AMB Reviews

I've Loved You So Long: 8/10 Stars

Release Date: October 24, 2008

Content Advisory: Rated PG-13 for thematic material and smoking. It is implied that a woman has had sex. It is briefly mentioned that a man committed suicide. The plot revolves around a woman killing her six-year-old son (it's only talked about, not shown). Almost every character is seen smoking a cigarette at various times.

Review:

If you don't like subtitles, I would suggest looking elsewhere. "I've Loved You So Long" is a French film, meaning: English subtitles all the way! That being said, it is quite a mysterious and rapturous foreign film...

In Short:

After being released from prison after 15 years, Juliette is taken in by her sister, Lea's family for the time being. But it's not easy. Juliette and Lea are estranged sisters and their relationship is fractured. And considering that Juliette was in prison for killing her own child, it's going to be a tough road to redemption and forgiveness. But that's the whole point of the film. It's a stunning film that really leaves you wanting more, after the final revelation is revealed. It's one of those films that you have to see again, just to make sure that you really got it. The performances are realistic and believable and the film retains a sense of foreboding fear and dread throughout, as it leaves the audience curious as to why she killed her son up until the last few minutes.

In Full:

"I've Loved You So Long" begins with Lea (Elsa Zylberstein) picking up her sister, Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) who was just recently released from prison. You don't quite know why at first, but over the course of the next twenty minutes or so, you discover that she was arrested and jailed for 15 years, convicted of the murder of her six-year-old son. Why she would do such a horrible thing? Well, that's not revealed until the film's end. And if I gave such a shocking piece of information away, that would just spoil the whole movie. The rest of the movie focuses on the two sisters, as they try to repair their fractured relationship, and as Juliette slowly tries to find redemption and beauty even in times of hardness and despair.

The acting is, in short... superb. I would even go to such lengths as to call it the best aspect of the film. Kristin Scott Thomas gives a subtle yet wonderful performance as Juliette. It takes talent to be able to portray a suffering woman going through a trial, and she does so with great depth. She, at first comes off as a very quiet woman, but, as the movie progresses, we learn that there's so much more to her character. Though her skills did not land her an Oscar nomination, it still gave her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. Elsa Zylberstein, playing her sister, is able to keep up with Thomas' great skills, and (in my opinion) should've received a Golden Globe nomination (at the least) for Best Supporting Actress. The rest of the supporting cast was rounded out quite nicely, and in the end, if I was to choose the best aspect of this film... it would be the acting.

Seeing as this is more of a talky drama... there is not much to comment upon, visual-wise. You won't find any explosions or car chases her. This is a poignant, talkative film that revolves more around the thoughts and actions of the main characters, rather than some grand scheme for world domination. Those looking for splendid visuals should look elsewhere. That being said, the cinematography of various spots in France was nice and found several scenes quite beautiful. In the end, the visuals are simple yet beautiful, rather than big and complex.

Of course... this movie isn't perfect. Hence, the 8/10 stars. Though the movie kept my interest throughout... I can't guarantee that for everyone else. Though the sheer suspense of wanting to know why she killed her son should keep everyone watching until the end... the movie does seem to drag in some spots. Though I am personally absolutely okay with more talky films... this film really elaborates on the talky. Some could easily find the first half of the film dull and monotonous. I must say, the second half is better. Once you get past the introduction, and the tension really starts to flare, the film dives in deep, dealing delicately with the topics of murder, suicide, Alzheimer's, and family dysfunction.

"I've Loved You So Long," in my opinion, is an acquired taste. Those absolutely fine with waiting a bit for the story to get moving will probably have no problem sitting through this film. Those, however, who prefer movies that start out right away... may quickly tire of the film. Though I found it poignant, beautiful, and rapturous, that's not saying that everyone will. Also, if you don't like subtitles... this also presents itself as a problem. So, in conclusion... would I recommend this film? Yes. The better question is... who would I recommend it too? Certainly not everyone. But, seeing as I have written an entire review on the film's content, I will let you sleep on it and decide whether or not "I've Loved You So Long" is the right choice for you. I know it was for me.