davidmillercreates

The existentialism remains the same but in light of the "Me Too" movement, the struggles of the protagonist have more meaning as we realize the equal rights movement of the 60s and 70s made gains but failed in dissembling a patriarchal culture. Binoche wrestles with her characters inner conflicts wonderfully and depicts desire and depression masterfully. The film has an intentional, slow pace that works as the pauses leave aching moments that quietly propel the story. It is to be "sipped like a fine wine," not gulped down.

This is a sad, but important, film. If you expect a Hollywood ending, look elsewhere. If you want to see beautiful cinematography, great acting and a story that really challenges, look no further.

In the pantheon of holiday productions, this may be acceptable, however in the context of all film and television it is sub-par. The story is not well written, much of the acting is at high-school play level, the fashion does not fit the period and, as a result, you become overly aware of it as a production instead of a story. No doubt the producer(s) were doing the best they had with the resources available but the whole thing misses its target.