A Very Long Engagement: On the Set of a Romantic Epic (2004 TV Movie) User Reviews

essentially a murder mystery set in the sepia toned '20's of France

[schagc01 · 9/10 · 21 August 2005]

Directing, editing and cinematography truly earn a 10 for 10. Mainly set in the countryside of France. Character development is beyond strong, which entrances the viewer into the mystery Matilde' must solve. Superstitions guide the main character all in the hope of finding a dead man who may not be dead. For any history buff the settings of this film captivate and give accurate account to the horrors and inane stupidity of WWI. Five condemned men must attempt a way out of no mans(the very short above ground yardage between enemy lines of the trench warfare of WWI)through escape or a simple death. To give more information would be to spoil the movie. This film has within it horror, comedy, drama, despair, but most of all hope. an undying hope in the character of Matilde'. For film it contains zero formulaic elements and must be seen to appreciate. The twists and turns lead the viewer into the life and times of the setting, dead bolting you to the plot. a full range of emotions are wrenched from the viewer as you wind and weave through this masterpiece. Yet with comedic interloping it is saved from being a complete tear-streamer.

Beautiful

[lallen66 · 9/10 · 9 May 2005]

This has to be the most beautiful film that I have seen in ages, a visual delight with of course an extremely moving story. The film is so well executed, I saw it in Oz last summer and have wanted to see it again and again. The actors are superb and use the melancholy and twists to such a creative height that you are entirely sucked into an amazing story. The war scenes are filmed in such a way that it has a most definite 'age' created orientated period. Very very realistic but moving scenes associated with such an awful ordeal which the troops, friends and family had to endure. Many things like this must have happened during the First World War and this film has en-captured a spirit that must have been obvious within the forces in a delicate and sensuous way. An absolute triumph!

"Hope is a thing with feathers....

[PennyLne34 · 10/10 · 30 August 2005]

HOPE is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul, And sings the tune without the words, And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard; And sore must be the storm That could abash the little bird That kept so many warm. I 've heard it in the chillest land, And on the strangest sea; Yet, never, in extremity, It asked a crumb of me. -Emily Dickenson

The Very Long Engagement was a surprise hit for me. For someone who doesn't watch foreign films that often, it was very simple to follow. In parts of the movie, even if there were no words spoken.. written.. it wouldn't be hard to figure out what was happening. Love captivates this woman- Her naive stance on the world and determination for the truth is what brings this movie together so nicely. A tale of drama, love, humor, hope and sorrow. This movie took a hold of me from the beginning and didn't let go until well after it was over.

Truly great.

[hcpublic · 10/10 · 29 December 2005]

Truly great.

I cannot think of a better movie. I know I overrate it, but I'm still enraptured a year after seeing it.

In the THEATER, though. On the little screen, it won't have the punch. But watch it anyway. Borrow a big screen or something.

I saw it 6 times and every time saw something new, while still being blown away by the shots. Every character has a personality and an arc. Fantastic casting and performances.

Humor, mystery, surprise, horror, emotion. Detail on detail. Superior effects. It's a great big movie, and a great little movie.

Just a work of art.