Girl on the Bridge (2000)

Magnificent Video

in my opinion, this is one of the best films ever made. It's impossible to get on DVD unless you're willing to pay around $2 thousand dollars, even in Paris (since I looked). So I was happy to settle for the VHS. The quality of the VHS is excellent and the vendor did a great job on their part. Would highly recommend both film and vendor. July 20, 2008

Love it

Oh, how I adore this movie.
Clever, Beautifully set. Independent movie. Cute, and Humorous, type Love story. Very poetic, artistic, and very European. July 2, 2008

Daniel Auteuil is overrated, but...

It seems Monsieur Auteuil is starring in just about every other French film these days... in my opinion, he's somewhat overrated. He is a decent actor, on par with middlebrow Hollywood working types like Joe Pantoliano and such, but nothing terribly special.

However, the five stars goes to the movie itself. I like it better every time I view it, which is amazing - very, very few films fit into that category for me. I am also not normally a fan of either black-and-white or "foreign" (read non-Hollywood) films, but something about this one just grabs me in many ways. The deep connection the two starring characters have (it shows on-screen as great chemistry!) is amazing, and the concept of two people being worthless, luckless or hopeless without one another fascinates me, despite the fact I don't really believe it.

There are many other reasons why I like this fine piece of cinema, but you'd best discover your own! Get it on VHS if you have to, then get a cheap video transfer card for your computer and burn it onto DVD - you can get MPEG cards like this for peanuts these days (just be sure to respect copyright, and do this for backup purposes only). 5/5, highly recommended! July 21, 2007

You lose some, you win others

Director Patrice Leconte introduces us to Adele (Vanessa Paradis) while the credits of the film roll. Her face, expressive and opened, hooks us up while a unknown interlocutor questions her about life. Adele doesn't seem to have much self esteem, constantly complains about her bad luck and has sexual relations with almost every man that gives her a minimum of attention. Disappointed over and over again, Adele makes the decision to jump from a bridge in Paris, but a stranger (Daniel Auteuil) stops her and convinces her to be his partner. The man, Gabor, is a professional knive-throwing artist.

So, the Girl from the Bridge becomes a target.

Filmed in overwhelming black and white, Leconte counts the story of their love like a fable. Adele and Gabor's popularity increases, as well as their attraction and good fortune. While they travel through Monte Carlo, Italy and other destinies, the companions submerge in a desperate world where people are trapped in the games of life.

Meanwhile, Adele and Gabor are trapped on a bet between them. As the acts become more difficult (Gabor is blindfolded, Adele is placed on a spinning target), their passion becomes more intense: the intimacy, the vulnerability and the confidence charge the atmosphere between them. They don't have sex, but they share a deep sensual connection in their act.

Leconte follows the experiences of Adele and Gabor, and with each twist in the plot, he makes us reflect about the bonds between love, luck and destiny.

Paradis, next to Daniel Auteuil, gives life to two characters that complement each other perfectly in spite of their age difference. Adele's enchantment and ingenuity, as well as her lust, contrasts with the confidence and persuasion exhibit by Gabor. But as the story advances, their vulnerabilities emerge and the balance in their relationship becomes more complex.

Visually poetic, Girl of the Bridge is a provocative, sensual and joyful piece. A story that tells us that "we make our own luck". A story where knowing that you can be lost is the key to win. May 25, 2005

Daniel Auteuil is the coolest man on the planet.

This film single-handedly inspired me to travel through Europe, to learn the French language, to explore music from all over the world, and to expand my knowledge of French cinema. Who says movies don't change your life? This film is clearly very dear to me.
It is a fanstasy-like love story, but not so far-fetched if you truly believe in the power and mystery of love, and the connections two people can have with each other (no matter the distance apart). Oh, and the direction is outstanding! I couldn't tell you a favorite scene because each one is so beautiful-- everything!--The music, the words, the locations.
Also, it was my first film seeing Daniel Auteuil! I was mesmerized with his performance and I went out and started renting all of his films. He is amazing! I am so thankful for this film introducing me to him. Ahem...and may I say that he exudes sex appeal at every turn:)
Go RENT this film! It is a JOY! I cannot wait until it comes out on DVD!!








April 10, 2005

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