I've loved you so long

Last night, I saw a new French drama I've Loved You So Long, with British actress Kristen Scott Thomas in the lead role. Thomas plays Juliette, a newly released inmate, who is unexpectedly reunited with her sister after serving a 15-year prison sentence. I cannot explain why she was sentenced without giving away the plot, which is key to this heart wrenching tale by writer-director Philippe Claudel.

The film begins with close ups of Thomas’ tension ridden face, modestly devoid of any make up and consumed with pain. The lens continues to follow Juliette closely, as her character transforms from a scared, depressed and mousy looking loner into a loving sister and a confident new member of society. Thorough a myriad of carefully woven portraits and well dispensed dialogue with other characters, Juliette’s story unfolds piece by piece, disclosing the secret behind her 15 year imprisonment very slowly. Juliette does not say much throughout the film; instead, the supporting characters do most of the talking, often leaving Juliette to communicate purely through her meaningful eyes.

Avoiding unnecessary drama and excessive verbal outbursts, the director makes a remarkable use of subdued imagery to convey this powerful tale of grief and acceptance in a most simple and elegant manner. The effect is a clean cut narrative, filled with enough passion to drive one to tears during the ending scene when the mystery of Juliette is revealed in a moving climax. This poignant film almost reads like a thought provoking novel. It is beautiful, smart and very fulfilling, but is definitely NOT for the weak at heart.