The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Mr. Leconte seems at last to have anchored his cinematic gifts to a story worth caring about.
✭ ✭ ✭ ✭ Read critic reviews
France, Canada · 2000
Rated R · 1h 52m
Director Patrice Leconte
Starring Daniel Auteuil, Emir Kusturica, Juliette Binoche, Michel Duchaussoy
Genre Drama, History, Romance
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In the 19th century on the French island of Saint-Pierre, a murderer is sentenced to death by guillotine. Yet over the course of a year, as he awaits execution, he becomes increasingly integrated in the island community, and the islanders grow increasingly conflicted over his punishment.
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The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Mr. Leconte seems at last to have anchored his cinematic gifts to a story worth caring about.
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
Leconte reconfirms his growing importance to French cinema with this precisely crafted, marvelously acted drama, which makes a powerful statement on capital punishment.
Philadelphia Inquirer by Desmond Ryan
Remarkable movie.
New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman
It doesn't get much more romantic than this.
As stunning to look at as "Girl on the Bridge" or indeed any of his others, but it lacks the distilled intensity — and, surprisingly for Leconte, the wit.
Has its sluggish stretches, but the superb level of acting is more than ample compensation.
Chicago Tribune by Michael Wilmington
Has the resonance, eloquence and formal rigor of a piece of great literature.
Miami Herald by Rene Rodriguez
Celebrates a larger-than-life heroism that is, sadly, all too rare.
Binoche is especially subtle and radiant in another splendid drama from Leconte.
San Francisco Chronicle by Wesley Morris
The director has concocted a tragedy that actually feels tragic.
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