ckmercuri
Of all the French films I have seen so far, this one succeeds the most in creating a mood the French are known for doing so well: a sense of melancholy. After watching this film at the young age of 16, I was immediately taken in and mystified. After watching many other films, I can still say that this is one of my favorite films.
samuel.coburn
"... Holland is 'one of the great film makers in telling a story, unlike so many Europeans who emphasize character. The American public takes to a film where a story is told well'" (Film Quarterly: Vol.52, No.2, Winter 1998-9, pg3).This comment, made by Orion's Michael Barker, is not far off the mark--at least with respect to Holland's film: "Olivier, Olivier" (1992). Despite the plot's non-fictional premise--the idea for the film, in fact, is based on a French newspaper item from the early 1980s--Agniezca Holland's ability in fully capturing the truly bizarre nature of this story leaves viewers wondering if she, in making the film, could actually have been working from real-life experiences. Holland lays the storyline out in a traditional, chronological manner but makes sure to jump ahead several years at a time, where necessary, to retain her audience's attention. I am American and I did 'take to' this film. In this sense, Michael Barker is absolutely correct. However, I imagine anyone would enjoy a story as well told as Holland tells this one.Highly recommended.
Tito-8
Two major flaws prevented this film from being truly great, but it was still a good movie that was at times engrossing and most certainly was memorable. It was quite intriguing once it got going, but I'd have to say that there was too much time spent on the period before the boy goes missing. Once he seemingly is back, it is a thoroughly entertaining film...that is, until the daughter starts displaying her supernatural powers. This part of the story almost killed the movie, but luckily, it never became a central issue, so things never got too bad. A terrific ending also helped to win me over. This should have been a GREAT film, considering how outstanding it was at times, but instead, this is only slightly above average.
Akeller
What the hell went on in this film? Okay, kid vanishes from weird family, family panics, they get weirder, dad flees to Africa. Then, after about six years, the kid comes back from Paris and reintroduces himself to the family. I have it up to here.Now, I am a fan of psychological movies. They appeal to me much more than movies that " blow stuff up " and I am considered an intelligent person. But the movie lost me after the first 45 minutes. What did the girl's power have to do with ANYTHING? Was he their real son or a fake? [ The movie offers symbolism but no actual CLUES that are good in a psychological movie. ] Does anyone care?Art in the name of intellectual advancement is good. Art in the name of " art " is pretentious and not deserving of film time.But the movie did one major good point - no dubbing, subtitles instead!
AD
