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I've Loved You So Long (2008)

Director: Philippe Claudel

Time Out rating

Average user rating

23 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 2008-09-23 14:34:09

Time Out London Issue 1988, Sept 25 - October 1

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User reviews of this film

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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UK said...

Posted on Oct 24 2008 20:33 A FRENCH CHICKFLICK -and a deadly flaw in the plot too -as miles said -WHAT AN over-rated pseudo-intellectual french yarn about something so sensitive and it has nothing new to offer about this crucial issue -agree 4 star is too much for this sentimental weepie pretending to be as ambitious as doestovsky

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filmbuff said...

Posted on Oct 21 2008 12:59 I think 4* is VERY generous for this film. Kristin Scott Thomas and Elba Sylberstein both acted extremely well but the plot was very thin. Unfortunately, towards the end, when there was the terrific emotional outburst between the two sisters, it just didn't ring true and I had no sympathy for them. It just left me cold and and the mark of a good film dealing with a difficult subject is for the main characters to move you emotionally. Very disappointing and I would not recommend it.

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papillon said...

Posted on Oct 19 2008 18:25 Very, very good film.
Great acting, great storyline.
I loved the way the plot unfolds bit by bit.
I did not see any "plot flaw" as mentionned by others.

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Ella said...

Posted on Oct 11 2008 11:29 Philippe Claudel's first movie is impressive! His sensibility, interest in people and attention to details have been "transmitted" into the movie.
Kristen Scott Thomas perfomance is remarkable. Although the movie is not "technically" perfect, it actually makes it more human.
This movie portrays the strength of two women in a way that only the French can do!
I am giving 6 stars because of Kristen Scott Performance and the achievement of Philippe Claudel.

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Joy Wood said...

Posted on Oct 09 2008 09:49 Jaybird - Agreed my comment may be a plot spoiler. Nevertheless, if you read my explanation again, you will see that the denouement of the film is NOT a plot FLAW, massive or otherwise. The same thing would happen in this country as, humane and ethical as her behaviour was, it is still punishable under law. Under law you are punished for breaking the law, regardless of any good reason you might have for doing it.

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