Sous emprise

Once upon a time there was a film made about Gandhi who insofar as I remember was Indian. They used a British Jewish actor to play Gandhi. I still wonder why? No Indians available?

Then later on and before that they would make cowboy movies with white actors painted to look like Braves. Here in these Woke years they use actor Sofiane to play a character called Pascal which may seem a bit odd to some viewers; did they run out of Frenchmen who are not French Arabs? It seems unnecessary to me but anyway he does a great job here as the Baddie of the piece.

As regards the other main protagonist her acting is okay here only during the bar scene with the secondary love interest does she giggle a tad like a brainless model; the rest of the time she is really quite adequate even very good at times. The other acting folks here are all pretty good not stellar But pretty good.

The tale here is a total grim fest. Both main characters have childhoods that would make Dickens and Eugène Sue blush and they tell you about them. The activity they are engaged in is to a sane person so crazy that it beggars belief.

I remember the film Le Grand Bleu (1988) from years ago (Luc Besson 1988) and this was excellent (free diving is huge in France) ; here we have what it has come to now an exaggeration a crazy hyperbolic take on free diving full of technology machines and pushing the human body to a place where it can only die.

Trying to produce no spoilers here but it does not end well surprisingly. Do not watch this film if you want something to cheer up this will not tick that box. Also it is intimated that something of the same nature happened in real time to a real female diver in The Dominican Republic; maybe just an homage; probably not a cut-and-paste

To summarise it is very adequate film well-made the acting I would rate at 75% of what it could have been; but whichever way you cut this the storyline is strong and that is a very crucial component of any movie...

PS so i went and watched Le Grand Bleu (1988) again after all these years and that too was not a tale of joy either .... I had forgotten the ending probably just remembered the cuddly dolphs and gorgeous curves of Rosanna .... but yes in a way "Sous Emprise" is just an amped version in the more accelerated and cruel world of 2022 .... I remembered Le Grand Bleu (1988) as chipper chirpier ... but noooooo it sure was not.

No pun intended - you'll know if you watch the movie. Sometimes it is something that can never entirely be earned. Think about it - if you slept with someone (well that is putting the quick and passionate love making session mildly) who at the time was with someone else ... could you really trust that person? And to what degree would that trust go? Don't get me wrong that is not the "theme" itself the movie really puts in front of us.

It is about a woman who tries to find her way - and her purpose. And that purpose is not a man. Though that man does help her achieve her dreams and goals. But he is also dragging her down (sorry for the pun). There is more than meets the eye here and even more below the surface (again sorry for the pun).

And while the movie is also about love, most of it happens fully clothed - still apart from one scene baring it all, it is filled with passion and sounds that might make you feel uncomfortable. Everyone perceives things differently. But it is important that we see the passion, that we understand how deep (sorry) their love goes. Because only then we understand the full scope of the feelings that are being shared - one way or another.

Apparently based on a real story, though I am certain there have been taken creative licences - even with the ending you ask? I can't say - I might take a look one of these days ... still quite mesmerizing the way it is told.

The movie is very unique, being different from all the movies I have ever seen. This alone helps to hold your attention, but an intriguing script and breathtaking scenery it captivates the viewer even more. Furthermore, the movie is quite realistic and is inspired by a real story, at the end of the movie it keeps you wondering of what actually happened and what was just fiction. Overall it's a nice movie, I was surprised by the negative reviews so far, definitely worth seeing, especially if you are interested in the plot, my only caveat would be if you are looking for a comedy or bawdy movie, otherwise I would definitely recommend watch it.

Surprised to see this rating on IMDB but for me this movie is 10/10.

Totally breathtaking from the first minute - maybe because for me water is a great mystery and every time they dive in I was stressed out, waiting to see what will happen.

A lot to learn from the story of the main character - Roxana and all the way she goes towards achieving her dream - to find her purpose.

Entangled within the hard live she had, the hard live her love had and the mistakes they want to "fix", there is a love story so complicated that you want to see it ending in a different way.

And I did not expect the ending of the movie which quite made me think of the whole story for days.

Water is undoubtedly Pascal's element. His great passion is freediving, in which he has also set the record. He runs diving courses and one day meets Roxana, who also wants to dive into the depths of the water.

At first it seems as if Roxana could get together with her diving instructor Tom (César Domboy), but it soon becomes clear that she is falling under Pascal's spell. He may be taken, but that doesn't stop the two of them from plunging into a stormy relationship. The warning signs are unmistakable - Pascal's charisma hides a toxic side that draws Roxana into a dangerous dependency.

The film broadly explores the risks and fascination of freediving, also known as apnea diving, which involves making the most of the breath before descending. This can be both fascinating and frightening, as shown by the example of Frenchwoman Audrey Mestre, who held several world records. "Sous emprise" combines the highs and lows of the sport with an intense toxic love story.

"Sous emprise - Freedom under water" shows the negative effects this toxic relationship has on Roxana in particular. It is not entirely clear why she does not fight back against these influences sooner. Overall, the film dispenses with necessary explanations. Although it is hinted early on that the protagonist is struggling with her life, there are no concrete details. Despite its weaknesses in character development and narrative style, the film is a haunting portrait of dangerous love and the search for self-discovery in the depths of the water.

The breathtaking underwater imagery and dives are particularly convincing and lend the film a visual splendor that reinforces the feeling of freedom and escape. The acting performances are solid. Furthermore, the movie is quite realistic and inspired by a true story. At the end of the movie, one wonders what actually happened and what was just fiction.

--------------- Conclusion:

Quite good - "Sous emprise - Freedom Underwater" follows a couple who share a passion for free diving. The underwater shots are visually appealing and offer exciting moments, especially when the athletes compete against each other. However, the stereotypical toxic relationship takes center stage and is merely cloaked by the sporting background.