Respire

If person like Sarah haven't not influenced yours life, than this movie can be to short to make reasonable impact on you. On other side, if yours life was strongly influenced by person like Sarah, then this movie could be a little bit to harsh. Before I met such a person I was unable to imagine that this kind of people could possible exist – it just does not make any sense. It was harsh to see this movie, but it is very good to be reminded in clear way that those people exist.

Respire is in all respect typical French drama. Apparently dry scenes, where you wonder if you're missing something. Restrained and subtle emotions that are confusing and irritating. A couple of dramatic plot twists. And beautiful, good, young actresses. I love it.

Josephine Japy as the introverted Charlie and Lou de Laage as extrovert Sarah are fine casted. Sarah can get under your skin. There are several moments in the film that I wanted to hit or hurt her. Charlie is often apathetic. I would kick her ass sometimes or shake her to wake her up. The crying and gasp scene at the end of the film is breath taking.

Although I'm far from the subject in age and I'm not a woman, I could easily empathize with Respire and it hit me several times like I was 17 again.

Right from the start you are in it . The character development was unreal- every character you feel like you knew within just a few scenes . What incredible acting from a young crew .

The thing is it isn't even really a love story - maybe they were lovers and maybe not - but it's the friendship that really kills you here - that makes this a tragedy . The level of love and trust and vulnerability shared to just get taken away for no reason , honestly it's more painful than a break up.

There were many great scenes - the baiting in the beginning with the question about passion and freedom set up the whole film , the montage of the developing friendship and the montage of the bullying - it all tied together and felt real and heartbreaking.

It left me thinking about what the real catalyst for this was - was it when she said Sarah was a "classmate " ? Was it truly just trauma from her mom coming to play in every relationship in her life ?

The victimization and narcissism was very well shown . The loss of interest in every other aspect of element of life , the total obsession born from grief - only to be torn apart again at a reconciliation ( seemingly )

Honestly is made me feel and it will make you feel too - feel betrayal and tragedy and loss .

Very quality film and worth your time .

It starts out rather breezy, like an Eric Rohmer film of yore--sunny vacation days at the seaside, relationships not quite in sync, a highly observant drama with beautiful young actors in in believable situations. Soooo French. Will there be a moral to this tale? I will not spoil any further, but suffice it to say that it becomes MUCH more intense, and totally spellbinding.

The acting is phenomenal. The direction stunning, from Melanie Laurent, still in her 30's, a familiar actress who has graced many a production since 1999. (Although NOTHING could have saved the cosmically terrible Inglorious Basterds).

Don't miss this one if nuanced characterizations and intricate plots appeal to you.

A classroom discussion on passion, right at the beginning of the movie, gives an indication of what's to follow. Passion in excess is dangerous says the teacher, in response to our lead character's question, but alas, passion by it's very nature is prone to excess. Controlled passion is near impossible. So it is with our introverted self-controlled, studious heroine, who tries to bring her feelings for her classmate under control. But the other girl just won't let her be, not knowing low close to the edge she's pushing things. The French students in this movie make for a refreshing change from the way high school students are depicted in Hollywood movies. Here, they are fairly mature, intelligent, interested in their studies, never bullying, certainly not hyper sexed. Why haven't I given it a 10? Well, as another reviewer said, you do wonder at times during the movie what the point of it all is...