The movie really just wants to entertain people.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I thing that the best way to describe this film is "a real and credible story so well narrated". The acting was marvelous and the music memorable. So delightful to see, and again, very credible. It takes the subject of that sickness on a very mature an natural way so this it's not the kind of Hollywood movie where you feel sad, but you can't feel close to the characters.If you compare it with My Sister's Keeper, another movie on a similar subject, you will note that Declaration of War seems more realistic and dramatic. It also remember us that life is not made but superheroes, We are real people, full of a fears and insecurities.Very recommended!

Nothing can ever go wrong with something as beautiful as this movie. I began watching it expecting it to be a usual french drama with a small little love story and beautiful locations. However, the story is ready to bounce back at you and slap you with those sort of morals that many of us are in need of these days. At one point, you are bound to judge the story as "Oh! I know what's going to happen next" and the next thing ,you are slammed back then and there and the story takes a whole new turn leaving you astound. No! It's not the same old story of a family grieving to a new born's certain aberrancy. It's beyond that. It's about people who can overthrow anything with a weapon as simple as a smile and a gear as simple as adaptability and confidence. A good observer will grasp a light undertone that emphasizes on the importance of having the right partner in times of need. What cant you conquer when you have a partner like Juliette, who is smart, profound, charming, understanding and strong willed, something that's extinct today. A well established Romeo-Juliet chemistry that can smile their way through every phase of life. And look, they win in the end. All they had was the courage and happy go easy attitude. They adapt everything that comes their way and walks over it saying "Hey! Well tried. But we're moving on". Could all of us be that way, the world would be the best place to live in. No unnecessary drama, no tears, no prolong dialogues and yet the happiness. A smile can dwell a mountain. To me, this film was an eye opener. All credits to Valerie and Jeremie for carrying out their performance so amazingly. What more could you ask from a movie? I say nothing. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

At the beginning, I didn't want to see this movie, even if I read it tried not to be just a sad movie about a couple and their poor kid suffering of cancer. The movie is sad, even if end in a fairly good way, but it's bearable. But it also shows that life in this circumstances should also be positive or least one has to make an effort to make the story positive.Said this, this movie moved me almost to tears, imagining the poor kid, even if the movie never shows his suffering.And it's a movie that shows normal people, with a normal life, facing a tragedy. It could also be a movie that shows again we never have to give up and loose hope, but well, that's a true statement.

@ 36th Hong Kong International Film FestivalBy being the opening film of the 36th Hong Kong International Film Festival, Declaration of War is a film that touches the audience hearts, but more importantly it talks about real humans, real events, real emotions and real surroundings. For that alone director and main actress deserves a simple round of applause. It is not easy to go through a traumatic experience and come out strongly by telling her life story through films. This film works because the director never stray away from its core issue of a couple dealing with their child having a brain trauma and all the other issues that goes along with it – losing money, jobs, lifestyle, relationships and ultimately themselves. It should be complimented that the film yet is about to play with a sense of humor along the way.Valerie Donzelli not only carries the film as the mother and wife, but directs a film that is so personal to her. It was my honour to meet such a strong lady at the festival. In the scene where she ran and ran in the hospital corridors until she collapses is a perfect example of originality in her camera work and her ability to depicts and communicate a difficult moment. Likewise her former partner Jeremie Elkaim excels in a role that compliments Valerie and two display amazing chemistry that cannot just be manufactured.All in all, Declaration of War is very much a personal film, about how a child's illness can affect almost everything in his parents life. Dealing with difficult times like these is never easy and often the wear and tear will stop any couple from living their lives. Points should be given to Valerie for being able to so convincing portray these emotions. Although the film seems raw at times, War is very much a perfect example of how an extremely personal film can still affect the audience. While the film may never be a masterpiece, Valerie have certainly created and shared something special…Neo rates 8.5/10www.thehkneo.com