From the opening shot, a magnificent panoramic panning view of Marseilles, to the completely unexpected ending, I was captivated by this film.
In the majority of gritty realist dramas, I find myself after a while feeling not entirely sympathetic to the characters, but in this one, I really felt for their predicaments, especially Michele and the bar-owner.
The film recorded the characters' actions in a refreshingly non-judgemental way, even the self-inflicted pain they cause and the way the characters use each other for their own ends. It seemed to be saying that this is the way humans act, good and bad,and all of us, including the viewer, are capable of both.
Well-acted and thought-provoking throughout, although uncomfortable viewing at times. I loved the way that after particularly heavy scenes, the director returns us fleetingly to the panoramic view of Marseilles - it put everything in context for me.
Definitely recommended.
In the majority of gritty realist dramas, I find myself after a while feeling not entirely sympathetic to the characters, but in this one, I really felt for their predicaments, especially Michele and the bar-owner.
The film recorded the characters' actions in a refreshingly non-judgemental way, even the self-inflicted pain they cause and the way the characters use each other for their own ends. It seemed to be saying that this is the way humans act, good and bad,and all of us, including the viewer, are capable of both.
Well-acted and thought-provoking throughout, although uncomfortable viewing at times. I loved the way that after particularly heavy scenes, the director returns us fleetingly to the panoramic view of Marseilles - it put everything in context for me.
Definitely recommended.