An Impossible Love

I came to this film with no prior knowledge of it (I didn't even realise it was going to be in French until I started watching) and so had no preconceived ideas about it. So I was pleasantly surprised to find myself hooked by the storyline from quite an early stage and captivated throughout - perhaps not the easiest of tasks for a lengthy subtitled film (my French is somewhat lacking).

Essentially a woman's account of the relationship between her parents (from their first meeting) and herself (from birth through to adulthood), the story is full of twists and frequently wrong-footed me as to just where it was going to head next, even though the progression of events was generally logical and believable.

Telling its story over the course of decades, I was glad it didn't fall into the usual trap of trying to ram the styles and fads of each period down the viewer's face. The gradual aging of the characters, always a tricky thing for filmmakers to get right, was remarkably convincing too.

Although I'd like to comment on certain specifics of the plot, which can be hard and uncompromising at times (as indeed the effects of human love can be), that would only serve to reduce this film's capacity to surprise the first-time viewer. However, Virginie Efira gives a terrific central performance as Rachel, the woman who spends her whole adult life providing love but finding precious little of it reciprocated. Yes, some might question the rather one-note tone of Rachel's behaviour throughout and the manner in which she just accepts the metaphorical kicks in the teeth without histrionics, but I think it works in this context. Some people are like that and the lack of any reactionary aggression on Rachel's part emphasises how cruelly she is treated, and also demonstrates how being passive does not necessarily always achieve the best outcomes.

I was certainly gripped by the set-up. Fine performances, nicely directed and stylish portrayal of events. My issue was with the sudden and what seemed to me, convenient/unearned simplistic ending. I simply did not 'buy' the ending. I agree with another user review which suggests we are simply presented with a 'one-note villain. Are we really to believe a Mother/woman who never responds vocally to a man such as Phillipe is a reliable narrator ? Is the Mother as innocent and worthy/decent as the character suggests? It has many strengths - but ultimately, it sloppy, rushed, convenient ending frustrated me and really had me wondering what exactly the director wants us to take away from this epic tale which covers 60 years.

Very good performances and superb period atmosphere in this absorbing story of the relationship between a woman and a man who sees the relationship very differently to her perception. Bravely extends the story over a long period, over thirty years, and does so convincingly.

I did not seek out this film.

Watched it one Sunday afternoon on BBC iPlayer.

I was feeling unwell and thought it looked gentle enough. There was no write up, so did not know what to expect.

It was a fine, intelligent film; Rachel was a wonderful character, I liked and understood her. It is this factor that sustains the film throughout. The two hours or so passed quickly; one becomes heavily invested in the central character.

One is left with no doubt about Phillippe from the start, he is not ordinary and totally narcissistic. Therein lies the reason for, what sometimes seems like, his unfathomable hold over Rachel. This is not about class differences or anything as mundane as that keeping lovers apart, this is about a true narcissist's manipulation of a trusting and loving girl / woman.

When adult Chantel, Rachel and Philippe's daughter, confronts Rachel at the end, Rachel's answer is believable; she simply did not conceive that the problems in their mother and daughter relationship, during Chantel's teenage years, was anything other than that she, Rachel, was simply not good enough.

I am trying not to give anything away, just watch the film and see it play out. Just remember that it is Rachel's life you are watching unfolding.

An impeccable film held together by astonishing performances and a very understated direction. I don't know if I am biased because French is my first language, but I found the film so incredibly real. Even at the lengthy runtime, I barely felt it. Corsini is at the top of their career with this film!