Pauline & Paulette

This film is a subtle charmer. The acting is wonderful and worth watching several times, especially the character of Pauline and how she interacts with all the other characters of the film. Watch her eyes. An amazing portrayal. While the plot may seem simplistic to some viewers, it is not without its own form of dramatic tension and compelling comedy. The colors of the sets are interesting in conjunction with the character development. The music chosen for each scene is interesting and idiosyncratic. I was reminded of the Norwegian film "Elling," as well as some elements of the Canadian film "Strangers in Good Company." All these films have a real breath of fresh air that is palpable.

I saw previews for this film and it caught my eye, so I rented the DVD. It was extremely well acted, especially by Dora van der Groen as Pauline. It had funny moments, and also true-to-life moments. It wasn't earth shattering, but it was very touching. I also enjoyed the director's commentary on the DVD. He talked about the decisions made, especially the use of color, and how long it took to get the film made - 4 years! It really was a labor of love. If you need heart-wrenching drama or action, this isn't the film for you, but if you appreciate good acting and scenes that touch your heart, I highly recommend this one!

(2001) Pauline & Paulette (In Dutch with English subtitles) DRAMA

Co-written and directed by Lieven Debrauwer, with "Pauline and Paulette" as the movie is called are the 2 elder sisters of Dora van der Groen as Pauline and Ann Petersen as Paulette. Become reunited after a sudden death of another former sister, Martha the sole longtime caretaker of the three sisters only disadvantaged sister Paulette. She looks after her by cutting her food into little pieces as well as tying her shoe laces before Paulette spends her spare time watering flowers at the flower garden as she has a personal thing with flowers in general, so much so she also has a cut and paste book full of pictures of flowers. But after the lone caretaker Martha's sudden death, the other 2 living sisters of Cécile (Rosemarie Bergmans) and Pauline are somewhat forced by the hand to look after her. While Pauline runs a clothing shop singing opera in her spare time around the area, the other living sister may be moving to Spain with her French boyfriend, both want to put her into an institution except that the will in itself is demanding a compromise.

This is the first film that I have ever seen that was Belgium, my first time so to speak was really very good! From the very beginning I knew that these actresses must be very well known and grand dames of the film business in Belgium. From the very start of the film to the end I was completely engrossed. I liked that the character of Pauline was not completely mentally challenged. Often times when films are made of handicap individuals they make them complete idiots and dependent on their caretakers. I liked that Paulette's character came to see the reality of her need for Pauline to be in her life. I thought that the actress who played Pauline did an excellent job, very creditable.

I found this a touching, funny and involving film. Dora van der Groen's portrayal of the child-like 66 year old Pauline was remarkable in that she was never 'acting' and it was hard to believe that she was an actor playing a disabled woman and not a disabled woman acting. (She was my choice for best female actor in the European film awards.) The rest of the cast was excellent too and though this is a 'small' film, it covers the subject better than any of the more famous Hollywood pictures. Well worth a look.