Ceux qui restent

The definition of love is a tricky thing, and at different ages, through different life experiences, and ultimately with different goals, we perceive it completely differently. For two visitors of an oncology clinic, who have come to see their sick partners, at first, getting to know each other only represents a sense of belonging during a painful time, an awareness that there is someone who understands them and is in the same boat. However, as time goes by, a spark ignites and confirms the old saying that friendship between a man and a woman only works long-term under the condition of impotence or mutual homosexuality. For those who stay, the film is about sadness and farewell, but it is not emotionally manipulative. It gives hope and says that where something ends, space is simultaneously created for something new. Last but not least, this film is proof that besides a few overused stereotypically cast stars, French cinema has plenty of great actors who, while not as firmly rooted in international consciousness as they deserve, can deliver remarkable performances and convincingly portray their characters. Vincent Lindon has convinced me in several films that he is a great interpreter of civilian but rugged heroes, and Emmanuelle Devos is a very interesting actress who can oscillate between drama and comedy. Overall impression: 70%. (02/06/2014)