Valérie wants to tell her personal story in both ways: from a very personal, deep and yet light point of view -- she knows it was hard, but she doesn't need to make a morbid film out of it --; and a nouvelle vague-inspired narrative, pop and somehow upbeat. I like the sincerity of the first way, but find the second one totally naive and unnecessary.

"The surest sign that a filmmaker recognizes the insularity of his or her project is the presence of perfunctory attempts to hint at a wider political context." - Andrew Schenker

http://aipohaku.posterous.com/movie-review-declaration-of-war

If nothing else, this would be a personal triumph for Valerie Donzelli, who directed and co-wrote (and co-starred) with Jeremie Elkaim, her real-life ex. But as an autobiographical testament--the story of their infant son's diagnosis and battle with brain cancer--it proves an artistic triumph as well. Inventive, effective direction (and great use of music), sensitive, realistic writing, and fine acting from all (though Elkaim seems like a douche). Recommended viewing for any and all parents.

For all its faults, this is a real piece of cinema that employs great technique and skill in telling a very human story.

It's fine. Far from great, far from awful. No idea why this got so many awards thrown at it.

14 Ekim 2011, filmekimi & Declaration of war, yer yer ilk donem truffaut filmlerini hatirlatan narinlige sahip, eksikleri olsa bile durust, icten bir is. filmin en uzuldugum, sinirlendigim noktasi belki de filmde onemsiz gibi duran bir olay: ciftin ayrilmasi.

What feels common at first (happily married couple whose lives get side-tracked by some unexpected tragic news) is obscured by their relentless perseverance and unexpected moments of comic reverie. I did find those occasional artistic strokes of emotional detachment unsuited when set against the otherwise operatic numbness originating from the parents' grief and anxiety. I don't have children of my own but I doubt I would react similarly. It's still a good film, just not entirely up my alley.