Au revoir là-haut

I watched Au Revoir Là-Haut (See You Up There for the English title) followed by Adieu Les Cons (Bye Bye Morons for the English title), both movies by writer/director Albert Dupontel, in which he also plays the major role. I can only say I'm a fan from now on. Au Revoir Là-Haut has a very artistic touch in the story, which made it very enjoyable to watch. It's just a special movie, something different from the rest, with an interesting engaging story, all well written, but also very well acted and that from the whole cast. It clearly deserves it's high rating on here. I can't see what people could dislike about this movie. It's certainly one of the better French movies I watched this decennia. You can't really compare it to Adieu Les Cons which has a totally different story but you certainly recognize that typical vibe you get from Albert Dupontel.

I didn't expect to like this movie, for reasons I can't explain even to myself. But I did. Dupontel, both in front and behind the camera, does his thing, and it's truly remarkable. For those unfamiliar with his work, I invite to watch some. The guy exists in his own world and does his own thing. And it works. It often makes you feel uncomfortable, probably because it's stirring emotions under the surface. This movie is visually stunning, the costumes, the era, the music, all this without being too long. Really well executed. And the story itself, the emotions, loss, mourning, injustice, revenge, hatred, love. Again, remarkable. A good example of what cinema should be, yet rarely is. If it matters, I'm French.

This movie will restore your faith in movie making, a most wonderful film that was even better second time around. Acting, photography, special effects, music - everything of the highest order. Would I see it for a third time ? Oh yes.

A magnificent story bathed in the poetry of extraordinary sets and costumes.

In addition to a host of brilliant actors, the subject evoked (the smashed faces) is rarely recounted in the cinema.

Albert Dupontel has created a masterpiece.

Albert Dupontel has directed a cinematic masterpiece, always visual (enjoy the long shots), always surprising details (sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes poetic), lot of cinema references (Jeunet, Welles, Leone, Kubrick, Franju, ...). All characters are important, and the script is suspenseful in their interaction. My two favorite characters are of course Edouard Péricourt and Pradelle (fantastic Laurent Lafitte, he makes me think of John Hodiak). Enjoy.