THE TRUTH (French Movie Review)



8/10

Fabienne  is a French movie star. Young no more she behaves as if the time has not touched her. Fabienne’s house routine is thrown into turmoil when her daughter arrives with her American husband, at the exact time Fabienne’s autobiography has been released. The book will hurt many of Fabienne’s acquaintances, past and present, but most importantly those close to her. When Fabienne and her daughter go head to head over their past, it becomes  clear each of them has their own version of the truth. And what is the truth when the eyes are clouded and the minds refuse to listen?

Hirokazu Koreeda riding on his SHOPLIFTERS fame has  now addressed his passion project. Full of innuendo and suppressed emotions this is subtle French drama at its best. It is amazing how a Japanese director could shoot a uniquely French film, even capturing the widespread flaws of modern French moviemaking such as static camera and endless conversations about nothing. A full star ensemble including Deneuve, Binoche and Sagnier are having a ball. And they are a delight to watch.

The movie is full of great ideas about growing up, growing old and the nature of family relationships, all introduced lightheartedly and only there if you want to dig deeper. Otherwise it is a slow, slightly funny, slightly sad reflective slice of life of a movie that you won’t miss if you don’t see it. But do see it as it is a warm distraction from the daily life routine that we all have to have.

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