You won't be disappointed!

Brilliant and touching

Am I Missing Something?

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I literally had no idea what I was watching when I turned this on, having selected it on the sole fact that it had Marion Cotillard. two and a half hours later, I cannot believe how wonderful this movie was. The acting was so completely and entirely natural. Any one of the characters could have been someone that I know, and many of them reminded me of people that I know well. The dynamic, which is sometimes trying and stressful, between the various combinations of friends is so perfectly captured, I am blown away. This is a story about friendship and trials, and its true the one sentence synopsis of the story would probably sound quite boring, but this movie was far from it. Two and a half hours blew by without me even noticing. There were some truly funny scenes - the guy cursing at the rice - and the ending had me crying for about 10 minutes straight (though this could be because of Cotillard, I can't hardly see her cry without crying myself). I know this review probably seems scatter-brained. I just really want to tip my hat to the amazing actors, screenwriters, and director who made this.

I am not a native English user, but I think the 3 words "friendship, life, love" would contain every emotion after I've watched this incredible film.Yes, this three words may seem lame to some of you, but don't get it wrong, it's a cool movie.Someone is hit by a car, some friends went to a beautiful beach for vacation, some little things happened, someone was angry, someone was quiet, someone cried, someone died.The sea was so beautiful, no matter what happened.What can you ask for if you can live a life like this.

French movies tend to be deeper than American films. There is an unwritten law that we get to know the characters much better, and it is almost guaranteed the acting is going to be usually very good. "Lies" has some of the most recognizable faces in contemporary French cinema, and it promises to be an insightful look at friendship, I suppose from the French point of view. It is about friendship and communication, and it does manage to cross cultural barriers because in the end, we're pretty much alike.The premise behind the story has been explored before, but as I mentioned before, we are going to see some sophisticated approaches here, and in one of its shortcomings, the film does run a little long. It could have benefited from a few trims, or in a wiser move, maybe some more background about who these people really are. We know they spend long stretches of time together, and they seem to enjoy the company of each other, though I was wondering how they put up with Max, a man who stands out for being distant, a little arrogant, and not too warm or as down too earth as the rest of the group. He's somehow central to the storyline, and it would have been good to know more about what he means to the rest, beside excellent beach house accommodations.As usual, Marion Cotillard shines in her role as the woman who is not as simple as it appears. She carries emotional baggage (unexplained of course), but it is her facial expressions, her longing, her sad looks, which reveal her unhappiness. Maybe she tries too hard, or not hard enough. It's time to make a choice and decide what could work.Vincent (Benoit Magimel) is quiet but intense, carrying a secret about himself for too long, and it is perfect timing from the director that allows him to stand out. Maybe it is the fact that he says little, and when he speaks, he says only what matters. It is an interesting performance.There is a big question at the end of the film, and it is the incomprehensible decision about the vacation itself. There is a big event at the beginning of the film, and I didn't understand why the trip was taking place so soon. This is supposed to deliver a punch in the final scenes. Maybe it is does reveal what we don't want to know. I had questions about this type of human interaction before and wondered why sometimes the obvious takes so long to happen, if it ever. In most cases regret is usually the end result.

This film took me completely by surprise. Having just finished watching it, what I am not surprised about is finding myself here...telling you to watch it for yourselves!!I can't fault it (and I cannot understand why others have). Rich, connected characters, perfectly played by their actors, provide the core of the piece. This isn't a formula Hollywood movie, and that is what sets it apart from so many that get churned out year after year.A group of friends go ahead with their annual holiday on the coast of France, after a brief, but consequential conversation about whether or not they should - considering a recent incident involving one of their constant companions. The foundation is set by a beginning that becomes more compelling, and poignant, as the film continues. Characters interact with one another in a very real and natural manner. Another reviewer of this film made the interesting note that, at times, they felt they were watching a documentary. I can see why the said that. The acting is truly sublime. There is nothing flashy about the cinematography, nor the directing. It is a film about life, and it is shown to us in such a way that we accept it to not be a 'story' - that is the brilliance of the writing and directing of what has rocketed to become one of my all time favourite films (and that is saying something!).If you liked Sleep With Me, you will enjoy this film (and vice versa).Submitted by the Producer of 'Transmission 6-10'