A Very Long Engagement (2004)

Love Waits, Love Hopes

THE PLOT (6 stars - Above Average)

Young lady waits and hopes for the return of her fiancé soldier from the bitter end of war.  Her constant search and perseverance succeeds, despite of disability and discouragements.  I like how she whispers challenges to herself and beats them.

THE PERFORMANCE (7 stars - Good)

In some parts, acting is a bit theatrical and vulgar and in some parts, a bit dry. Lead actress Audrey Tautou’s performance is controlled and reserved. Meanwhile, her lover Gaspard Ulliel, gets little exposure over a war that's vividly portrayed.

THE PRODUCTION (8 stars - Very Good)

Daring shots and executions, depicting the loom scenarios of the World War I.  Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet captures the dark side of battlefield with art.  Cinematography is at its best, visualizing the quiet beauty of the lighthouse and scenery of France.

OVERALL SCORE
(6 + 7 + 8) / 3 = 7.00
7/10 points = Above Average



OTHER CRITICS

1.  All Rovi
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Derek Armstrong)

2.  Amazon
     = 4.5/5.0 stars (based on 125 users)

3.  Box Office Mojo
     = B (based on 228 users)

4.  Film Critic
     = 3.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by Chris Barsanti)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (reviewed by users)

5.  IMDB
     = 7.8/10.0 stars (based on 29,999 users)

6.  Metacritic
     = 76/100 points (based on 39 critics)
     = 8.1/10.0 points (based on 38 users)

7.  MRQE
     = 75/100 (based on 152 critics)

8.  MSN Movies
     = 4.0/10.0 stars (based critics)
     = 4.0/5.0 stars (based on 129 users)

9.  RottenTomatoes
     = 77/100 points (based on 142 critics)
     = 84/100 points (based on 22,881 users)

10.  Yahoo Movies
     = B (based on 5 critics)
     = B (based on 2,660 users)



THE GIST

Picturesque battles and majestic vistas overshadow the emotions which supposed to be the heart of the movie.  Squeezing too much style and elegance diverts viewers' attention leaving them at lost.  :(

EXTRA STUFF

1.  CAUGHT QUOTE

"Tears say what you can't say."

- Sylvain

2.  INTERESTING CHARACTER

"Stubborn" Mailman

3.  TEASER SCENE

- Childhood days

4.  MOVIE TRAILER

5.  NUMBER TRACKER 

Production Budget                          $56.6 M
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Domestic Gross             $6.5 M
Foreign Gross              $63.6 M
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Worldwide Gross                            $70.1 M
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Profit                                            $13.5 M



6.  ACCOLADES (BEST AND WORST)

Academy Awards, USA (Oscars)
Nominated:                  - Best Achievement in Art Direction
                                   - Best in Cinematorgraphy

BAFTA Awards, UK (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)
Nominated:                 - Best Film Not in the English Language

Golden Globes, USA
Nominated:                 - Best Foreign Language Film