La vie d'une autre

I wasn't ready to post a review but when I realized that the film is only rated with 5.8 I felt like I had to. This film is not another masterpiece-as I hoped when I saw that both Binoche and Kassovitz are in the cast. However, its simplicity is what manages to raise it on a different level. The plot is fairly simple allowing the characters to effortlessly unfold, especially Binoche manages to convey the conflicted emotions of a woman lost between her past aspirations and the way that her life has evolved, confusing and failing her. Most of all the film is another story about ambition and routine taking us away from all that's meaningful in life, from all the little things that matter. No one has the opportunity to retrospect his/her life while living it. This is what this film is all about, and it is nicely done.

A story lifted away from reality just a little, so the focus on simple and important bits of life and love get a context. You could tell the story shortly and bluntly, but the film turns this to an advantage. The actors don't need to rush behind the plot but have the opportunity to explore the humour, the oddity and the sorrow of not knowing what you did in your last fifteen years, and of recognizing whatever it was made you different from what you wanted to be. Binoche and Kassowitz make Marie's and Paul's emotions, confusions and efforts vivid and real. Add nice photography, decent play in the minor roles, avoid trivial pretentions of solutions - you get a film that's fun, interesting and has depth that you can opt for but are not forced into. 97 minutes well spent.