Just a Sigh (2014)

What pulls us to another human being, to share all the intimacies of touch, pain, and desires? And if we are drawn to someone else, what would it feel like to just follow that desire and allow ourselves to yield, without resistance? There are times in our lives when we just want someone to care for us and hold us. Alix and Douglas are inexplicably drawn to each other, during a time for each of them that is especially lonely and difficult. Though it appears out of character for both of them, they embrace the attraction. The emotions in this lovely film are deeply felt and communicated. Alix is feeling particularly unmoored due to the failure of everyday technology, which contributes to a confusing distance from her boyfriend. Doug is experiencing the loss of love and innocence. It seems magical that they are able to find each other, comfort each other, and give each other just a bit of strength to return to their lives. Others have said there are no great morals or lessons in this movie. I think this is a movie that shows perfectly the impact we can have on another human being, if we take the chance to see each other as creatures in need of love.

Yes, I have seen movies with this exact same plot, but this film is constructed so well that it keeps me guessing as to the main character's, Alix's, motivation for beginning the affair, and thus sustains my interest in watching the relationship unfold until the end. The cinematography was beautiful. I think Gabriel Byrne was hard to believe in his role, but only because I have seen him in so many action driven/ plot device driven films that the subtle, understated twist and turns of this movie seemed a mismatch for him. I loved the introduction of the family drama. What I could have done without was the constant phone calls but even they grew on me. Emmanuelle Devos was incredible and carried her part off well. I would whole heartedly recommend this movie. It is not simply a romance but a complete dramatic character study.

Déja Vu would be a gross understatement to describe "Just a sigh" directed by Jérôme Bonnell. It does not offer any new story to viewers. Moreover, all of us have seen countless films with two strangers meeting on a public transport, having sex and moving on in their lives to their individual paths. This theme is so overrated that one feels bored at the mere mention of a film belonging to this genre."Le Temps De L'Aventure" begins as a film about unknown lovers but shifts its focus to reveal family conflicts especially a troubled relationship involving two sisters. However, this sub plot does not contribute much to sustain viewers' interest. One really wonders how such films without an ounce of a good story manage to find finances. Although there are not too many lines in French language for his role as an actor, Gabriel Byrne looks completely lost. Emmanuelle Devos is brilliant as her other films. However, her reputation as a fun loving "serious actress" can get damaged if she chooses to do any more film of this kind. Lastly, due to its regional setting, a film about a French woman falling in love with a non French speaking person in a day has limited interest for viewers interested in world cinema.

I went to watch this feature only because there was nothing else interesting released this week in movie theatres. I could not have watched for instance IRON MAN 3 crap, even for a million bucks. I am only human. So, I decided to watch this one. It's not my type pf film, but this sort of tale is from time to time interesting to watch. The scheme of a man and a woman meet aboard a train. Of course, anyone could think of David Lean's BRIEF ENCOUNTER. It reminds me another french movie from 1999: UNE LIAISON PORNOGRAPHIQUE, starring Nathalie Baye and Sergi Lopez. This film is made in a very touching and realistic way. Emmenuelle Devos is here at her best, although I don't like her face. But that doesn't prevent her to be a very good actress, poignant, impressive at the most. A really good film.