Rosalie is a surprisingly delicate romantic movie based on the fascinating life of a unique, resilient women. The movie is one of those that creeps up on you. I was intrigued from the gentle beginning to the tender end. Well worth seeking this one out.
Set in the 1870s rural France, we find Abel (Benoît Magimel) a reserved bar owner. Try as he might his bar is in trouble. The owner is threatening to shut him down. But he has an idea.
Enter Rosalie (Nadia Tereszkiewicz). If Abel marries Rosalie, not only will he get another pair of hands to help out in the bar, he’ll also get her dowry. And so the deal is done. Rosalie’s father delivers his daughter to her new life.
But Rosalie is a young woman unlike any other, she hides a secret. Will Abel be able to love her once he finds out the truth? I can’t tell you much more.
As I let the intriguing ending wash over me, I pondered:
- The movie delves into what defines femineity and normality;
- Director Stéphanie Di Giusto must be congratulated for such a sensitive investigation and providing a feminist melodrama that sends a beautiful message without hitting us over the head with it, as so many do. I can see why it was a huge hit in Cannes;
- Magimel and Tereszkiewicz were both brilliant at making their characters utterly believable. I’ll be looking to see what else they’re in;
- It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to have a coffee after to discuss the end. Consequently I can’t wait for someone else to see it so I can have a chat about it.
For more information go to the Perth Festival, Film section. On Dec 11 to 17 so don’t miss it.
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