lor_ The problem of drug addiction is even worse today than 15 years ago when Lucas Belvaux's film was released, and unfortunately he adds little to nothing here.An attempt at a different approach fails miserably, as the first half of the 2-hour feature is deadly dull - a combination of police procedural and domestic drama. Gilbert is a corrupt cop and he plays the role blankly: all we know about the poker-faced, handsome guy (should have been cast as a gangster instead) is he babies his teacher wife Dominique Blanc in her addiction to morphine (which he acquires illegally through his job) and he is attracted to her friend Ornella Muti (duh!, who wouldn't be?).Blanc's underplaying for nearly an hour is wearying, until in the second half the script turns from kitchen sink dreariness to overheated melodramatic outbursts, thoroughly unconvincing. Tying up the case he's working on with his wife's predicament is a ridiculous "neat" script ploy, and Belvaux himself intrudes in the nothing role of the arch villain of the piece, played flatly by him.What this proves is that even a serious approach by a serious filmmaker can end up as routine and pointless as any exploitation film about oft- exploited subject matter. I much prefer the extremes of the genre, namely "Christiane F." on the docu-style well-meaning end of the spectrum, or a good, old-fashioned sexploitation approach at the other.

Tim Kidner Whereas 'One' was a gritty thriller, 'Two' a comedy of errors, 'AfterLife' is a very different ballgame. Quoted as a melodrama on the DVD, its emotional clout, this final instalment of the Trilogy, is immense, churning and raw. Acted with true conviction of the jackpot lottery that is long-term drug addiction by actress Dominique Blanc and an almost disarming level of devotion from her policeman husband, this is stuff that made me hit the pause button as I found it a little overwhelming at times. Don't get me wrong, this is brilliant stuff but like the real deal, isn't an easy ride. Without adding a spoiler, there is light at the end of the tunnel - as there indeed is for any addict, given love and support.What made it all the more worthwhile was how effortlessly the jigsaw pieces fell into place from (especially the first) previous parts and rather like coming clean and sober, the veil of confusion slowly lifts. The intense mood of the piece doesn't allow you to think beyond your TV screen - you almost don't have the energy to question 'what-if's' etc. It all goes to show that behind every addict, every killer, every crooked cop, there's a plethora of interweaving stories that form an individual and they're all linked in some way or another. Other user reviewers have explained the scenario better than I can. But, as such I feel slightly battered and bruised from the experience of it all, and in all honesty not always a totally rewarding one. That boxset of Belavaux's had been sitting on my shelf for months and I'd not really known what lay inside. One could question as to why practically no-one's ever heard of this trilogy and as to whether it should be better known. The latter's answer is definitely YES, but it isn't for everyone and does require quite a commitment in both time and emotional energy. Christmas holidays may well make space, time-wise, but you, the viewer have to provide the rest yourself.

Jean.Francois Belisle Apres la Vie shows what is happening physically to a drug addict woman and what is the life is for her husband who is a sort of corrupted cop. This is a Al-Anon typical story is the best I ever seen in this type of drama. In the same order movies like Barfly or Leaving Las Vegas are in the same class of movie. I recommend you to watch this movie because it shows a lot in special type of psychologic syndrome. The sole reason to live for the cop is bringing the substance to his wife. The thing is that guy really doesn't know this, she's addicted since ten years all their lives have been ruled by this injection drug.It is an instructive movie and it is totally realistic, it will update your consciousness. Even if it is a dark story the love that the couple is showing is very impressive and sensitive. When the drug dependence goes to the point of a lethal convulsion and if, by luck if you have only a criminal hand to save your life then you will take it. In that state of miserable situation this movie is showing an exceptional way to share a difficult situation in a sort of opportunity. 8/10. A good drama for teachers and students in psychology.

jotix100 In comparison to "An Amazing Couple", this film has a different texture, as it deals with the realities of drug addiction. The director inserts scenes from the previous film, as we get to see why things happened the way they did in the second installment of this trilogy.It is incredible to think Agnes, very nicely played by Dominique Blanc, has been able to maintain her drug problem for more than 20 years and still keep her job at the local high school where she teaches. Now we know: her husband Pascal, a detective, keeps her supplied with drugs he takes from junkies and dealers. Pascal is Agnes worst enemy because being afraid to lose her, he maintains also a double life; not only does he not help the woman he loves, but breaks the law in the process.It is even more incredible when we see road blocks where people are checked for possible drug dealing in the school where Agnes teach and where another teacher is interrogated about the drug problem in that particular school. In many ways this film is an eye opening in knowing to what extent drugs are prevalent in today's society, be it in Europe, or the United States.Some of the material doesn't work very well. There are many unanswered questions in this whole mess. The best thing for the film are Gilbert Melki, as the detective that is willing to break the law and Dominique Blanc, as the tormented Agnes.