Review of Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) by Vivian Z — 27 Feb 2011
A love story set almost 15 years after the bombing of Hiroshima between a French actress and Japanese architect. A love story set in a city most famous for the most destructive single event in history seems like an odd choice, but the irony is used to great effect. The first 15 minutes of the film are basically a documentary of the aftermath of the bombing. This is incredibly graphic and caught me completely off guard. Afterwards, the film focuses entirely on the couple, who are never given names. Just 'she' and 'him'. The movie is, essentially, one long discussion and there are no side characters at all.
During these moments of intimacy, the two bare their souls and relate their horrific experiences from the war finding empathy and comfort in the company of a stranger. These are beautifully done, with the two touching faces in a cafe' with the neon glow of the city in the background. It's an absolutely gorgeous movie, wonderfully shot in black and white. It would not have been the same in color.
A precursor to the whole French New Wave movement and films like 'Lost in Translation', this was also the first film to use jump cuts to and from flashbacks as well as brief flashbacks to suggest obtrusive memories.
On a personal note, having been to Hiroshima, it was interesting to see how the city has changed in the 50 years between my visit and when the film was made.
This review of Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959) was written by Vivian Z on 27 Feb 2011.
Hiroshima Mon Amour has generally received very positive reviews.
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