good historical fiction

i generally dislike films about journalists because they mostly harp on how they're so snoopy and destructive to their subjects, i.e. being a complete pain in the ass. this one was not really an exception, the jew/ww2 storyline not being especially groundbreaking either, but i can see the effort. also, good pacing and cross-cutting of eras without losing touch with the main story. liked how it flowed and that it actually worked. props to kristin scott thomas for effortless language transcending.

Great story

A gripping film about one of France darkest periods in History.

"As its narrative focuses increasingly on Julia's story and the toll her investigations take on her family life, the film digs into less and less fruitful territory." - Andrew Schenker

Another well-meaning travelogue through the horrors of WWII. Good thing that we can grow wiser from all this suffering.

(I used the PSI number for this one... Seemed pretty accurate...) An intricately constructed story is given great care, and heart, by all involved, here. None moreso than, Mayance, KST, and Quinn, who all give very nuanced performances at perfect pitch, orchestrated masterfully by Gilles Paquet-Brenner... (And, the older couple in the country absolutely broke my heart, and were my heroes!)

Two stories greatly intertwined as KST tries to uncover one of the darkest moments in french history and in this case the story of Sarah being in the middle of the horror. Exactly why she want's to figure out the truth that badly, is a bit loose and it's to bad that it fades out towards the ending. But that are only small objections against an otherwise gripping and touching film about a subject that never gets old and should never be forgotten! It works because you care and believe in Sarah...

Superior film. Narratively complex - juggling storylines, decades apart - the sad tale is told with ease, patience and confidence. The girl playing Sarah is incredibly talented. I don't believe Kristin Scott Thomas has ever turned in a less than stellar job and she's good here too, of course. The scenes in the camp were powerful. Poignant score. Excellent.

Making a film about the horror of concentrations camps and peoples troubles making peace with the past hardly breaks new ground these days. Anywho, the film does do and excellent job making you wonder about the fate of both Sarah and her kid brother. Also, it juggles the two stories nicely. Unfortunately it's all wrapped up a bit too neatly in the end. That aside, it is a good film and Mayance is nothing short of perfect.

I grew tired of Julia's (KST) selfishness, morally reprehensible actions and propensity for snooping around other people's lives, a firm statement to the perpetual curiosity of women. Mélusine Mayance is amazing though, conveying a depth of emotions with her eyes, unparalleled among young actors these days, as she's benumbed by the atrocity which has turned her and her family's life upside down. Quite a good and at times powerful film which unfortunately loses steam near the end.