Le hérisson (2009)
(The Hedgehog)
Country: FR/IT
Technical: col/2.35:1 100m
Director: Mona Achache
Cast: Josiane Balasko, Garance Le Guillermic, Togo Igawa, Anne Brochet, Wladimir Yordanoff
Synopsis:
A reclusive auto-didact concierge in a block of flats housing the comfortable classes of Paris, and the suicidal eleven year-old daughter of a hyper-intelligent Jewish family upstairs, both have something to teach one another about the value of others' and their own lives.
Review:
Made in America this would be one of those insufferably mawkish films the likes of Gene Wilder used to make, and at times it even comes close to whimsy (the girl's decision to end it all with secreted pills just because her family is unbearable never quite convinces, not least because they are not so bad). However, the individual presence of the young actress, together with the more accomplished Balasko making every raised eyebrow and half-smile count, adds up to a hugely watchable mix, particularly when you add the graceful presence of Igawa as the ever so civilised elderly Japanese suitor with a knowledge of literature, fine cuisine and the human soul. The music and the mixture of melancholy and happenstance recall certain films of Patrice Leconte. (Footnote: the girl is making a film with what looks every bit like a Super 8 camera, but which never runs out of film or makes a noise, except when she depresses the somewhat clunky trigger).
(The Hedgehog)
Country: FR/IT
Technical: col/2.35:1 100m
Director: Mona Achache
Cast: Josiane Balasko, Garance Le Guillermic, Togo Igawa, Anne Brochet, Wladimir Yordanoff
Synopsis:
A reclusive auto-didact concierge in a block of flats housing the comfortable classes of Paris, and the suicidal eleven year-old daughter of a hyper-intelligent Jewish family upstairs, both have something to teach one another about the value of others' and their own lives.
Review:
Made in America this would be one of those insufferably mawkish films the likes of Gene Wilder used to make, and at times it even comes close to whimsy (the girl's decision to end it all with secreted pills just because her family is unbearable never quite convinces, not least because they are not so bad). However, the individual presence of the young actress, together with the more accomplished Balasko making every raised eyebrow and half-smile count, adds up to a hugely watchable mix, particularly when you add the graceful presence of Igawa as the ever so civilised elderly Japanese suitor with a knowledge of literature, fine cuisine and the human soul. The music and the mixture of melancholy and happenstance recall certain films of Patrice Leconte. (Footnote: the girl is making a film with what looks every bit like a Super 8 camera, but which never runs out of film or makes a noise, except when she depresses the somewhat clunky trigger).
(The Hedgehog)
Country: FR/IT
Technical: col/2.35:1 100m
Director: Mona Achache
Cast: Josiane Balasko, Garance Le Guillermic, Togo Igawa, Anne Brochet, Wladimir Yordanoff
Synopsis:
A reclusive auto-didact concierge in a block of flats housing the comfortable classes of Paris, and the suicidal eleven year-old daughter of a hyper-intelligent Jewish family upstairs, both have something to teach one another about the value of others' and their own lives.
Review:
Made in America this would be one of those insufferably mawkish films the likes of Gene Wilder used to make, and at times it even comes close to whimsy (the girl's decision to end it all with secreted pills just because her family is unbearable never quite convinces, not least because they are not so bad). However, the individual presence of the young actress, together with the more accomplished Balasko making every raised eyebrow and half-smile count, adds up to a hugely watchable mix, particularly when you add the graceful presence of Igawa as the ever so civilised elderly Japanese suitor with a knowledge of literature, fine cuisine and the human soul. The music and the mixture of melancholy and happenstance recall certain films of Patrice Leconte. (Footnote: the girl is making a film with what looks every bit like a Super 8 camera, but which never runs out of film or makes a noise, except when she depresses the somewhat clunky trigger).