kind of film that would work with director Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s style. It is, after all, a drama about World War I atrocities. In theory, the subject feels like it would clash with the signature whimsical comedy Jeunet used in Amélie. Thankfully, in reality, it executes its themes well. The quiet insistence Mathilde has in chasing down the truth captures that human need for hope in the face of devastation, with the dreamy style warmly affirming that desire for closure. There are some moments that could have been a bit serious, but nonetheless A Very Long Engagement proves to be a moving romance precisely because of its direction.
Young Frenchwoman Mathilde searches for the truth about her missing fiancé, lost during World War I, and learns many unexpected things along the way. The love of her life is gone. But she refuses to believe he's gone forever — and she needs to know for sure.
"Told with a blend of visual mastery and emotional intimacy, ambitious venture sustains a special melding of romance and pragmatism that should engage discerning audiences."
— Lisa Nesselson
France, 1910s, after World War I. After being told that her fiancé Manech was killed on duty, Mathilde refuses to believe this, and looks into what happened on the battlefield with the help of private investigator Germain Pire. This leads her to discover the cruel punishment given to suspected deserters.
The cinematography is so beautiful.
Rest in peace, Gaspard Ulliel.
Other
1 nom
Isabella Endrinal is a curator at A Good Movie to Watch. She's now free from the corporate night shift. Previous articles have been published in outlets such as NANG Magazine. She's currently catching up on some classic films… if she isn't coping with the fact that the Haikyu anime will end soon.
Comments