Waiting for You

This is a great film - subtle and slow, tense and interesting. It offers a new take on the French country house, and seems to have in the background shades of Le Grand Meaulnes....it's not a love story yet it is (x 2) - and it also speaks of family and passion, secrets and lies. It celebrates all those aspects of French small town delights at the same time as being critical and then disarmingly frank about the nature of war crimes. To describe this film as charming does not do it justice as it is also a kind of thriller. There is great attention to detail and the narrative propels us firmly along, without revealing too much too soon. Additionally, the use of colloquial French by Silvie (the younger woman) is genuine and adds a credibility often lost in similar but badly translated equivalent French/British films. There is much to recommend about this personal long term project with its surprising denouement.

Waiting for You had me transported inside a bubble where there was nothing but the film and me. The cinematography is stunning, especially when in France, but also the scenes in dreary England are lifted by the special points of view, close-ups and setting in the story. When used the music is wonderful and each time maximises the impact of the scenes. The story seems uncomplicated, but has great depths and addresses serious issues in a thoughtful way. The spare use of flashbacks adds to the realisation that there is more going on than first impressions might suggest. The performances of Fanny Ardant and Colin Morgan are subtle and superb, greatly enhancing the intentions of the writers and producers Charles Gerrad and Hugh Stoddart. This film is clearly a labour of love from everyone involved and deserves a lot more exposure to the main public than it has received so far. If you can, you must go and see !

This movie is successful because of its nuances. It lacks significant action, yet the pace is perfect. It lacks a big reveal, yet has many small reveals that build the suspense and keep the storyline moving along.

The acting is terrific. The cinematography is great, each scene is perfectly framed. The musical score is subtle and complimentary, never gratuitous or annoying. The plot is not complicated, yet offers just enough intrigue to make you wonder what might happen next.

It's a wonderful example of balance: a little of this and a touch that - never too much of anything. And the result when all ingredients come together is a terrific blend. Minus any of those pieces, or overdoing one and underdoing another, it would have been too bland and off balance. This movie came together perfectly with all the right ingredients.

What a joy to come across such a beautiful, compelling and entertaining film, when I wasn't gripped by tension I was bowled over by its rich visual language and charmed by the story unveiled in it's narrative. A simple tale, with intriguing and gripping twists, shot with stunning style. Loved it!

A SIMPLE AND LOVELY MOVIE. THERE ARE MANY TWISTS IN THE MOVIE.