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I've Loved You So Long (2008)

Director: Philippe Claudel

Time Out rating

Average user rating

28 reviews

Movie review

From Time Out London

This is a jailbreak movie, if not in the usual sense: Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas, displaying her fluent French) has served her time and left prison in the legal manner; but the gravity of her crime, the bitter response of her husband and family, and 15 years in jug have all ensured that ordinary freedoms mean little to her. Léa (Elsa Zylberstein), the much younger sister taught by her parents to consider herself an only child, takes her in, and French director Philippe Claudel’s touching film follows the gradual breaking down of hard-won defences and the shy beginning of trust.

Léa’s husband is hostile; their two small adopted daughters are sweet but poignant reminders of what Juliette has lost. But if these characters – and a couple of interested men – drive the expected prodigal daughter narrative, it is the contrast between stately, closed Juliette and Léa herself, with her jittery determination to be loved, that bring the film to life. It takes a gutsy first-time writer-director to make a film so understated: ‘I’ve Loved You So Long’ takes tiny steps like a newly released prisoner. But Claudel understands that his drama lies in letting two superb actresses build their characters, forge their relationship and examine their grief. The reveal isn’t the point; Scott Thomas joining the land of the living is. Still, there is a reveal, so in deference to Claudel’s wish to have his prison gruel and eat it, I’m not going to divulge Juliette’s crime.

Author: Nina Caplan

Time Out London Issue 1988, Sept 25 - October 1

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User reviews of this film

Grant said...

Posted on Dec 18 2011 12:40 You need fluency in French to understand this film. The English subtitles are scarce and random, and do not illuminate.

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Natalie P said...

Posted on Nov 05 2010 11:48 A very interesting idea for a film, sadly it was a little too slow. What I found most frustrating was the ending *spoiler alert* – the film would have been much more powerful if we had not known that her child was sick. The audience would have been just like the people around her – accepted her and perhaps even liked her – knowing she had done something so terrible. This would have been far more chilling, uncomfortable and poignant. I would have liked to have been fed just a little of bit of her crime.. and still find her character likeable. Very well acted and very well cast. This film left an impression on me. Both good and bad.

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Suzanne said...

Posted on Apr 14 2010 11:24 I was really looking forward to seeing this film but did not realise I would have to speak French to understand it. The sub-titles were totally inadequate and I gave up trying to guess what was happening about a third of the way through the film.

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Ben Hughes said...

Posted on Feb 12 2010 19:21 Whilst it took a while to adjust to the slow pace of the film, the film as a whole was moving, stylish and beautifully acted. Don't give up half way through - it is a film that repays patience. However, don't expect drama - it is a sensitive portrayal of two damaged people.

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Paul Clark said...

Posted on Feb 07 2010 23:20 The idea that this is a chick flick is absurd. I generally do not watch films like this, but it was a lucky find. Isn't it a shame that some viewers are unable to recognise that slow development of plot and character does not always equate with boring - what is a 'thin plot'? Why does a good film require some kind of 'action' to make it worthy. The acting of Kristen Scott Thomas was engrossing and engaging and beautifully crafted. It could have turned into a sentimental weepie, but instead you felt slowly wrapped up in the charcters and the rediscovery of family. Absolutely delightful, even though I will now go back to the football!

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Byron said...

Posted on Sep 04 2009 18:23 Wonderfully moving, with superb acting all round. I don't understand some of the harsh criticism...a bit of a xenophobic reaction if anything!

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Helen Pitman said...

Posted on Jul 18 2009 15:11 I wish the sub-titles would have been on all the time I found it very difficult to understand as they were talking French all the time and after spending 2 hours watching it still do not know what the film was about except the fact that Juliette was in prison but I don't know if she killed her child or why!!!!!!

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titch said...

Posted on Mar 13 2009 22:19 Ranks with The Diving Bell and The Butterfly for performances and emotion. So natural and unforced.

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Technoguy said...

Posted on Mar 02 2009 19:54 A very good sober film. Digitally shot-a lot of dark
interiors and mute colours to begin with. Only the French can do this kind of intellectual,introverted and
emotionally repressed film. Shot by first time writer
director Claudel, we have the coming together of two
sisters after one of them has been released from a
long prison sentence.Her growing and tense relationship with the outside world,children,men,new jobs and the slowly revealed reasons for her confinement are tastefully explored. Both actresses
share the main story sensitively but Kristin Scott Thomas(bilingual) gives a rivetting,austere,heart-rending performance. The director reins in the scenes
just enough to avoid sentimentality.All the best films
now are foreign and subtitled.

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Geoff Smith said...

Posted on Dec 03 2008 17:30 Not a regular commenter on these things I find it hard to believe people can be so critical about something so
beautifully crafted. Juliette's personality delicately flowers
the deeper you are taken into this subtly delivered story.
Not a regular contributor to such columns I find it hard to believe people can be so critical of a film so beautifully crafted. The delicate pace, the gentle thawing of Juliette's personality, isolation and absence to I'm home. If a film is judged by the amount you think about it the next day this one ranks high for me.
more

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Madison said...

Posted on Nov 29 2008 11:11 Brilliantly paced, subtle, gripping, moving.

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Mark said...

Posted on Nov 10 2008 17:56 Dreadfully boring...give it a complete miss. You've been warned....

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nick said...

Posted on Nov 07 2008 18:24 very good film

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PERFECT DAY said...

Posted on Oct 27 2008 21:12 If you want to see great performances, great direction and a film which should get a few Oscars ... then see this one. It is compelling viewing. All the debate about sentences for certain crimes and debate about ethics is daft. This is not a documentary. This is principally an examination of grief and regret with a large measure of love thrown in. Scott Thomas should win an Oscar for this performance.

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Paul said...

Posted on Oct 25 2008 20:19 If you want cheering up after losing your job or home give this film a wide berth, and similarly if you want to see a film with your girlfriend. A gloomy film and reminds me why I am glad not to be french

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