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| Movie Review: A Secret Alternate Title: The Lies That Bind
Story: We are fortunate that
there seems to be an endless number of stories that emanate from difficult
memories of World War II. This very satisfying film about Jews in Paris
before, during and after the Nazi occupation is just such a gem. Directed
deftly by Claude Miller and written by Mr.
Miller and Natalie Carter and based on the
semi-autobiographical novel by Philippe Grimbert. The film spans 30 years through the eyes of Francois.
Francois as a child, a young adult and finally an adult who comes face
to face with his family and their secret past. The secrets and lies
that imbued his family come full cycle through revelations that a neighbor
reveals. Why there are whispers, why there are untold stories, why there
are unanswered questions form the heart of this film. It take a while for the story to gather its strength.
Through patient revelations, fine acting and a respect for what people
had to endure during this period of time Catch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MpGb5xk1lk Acting: Cécile de France as Tania is gorgeous
and very intriguing. Patrick Bruel as the father, Maxime
is charismatic and very well cast. Ludivine Sagnier
as Hannah is wonderful. Julie Depardieu as neighbor,
Louise is terrific. Orlando Nicoletti as young Simon
is adorable. Valentin Vigourt as the 7-year-old François
is loving. Quentin Dubuis as the 14-year-old François
is compassionate and Mathieu Amalric as the adult François,
is, as always terrific.
Trivia: Ludivine Sagnier won a Cesar Award nomination
(the French equivalent of the Oscar) and the Romy Schneider Award that
is given each year to a promising young French actress for her role
in Eight Women. Julie Marion Depardieu is the daughter
of Gérard Depardieu and Élisabeth Depardieu, and the sister
of Guillaume Depardieu - all of whom are also film actors. Patrick
Bruel is a Jewish French singer, actor, and professional poker
player.
Predilection: None
Critters: A delightful, patient cat. here is a dead
dog seen in the film but you do not see the dog die.
Food: Yummy table fare.
Sex Spectrum: This is a French film - of course there
is sex.
Visual Art: Much attention is paid to details of
the time and it is brought home beautifully.
Theater Audience: A handful of Francophiles.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: Nazis make me squirm
Drift Factor: It was a slow moving film but I weny
with the pace and enjoyed it as if I were reading a good book.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: I had a few tears at the end.
Oscar Worthy: Why not?
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine for this
film.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5 |