“A Very Long Engagement” is a French film about a young woman searching for her lost love after World War I. The story is an intricate puzzle with many pieces that connect like clockwork. It’s like a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of mystery, romance, and tragedy. The film will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, filling you with emotions that are impossible to ignore.
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Review
It’s been 16 years since the release of Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s critically acclaimed film, “A Very Long Engagement,” but its impact on viewers and critics alike still resonates to this day. Based on the novel by Sebastien Japrisot, the story takes place in post-World War I France and centers around a woman named Mathilde (Audrey Tautou), who refuses to believe her fiancé Manech (Gaspard Ulliel) died in battle and sets out to uncover the truth.
The film’s plot is complex and intricate, filled with flashbacks, dream sequences, and nonlinear storytelling. But what sets it apart from other war dramas is its focus on human relationships and emotions rather than just battles and politics.
Jeunet’s unique style of filmmaking is on full display in “A Very Long Engagement.” His use of vibrant colors, quirky humor, and fantastical elements give the film a whimsical feel despite its serious subject matter. The cinematography captures the beauty of the French countryside as well as the grim reality of trench warfare.
The cast is also top-notch, with Audrey Tautou giving a standout performance as Mathilde. Her portrayal of a determined woman willing to go to any lengths to find her fiancé is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Gaspard Ulliel also shines as Manech, conveying his character’s innocence and vulnerability with ease.
One scene that stands out in particular is when Mathilde confronts one of Manech’s fellow soldiers about his disappearance. The soldier tells her a gruesome story about how he witnessed Manech being executed for self-mutilation. The scene is both horrific and heartbreaking, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Despite its critical acclaim, “A Very Long Engagement” was not widely popular at the box office. However, it has gained a cult following over the years thanks to its powerful storytelling and stunning visuals.
The film was also recognized by various award shows, receiving nominations for Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction at the Academy Awards, as well as several César nominations in France.
In addition to its artistic merits, “A Very Long Engagement” also sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of World War I history. The film explores the experiences of soldiers who were tried and executed for self-mutilation, which was seen as cowardly by military officials at the time. It’s a thought-provoking commentary on the ethics of war and justice.
Overall, “A Very Long Engagement” is a masterpiece of filmmaking that has stood the test of time. Its powerful story and stunning visuals make it a must-watch for anyone interested in war dramas or French cinema. Jeunet’s unique style and Tautou’s standout performance make it a film that will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 133
- Release : 2004-10-26
- Genre : Drama, Romance, War
- Cast : Audrey Tautou as Mathilde, Gaspard Ulliel as Manech, Dominique Pinon as Sylvain, Chantal Neuwirth as Bénédicte, André Dussollier as Pierre-Marie Rouvières
- Crew : Jean-Pierre Jeunet as Screenplay, Jean-Pierre Jeunet as Director, Guillaume Laurant as Screenplay, Bruno Delbonnel as Director of Photography, Hervé Schneid as Editor
- Popularity 14.424
- Budget : $47,000,000
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Gerber Pictures, 2003 Productions, Tapioca Films
- Summary : 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.
- Tagline : Never let go.
