The Truth

An array of Brilliance that tugs at one’s heart !

A great opportunity missed; the gradual approaching of the two conflicting characters wasn't as gradual. It came right at the end in a too easy way, without any deeper nuances. No going deep into human mind in this movie. However, Deneuve's acting is indeed something else. Also great is Binoche. I did not understand what was the point of having Ethan Hawk's character in the story.

Small, subdued, charming and well executed exploration of mother daughter dynamics, pride, and aging. It’s not anything truly novel, but it felt comforting and easy to enjoy. Really liked the life imitating art aspects and the rich characters. Fabienne is a challenging force right from the start, Fabienne and Lumir are a source of tension and emotion, and all the side characters incl Ethan Hawke in a crazy hat provide contrasting joy and humor. “He asked to be a turtle again”

Clearly some big names wanted to work with Hirokazu Kore-eda in this film within a film, but the result was a major letdown after Kore-eda's Shoplifters, a feature adored by most. Ethan Hawke is wasted and while Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche are given moments to shine, one thing becomes more clear as the film meanders: The whole is way less than the sum of the parts. This was the first venture outside of Japan for Kore-eda, so there is plenty of room for growth. And what exactly is truth? Final Score: 5/10

This is a fairly subtle film, which I found (I feel bad for saying this) somewhat dull in parts. I tend to like a good family drama but this film felt a little bit long drawn out and while some secrets told were interesting, it didn't grab my attention for long really, although I suppose it is somewhat thought provoking. The cast do give good performances and I like some of the camerawork. I thought it was ironic seeing the scenes where the mum is acting on set, with actors playing her family, knowing her real relatives were nearby and wondering things. Overall I'd say this is an ok film but not one I'd actively recommend, no.

The film that, finally, made me connect one hundred with the cinema of the Japanese Koreeda, The truth remains a deep, beautiful and conciliatory meditation on motherhood, family and the traumas of the past. Its cast could not be better, with performances so natural that it could well be the recording of a family reunion in which the complexity of the protagonists is finally revealed and forgiveness arrives.

Excellent casting. The duos between Denueve and Binoche are something to admire.

A great example where a good story is elevated by the level of acting and Deneuve is inspired to higher heights as a result; bravo to casting Binoche to raise the stakes

Had no idea almost all of the movie was in French: expected some but come on, it has Ethan Hawks in it! Disappointed

Superb performances by Deneuve and Binoche as an estranged mother and daughter trying to sort through their issues before it is too late. I wondered if the dead character Sarah was supposed to evoke Deneuve's late sister Francoise Dorleac.