Je verrai toujours vos visages

I have a Bachelors in Arts in Criminology. And a double in Psychology. Not many people know this about me, because, frankly, I am embarrassed because I do not use it at all in my life. I feel like I wasted my 4 years in college and have basically no career; doing basically nothing; what could have been done with a high school diploma.

But I digress.

I only confessed it now to give some validity to my next statement, which is that this restorative program between offenders and victims needs to be a real thing. And not only in France. World wide. My studies and own personal research tells me that this is real. It works more often than it does not- maybe not in the ways people want it to, but it is real progress. Kudos to the filmmakers for such an insightful premise, and to the actors and actresses for some damn fine performances all around. Bravo!

It seems exactly like the type of films that I cannot remain indifferent to. So realistic and such a compelling story. It is exactly what I have expected from this movie to be. An internal and uncontrolled storm that doesn't let its viewers to stay calm.

The thoughts are running to so many directions and the work of the director: Jeanne Herry, which has made the great "Pupille" is just so accurate, that you sometimes feel that you are in the same room with the same people that are opening themselves to strangers, that are at a different spot.

The film is talking about a special program that is bringing crime victims and criminals that made the same crime (or even the crime itself) together. It is a healing process that requires both sides to be open minded and try to tolerant to towards the other side.

The movie is talking about traumas that not sure anyone, that hasn't suffered those types of "Minor" traumatizing experiences will understand. It is taking people from a wide range and dives into each one of them and into its traumatic experience and lesson learning, that takes place while they speak.

It is an experience like no other, for the movie industry and a great achievement in directing and acting. Takes each and every one of the viewers from his safe spot and confronts with reality and still has a lot of hope and redemption in it. Very special film and experience that not every viewer can withstand, but for movies lovers, it is a must.

One film, one theme, two storylines. A confrontation between victims and perpetrators, which should have added value for each side. The one in which people with no direct connection meet seems to bring the desired insights and peace. Naive, but perhaps. Aversion, getting to know each other, understanding. Just a film, idealistic. But at least one that literally shows its colours regarding the perpetrators of the current crime terror over Europe. Of course, the usual explanations and excuses for the escalation of character are used: poverty, education, opportunities. Yawn. Everyone chooses their own exits at the crossroads of morality. But yes, otherwise this film would certainly not have ended up on the big screen, or would have been crucified by the media instead of being showered with awards. In my opinion, the softening of concepts such as perpetrator, victim and guilt are questionable approaches and primarily benefit injustice.

The other side works less well in its catharsis. Understandably, the resurgence of all pain through direct contact with the perpetrator is an emotional one-way street.

I went to see the film because it featured some of the cinematic greats of French cinema, but I can only recommend it to a limited extent. No resonance, no added value. Nevertheless, it is a high-quality production, well acted and at least endeavours to keep its feet on the ground. If I imagine this as a German production, ouch.

I believe in Empathy. And compassion. And forgiveness.

Hence the first scene was strong, astounding to me.

I heard something like: "No empathy here". Well, quite intriguing moto, I thought.

I was led through the parallel processes in the movie delighted by the sheer cleanness of accuracy of its point of view as well as THE LACK OF manipulating me to drown in bitter-sweet-cheap-drama.

Nearly all scenes exhibits a great opportunity to fall deep down sentimentalism - but Jeanne Herry keeps on being focused, consistent, on course.

With great appreciation as well as thanks I got a peek to a totally new way of approach to life's bumps, obstacles, pains.

I never heard about Restorative Justice before.

It's kind of wonder for me to see a way that generates Empathy, Compassion and Forgiveness - especially inwards, toward oneself maybe even before practicing it to others.

Authentic. It is the first word that comes to my mind after watching this French film. Victims and criminals meet in mediation with the aim of somehow coming to terms with painful experiences and moving on. So simple, but obviously very difficult.

The film is very good at conveying all the layers that exist in both the victims and the aggressors. It feels like a mixture of documentary and drama, but above all this film is insightful and strong in its narrative. In any case, what is striking is how important communication is. To meet, to tell, to look each other in the eye. Bearing in mind that 80 percent of offenders in prison commit new crimes (a fact in my home country), the film shows another and important angle of focus on changing behaviour. For the victims, this form of mediation means a high price, re-traumatisation and an experience of losing the little control they at least feel they have. But the way also gives them hope for change.

The film does not give any conclusion as to whether this is the right way to focus on crime, but it at least tells us that there are opportunities to move forward.

Very good character actors provide an intensity and nerve that is often missing in films today. Without them, this film's message would not have been as powerful as it is here.

The film has many strong moments, and you will certainly not sit back unmoved after watching it.