Thursday 28 February 2013

Amour: Movie Review

Amour: Movie Review


Cast: Emmanuelle Riva, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Isabella Huppert
Director: Michael Haneke

Fresh from critical acclaim and widespread accolades, Amour arrives on NZ screens.

Haneke's Palme D'Or winning and Oscar nominated film is a heartbreaking delve into a relationship and bond strengthened by years and devastated by illness.

Georges (Trintignant) and Anne (Riva) are in their 80s and living a life of retirement. But when Anne's struck by an illness which is debilitating, their lives are irrevocably changed as Georges is reduced to carer.

In Amour, you can't help but be moved by this tale which is poignantly and sensitively told with two compelling central performances. 

Subtly layered and shot beautifully, it really gets under your skin as it plays out. It's a haunting film, which leaves you wondering what you'd do if it happened to you - and the final act's shocking denouement is likely to elicit many a gasp from the audience.

Both Riva (the oldest person to be nominated for an Oscar) and Trintignant deliver powerful performances which reek of veracity and lay bare a truth many of us may have to encounter later on in life.

Haneke's on good form in this painful to watch film (which is only painful because it powerfully pushes emotional buttons) - Amour (aka Love) is about devotion and a bond - and it's a tragic and empathetic piece which will affect you more than you may realise. 

Rating:


4 comments:

  1. It's not the happiest movie you'll ever see, but it's still very powerful in the way it presents it's simple, but sad story. Good review Darren.

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  2. It is a powerful piece, eh? I remember the first time I saw it, I was emotionally wiped out afterwards - that kind of power is rare and raw these days as we get older.

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  3. Great post! The fact that you means someone is reading and liking it! Congrats!That’s great advice.

    Conway's Vintage Treasures

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