Review of A Very Long Engagement (2004) by Greg R — 12 Jul 2009

I knew nothing about this movie when I was asked...

"Do want to watch this French film?".

"Sure," I said, "What's it called?".

"A Very Long engagement.".

Cue my brain screaming "Nooooooo!" in a very Shatneresque moment of anger and despair. For in my head I was seeing a lengthy, talky, weepy tragic love story. With moody women and arrogant men and not a happy thought in sight (Not all French films are like this, its just the fact its called Very Long Engagement and being about soldiers, I think it was just the scars from having seen The English Patient).

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this is a warm, charming and funny film. Built on the tragedy of World War 1 it leads you on a fascinating journey. Narrated by a story teller and not a character in the film we follow the story of Mathilde as she unravels what happened to her fiance, Manech, in the trenches. The film blends mystery, romance, war film and comedy together and despite a rather complex story is a rewarding experience.

Having not fully fallen for her charms in Amelie, Audrey Tautou is excellent as plucky Mathilde, refusing to give up on Manech and using her guile and cunning to track him down. Her little prays are sweet without being sickly. Jeunet sticks with more actors he knows and Dominique Pinon and Ticky Holgado are rewarded with strong and funny support roles. Not a character is wasted and has their own bit to add to the mystery as it unravels. You will need to pay attention to follow the story, but its worth it. Its not all about the mystery as the flash backs take us back to the war and are dirty and brutal with mud, bullets, bodies and shells flying everywhere.

Jeunet brings his style to the screen in spades and there are some really nice touches, particularly the telephone calls. I enjoyed this film a lot and recommend that you give it a try. It recalls the sharp mysteries of the past and whereas other modern period films don't have the glamor of 40s and 50s films, this one does.

So I learned my lesson, and riffing on a familiar proverb...

"Never judge a film by its title!".