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reesel08
Reviews
Il y a longtemps que je t'aime (2008)
Great emotionally thought provoking film!
If you're in the mood for an emotional roller coaster and like to think deeply about controversial issues, than "I've Loved You So Long" is the perfect choice. Kristin Thomas, acting as Juliette, does a magnificent job portraying the lost, guilty, confused murderer that she is classified as. One scene that really stuck out was when she's yelling at her sister asking her why she is being so nice. This epitomizes her guilt and frustration with herself and the choices she's made.
Juliette's sister, Lea, played by Elsa Zylberstein, shows the agony she's in with having to juggle both her sister and husband in the same house – who clearly do not start off on the best foot. Luc, the husband, labels Juliette as a killer not trusting her with his children but eventually realizes Juliette is a good person. This cast of actors/actresses works together wonderfully.
Director Phillipe Claudel is not only a film director, but also a Professor of Literature at University of Nancy. Before teaching at the university, Claudel was a teacher in prisons. His experience there has shaped the plot for many of his short stories and novels, as well as screenplays. Claudel saw the effect of guilt and learned how not to judge people before you really know them.
These endeavors have shown through into main themes of "I've Loved You so Long." Guilt and redemption are two prominent features in this film. It is clear that Juliette feels immense guilt for what she did, but at the same time she would do it the same if she had the chance. When her son died, Juliette died with him. Redemption is shown when people surrounding Juliette give her a second chance despite what happened years ago. She was able to get a job that led to a promotion. Throughout the film, Juliette finds redemption and the courage to face her past actions.
Claudel made a wise choice in the soundtrack of this film. The guitar as the main instrument really added to the melancholy mood that the majority of the film was set in. I noticed this most during the scene when Juliette found out the parole officer killed himself, she went home to cry in her bed while the guitar in the background struck cords that matched her feelings precisely. On that same note, Juliette's make-up and clothing changed throughout the film to mimic her increasingly better mood. By the end of the movie Juliette had brighter clothes, less pale make-up, and smiled more often. Overall, I enjoyed "I've Loved You so Long," despite the slow pace of the film.