Free Hands (2010)

I saw "Les mains libres" at the Berlinale 2011 with very low expectations. As it is usually the case at film festivals, these are the best moments. The Story of Barbara and Michel is one of the most stunning performances I've ever seen in cinema. The tension between the two characters is extremely high. In some of the closer scenes you can nearly see the electricity between them. Ronit Elkabetz's presence on screen is overwhelming and Carlo Brandt is such a soft and gentle actor. My female company at the screening labeled it a woman film but I have to disagree cause I was equally touched by it. It is a mostly tragic movie about the real live of director Brigitte Sy and my highlight out of 12 movies from the Berlinale 2011.