Review of A Very Long Engagement (2004) by Flike S — 20 Oct 2009

My experience with Jeunet's work goes no earlier then "Delicatessen". I was intrigued, I wanted more. "The City of Lost Children" amazed me. "Alien 4", I haven't given a chance, and "Amelie", although seeming to be his most renowned and known piece of work, simply bored me. Now, it comes to "A Very Long Engagement", and I was quite enthused. It has style and an engaging presence on the screen. It brings to mind "The Cranes are Flying." Every last actor, some of which Jeunet has already built a relationship with, shines. Whether Jeunet's characters are small, ugly, beautiful, bad or good, he makes them important and makes us care about them, whether we want the best or worst outcome for them.

It's a natural yet over the top piece of work and although it could be considered predictable and fluffy it still holds as something quite great. I will say, with only one viewing it is difficult to keep up with so many names and so much going on. But, like many great works, sometimes you have to watch them more than once to gain a true understanding.