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This is an amazing movie. If you have been reading any of these reviews I am sure it goes without saying that it is not for everyone so I won't dwell on that. I will address the nudity/sexual aspects of the film up front by simply repeating what many of the other reviews have said: there is certainly nudity, openly sexual scenes, and a variety of taboos explored in varying degrees, but they are presented rather matter-of-fact and not with strong eroticism (though, I admit that for any red-blooded, heterosexual male, even if she were just sorting socks or filling out a tax return, it would be hard to judge any scene with a nude Eva Green as "not erotic").
I believe that the sex primarily reinforces the innocence, or naivete, of the twins' -- Isabelle and Theo's -- private universe where they, as spoiled child-adults, endulge any desire or whim. This is in contrast to the anger and intensity which dominates their pretense at social-activism, driven by simple-minded reaction (war -- bad) to the turbulent times (the 60's). But they are just two sides to the same coin -- they truly are "Dreamers", detached from reality by a wall of denial. When anything happens which forces them to deal with reality, such as having the true nature of their relationship discovered by their parents, the results are not pretty. (Actually, it is a little ambitious to suggest that their parents discovered the true nature of their relationship when it isn't clear that even they understand the true nature of this confusing mix of polyamory, bisexuality, incest, voyeurism, fraternity, obsession, and just a hint of sadomasochism.) Matthew, the young American student whom they "adopt," is torn between the seductive nature of their universe (including his attraction to and love of Isabelle and Theo) and his own grounding in reality -- though he is as young as they are, he possesses a maturity and true thoughtulness which they lack. So long as they all remain primarily isolated in their apartment, their private universe mostly prevails, but in the end their differences in the "real" world is what tears them apart.
The acting is superb throughout -- there is some very impressive work here. The cinematography is also excellent and the use of clips from classic films is brilliant, reinforcing not only the establishment of the characters' love of cinema but also the degree to which these "dreamers" are lost within their fantasies. The ending is amazing and rather abrupt. (mild spoiler alert) It will likely leave most viewers feeling a bit unfulfilled but that fits the movie. The ending likely would leave the characters feeling unfulfilled -- ultimately, no matter how much he wanted to be a part of Isabelle and Theo's universe, Matthew could never remain there. When reality came crashing through, the characters acted according to their nature and their differences severed the bond for good.
Some have complained that the film is too slow. It is a bit slow but when doing a character-study, how much "study" is too much? How much is enough? I, personally, was riveted throughout. Those who were not riveted, likely weren't really connecting with the movie anyway and more aggessive editing likely would not have changed that. The movie is not for everyone.
The only other Bernardo Bertolucci movie I have seen is "Last Tango in Paris" about which I was not very enthusiastic. It was an impressive film but ultimately I could not buy into the story -- I found the characters and situations ultimately unbelievable and that made all the good things in it difficult to appreciate. The same thing could have happened here -- these characters certainly are not like anyone I know or would even imagine but the acting, the script, and the directing drew me in -- I rather imagine that for many, that was not enough, and they wound up disliking the film as a result. I can't explain why it worked for me and I sure can't say whether it will work for you but the bottom line is, it worked for me. I enjoyed this movie.
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Reviews with images
The *Original Uncut NC -17 Version)" is clearly seen in ...
The *Original Uncut NC -17 Version)" is clearly seen in the description and the sellers inventor label states the same thing. But on the lower left side on the back of the DVD case it clearly states, "(R-rated)" It was returned immediately.
Top reviews from other countries
François Déry
Excellent film sauf indisponible en Blu-ray
Reviewed in Canada on August 7, 2021
Sergio
Obligado para amantes del buen cine y de Eva Green
Reviewed in Spain on April 26, 2019
