Review of Le Havre (2011) by Garry T — 14 Dec 2011

I really, really don't know what to say about this film.

'Le Havre', as mentioned by a previous reviewer, trivializes complex issues. The story is told in a fashion that isn't common to Hollywood (no exaggerations, no explosions, no chases). French cinema at its most idealistic and stereotypical -- regardless if the director javascript:void(0);is Finnish.

The port town of Le Havre surmises the issues mentioned in the film, primarily the illegal immigration issue which is common to the northern coast of France to the south coast of England. Going into this film, it was assumed that the story would involve visible compassion and care, tears of sadness and joy. However, the output was simplistic: there were no over-drawn scenes of love and feel. Instead, there were simple exchanges of words and small brushes of hands. Lighting and blocking were those of the stage instead of the cinema. If anything, the camera barely moved from its fixed position for the majority of the film.

'Le Havre', while focusing on the simple description, doesn't necessarily require patience from the viewer. It's a style which many wouldn't be familiar with, but instead, a style which should be welcoming to the audience. The compassion and care from the protagonist, Marcel Marx (Wilms), which he shows for the immigrant child Idrissa (Miguel) isn't something that is considered heartfelt or gripping. Is it absurd about how their emotions were limited and somewhat stifled?

Maybe I'm not a good judge of French cinema.