Review of Breaking and Entering (2006) by Lee M — 31 Jul 2011

A disappointing last feature from late director Anthony Minghella. While some philosophical ideas about family, relationships, control and emotional connection are explored, it never quite coheres. Jude Law and Robin Wright's relationship is the most interesting part of the film.

Law's fling with Binoche's character seems out of left field, as does Wright's tirade at Law at the end. It feels like a lot of moments and pieces that one would find in a good movie, but it doesn't come together.

Law's character obviously has a need: he wants to be part of a family, not merely be a stepdad or a boyfriend. But how this relates to his affair with a Bosnian refugee, and then how he quickly turns this off and wants back with his long-time girlfriend doesn't make a whole lot of sense.