The Hedgehog

A nice movie of people who, although less socially gifted than the people they are surrounded by, are often more self-aware and unwilling to pretend, however, these people are majority and our main characters feel isolated as a result, so they find some comfort in each other's understanding of each other, making a point by showing how this connecting reaches no matter the superficial differences between them, such as age, social status or cultural upbringing, a film about love.

Very Elegant and subtle! Very french in spirit! Empathic and intelligent.

Gently builds, very nicely paced, never frantic. A potentially hideously precocious child is fantastically played without once becoming so. Quite probably a modern classic.

A film of great charm and warmth, telling a tale slowly and gently, a big story on a very small stage. There is a biting social criticism behind the story, about the superficiality of rich people and their inability to see the dignity, indeed the lives, of those who are 'less' or different, but it is played deftly, by actors who do the job rather than say they are doing the job and direction which respects intelligence. Would=be child actors (and their parents) might learn much from the girl in this film, her vivacity, her projection of intelligence by being intelligent rather than just acting smart. There is also a cross cultural element. I will say no more, other than that if you are not warmed and made thoughtful; by it, I'll give you at best one star :-)

Pleasant and warm and just a tiny bit eccentric. Filled with lovely little details that made me smile. Great music. Cinematography is lovely. The acting is wonderful. But that ending though... sigh...

Poignant, funny, moving French film.

A fortunate find on Sundance Channel after waking up in the middle of the night and not able to get back to sleep. Definitely as good as the book.

The love between very unlikely characters is beautifully portrayed in this film. Love goes beyond the conventional, self-centered love between two persons, to the many subtle layers of true love & friendship in this film. This is the only film to have ever made me laugh in one moment, & cry in the next .. Paloma's insights on life & people is brilliant too. Most of all, this is one of the few films that could depict the development of friendship & love with more gestures than words, more silence than sounds, to fill your heart. Enjoy.

Superb! I wish American films could be this good....I suppose I will have to learn to speak French.... I Don't mind subtitles...but sometimes I feel I loose some of the meaning by not being able to understand the language of the film. Still, this was an intellectual and stimulating film that reminded me of my own childhood. While I can't say I found it hopeful, as many reviewers have stated...it sweetly suggests that our perceptions determine our reality.

film simple mais touchant. Balasko's performance is remarkable.