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Film Review


Film Review


Film Review


Film Review

I'VE LOVED YOU SO LONG (2008)
Film Review

Director and writer: Philippe Claudel

 

Two sisters are reunited after the eldest sibling Juliette (Kristen Scott Thomas) is released from jail. The weight of the history behind this is tangible and the viewer is drawn into the question of ‘What did she do?’ and ‘why did she do it?’ This mystery is at the very heart of the film and our fascination is held as, ever so slowly, it unravels. It does this in what I call ‘European film time’ which is a very different representation of time than that found in most American films. It has been a while since I’ve watched a French film and I was struck by the difference. In U.S.-style films, everything you see is informed by giving information to the plot; not much happens outside of that. In this way it is not really much like real life which is, of course, full of moments of no particular consequence or drama. Foreign films seem to allow a more realistic depiction of life where some of these non-dramatic moments are included in the film; as a result the film feels less stylised and a lot more like real life. To those used to the ‘plot spoon feeding’ of American films it can feel a little slow and more like hard work (especially with the subtitles) but wow, is it worth it! Like the difference between a cheap bottle of wine and a pricier option - it is subtle, full of delicate flavours and overtones.

 

While the slow unfurling of what happened in the past holds our attention, we witness Juliettes’ emotional rehabilitation back into society through the shelter of her sister Lea’s (Elsa Zylberstein) family home. Juliette starts out a wreck - the usually gorgeous K.S.Thomas looks haunted and ghost like without make up at the start. This seems to symbolise her state - she has given up trying to make an effort, she is a victim of the court’s (and more importantly her own) judgement of what she has done. Through the compassion of her sister’s husband, friends and family (especially her unjudgemental daughter and grandad) Juliette is invited back to join the human race. Ultimately her redemption is brought about by the unfailing, unconditional love of her sister Lea. It’s rare to see a film about sisterly love. Juliette’s journey is raw and painful and her apparent ‘crime’ dares us to judge her and yet in the end we are brought to the forgiving viewpoint of the sister. Don’t be put off by the miserable poster, this little known film is well worth 90 minutes of your time.

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