In French with English subtitles
PRINCIPAL
CAST MEMBERS
Matthias Schoenaerts: a mid 20’s single father Ali
Armand Verdure: his 5-year-old son Sam
Corinne Masiero: Ali’s sister Anna
Marion Cotillard: Stéphanie, trainer at Marineworld
Céline Sallette: her best friend Louise
REVIEW
The screen story is choppy and could do with a rewrite. Case in point:
Ali sees a woman smoking and says something to the effect “nice day isn’t it?”
and the next scene is a close-up of them making love. Like where’s the rest of
that encounter?
Speaking of sex, it strikes me that the love ‘em and
leave ‘em, wham/bam thank you ma’am-type encounters coupled with the extended
violent brutal fights serve only to justify the R rating and not advance the
story in a meaningful way. Furthermore the film is too long at two hours. Next
time they should hire a competent screen editor.
And there are many inexplicable situations that make no
sense, that defy logic. For example why does Stéphanie call Ali of all people
whom she’s only known for half an hour at most? And once she gets to know him better
why continue the relationship with such an irresponsible, inconsiderate,
uneducated, boorish man? Surely she can do better! It simply does not ring
true.
There is only one reason to see the movie: to experience the
wonderful performance of Cotillard yourself. Other than that, there is nothing
else of any redeeming value to it.
CLASSIFICATION
for strong sexual content, brief graphic nudity, violence
and language.
P.S.
Something got lost in translation: there is no literal
reference to either rust or bones. Perhaps it’s meant in a philosophical
manner?
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