I began watching this film with no expectations whatsoever - i had never heard of Moliere or his works before. The only reason i decided to watch this film is because my girlfriend is French, and i thought it would be helpful to take in some 'histoire Francaise'. Thank god i did.
The scenery and costumes, as one would expect from a period piece, are magnificent. But the true value of this film is in the emotional current running through it, and in the authenticity which the characters exude so effortlessly. The dialogue is razor sharp and incredibly insightful, tearing down so many expected clichés you almost forget you are watching a period piece (i am not typically a fan of the genre due to my mother who watched Sense & Sensibility endlessly when i was growing up.) There are moments where you expect the actors to do or say particular things in keeping with what a film *should* be - yet their reactions are so true to life it's easy to forget you're watching an invented story. The writers also manage to express, with ease, tales which have no time period, and deal with issues which can be translated through the ages. I disagree with some who suggest the ending deserts the spirit of the film by not being comedic in nature - personally i thought it was rather beautiful, and rounding everything off nicely. I only wish it were longer! At two hours i felt cheated when i could easily have watched four.
This film is not for everyone (as no film is,) but if you like smart humour and a little romance you really can't go wrong with Moliere. Authentic acting, insightful words, beautiful imagery, witty jokes and even a tear or two. I rarely give a film 10/10 but i really can't find any faults in this film. C'est Parfait!
The scenery and costumes, as one would expect from a period piece, are magnificent. But the true value of this film is in the emotional current running through it, and in the authenticity which the characters exude so effortlessly. The dialogue is razor sharp and incredibly insightful, tearing down so many expected clichés you almost forget you are watching a period piece (i am not typically a fan of the genre due to my mother who watched Sense & Sensibility endlessly when i was growing up.) There are moments where you expect the actors to do or say particular things in keeping with what a film *should* be - yet their reactions are so true to life it's easy to forget you're watching an invented story. The writers also manage to express, with ease, tales which have no time period, and deal with issues which can be translated through the ages. I disagree with some who suggest the ending deserts the spirit of the film by not being comedic in nature - personally i thought it was rather beautiful, and rounding everything off nicely. I only wish it were longer! At two hours i felt cheated when i could easily have watched four.
This film is not for everyone (as no film is,) but if you like smart humour and a little romance you really can't go wrong with Moliere. Authentic acting, insightful words, beautiful imagery, witty jokes and even a tear or two. I rarely give a film 10/10 but i really can't find any faults in this film. C'est Parfait!