A Very Long Engagement

 

 

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The 2004 Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie, The City of Lost Children, Delicatessen) film A Very Long Engagement (Un long dimanche de fiançailles) is one of those rare movies I'm urged to consume myself with annually. In fact it was my favorite film of that year and Jeunet, were it not for the terrible Alien: Resurrection, has a nearly flawless list of films he has directed, at least in my opinion. Here, Jeunet once again gets to work with the quirky, lovable, and brilliant Audrey Tautou, who were it not for her humble choice of roles outside of the Da Vinci Code, would probably be a Hollywood icon. They clearly compliment each other, as in A Very Long Engagement Jeunet recaptures everything that makes Tautou so wonderful in Amélie. But that's not all. Jeunet has an outstanding international ensemble in this movie. Jeunet regular Dominique Pinon is back once again. 2007 Oscar winner Marion Cotillard (La Môme a.k.a. La Vie en rose) is absolutely perfect as the tragic anti-hero and clever revenge connoisseur, Tina Lombardi. Gaspard Ulliel, who plays the infamous title character in 2007's Hannibal Rising, co-stars opposite Tautou, and is as equally engaging for his pure boyish innocence in the role. Even Jodie Foster appears in a supporting role and is as compelling as ever. On the technical side Bruno Delbonnel (unquestionably among the best cinematographers in the world) collaborates again with Jeunet to make a great story also a visually dazzling film. Frequent David Lynch collaborator Angelo Badalamenti scores the film effectively as well. But enough about who made the movie.

A Very Long Engagement follows Mathilde (Tautou), an orphan partially paralyzed from polio, as she undertakes a desperate journey to find her fiancé, a French soldier in World War I named Manech (Ulliel). Their love for one another is portrayed as remarkably profound and that really is what this movie is built on. Jeunet has a unique way of introducing characters to us. He makes it almost impossible to not relate in some way to them. The characters in his films are far more charming than most, especially here. Manech was one of five soldiers convicted of self-mutilation. He did this so he would no longer have to serve. All five soldiers faced a death sentence by being forced to enter No Man's Land between the French and German trenches. All are assumed to have not survived but Mathilde's faith in Manech's survival cannot be shaken. A Very Long Engagement is seen through the perspective of both primary characters, but mostly focuses on Mathilde. I won't give away the end but suffice to say it is among the most beautiful bittersweet movie moments in many years.

In such a passionate story that never loses my attention I sometimes forget how amazing this film is visually. You can plainly see that Jeunet is delighted to tell his story with a big budget, and believe me he uses it wisely. The war scenes do not for one second turn away. Even with all I've heard, read about, or seen visual interpretations of; nothing could prepare me for Jeunet's seemingly spot-on depiction of World War I trench warfare brutality. What's amazing is he contrasts these fragmented horrific visuals with mostly gorgeous countryside shots of north western France and gazing shots of the beautiful and delicate Mathilde. Seems so appropriate, as the world I see today might need these contrasts as a reminder of how very beautiful life has the potential to be. A Very Long Engagement to me is the total package. It really is what movies should be about and I very highly recommend it to anyone.

Saw this at a local film festival. Just about walked out because of the violence of the first ten minutes, but very glad I stayed. No question, the war scenes are very violent (so was Cold Mountain, for that matter) but the story is beautifully told and the cinematography is gorgeous. Discovering Jodie Foster was a surprise, but as usual she shines in every scene she's in.
Very, very powerful film, and glad I was able to see it.

Ok i'm not a fan of love stories or romantic movies but this film is absolutly gorgeous in every way. The landscape is breathtaking, so is Audrey Tautou. Great actors, great story, Jean-pierre jeunet knows how to catch viewers attention. This movie is filled with emotions and true values. The characters are all interconnected to eachother, which makes the acting almost flawless. A must see for those who still believe in hope & safe places.

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2.0 out of 5 stars Didn't like it
This movie is so slow and dreadfull. Another almost 2 hours of my life waisted. I don't mind the talented acting but Audrey Tautou seems to be hired to play the same roles over... Read more

Published 6 months ago by David E

4.0 out of 5 stars To never give up
Sure, the name is an open target for dumb jokes. But Sébastien Japrisot's haunting romance "A Very Long Engagement" translates well onto the big screen, with a bit of help... Read more

Published on Dec 18 2004 by E. A Solinas

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