I've Loved You So Long Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		3.5
Audio		3.5
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

I've Loved You So Long Blu-ray Movie Review

Sony's love affair with female-focused family dramas continues with the Blu-ray release of an acclaimed French film.

Reviewed by Greg Maltz March 20, 2009

Fresh from releasing Rachel Getting Married on Blu-ray, which showcases a critically acclaimed 2008 female performance by Anne Hathaway, Sony churns out yet another Blu-ray boasting a solid female lead role: Kristen Scott Thomas as Juliette Fontaine in I've Loved You So Long. Both films have similarities, despite the latter being a foreign movie. In each, the narrative is built on determined yet troubled women with unique psychological and sociological challenges who endure painful family dynamics. Thomas and Elsa Zylberstein, who plays Juliette's sister Lea, are both excellent in I've Loved You So Long, but the structure of the plot is problematic. Thomas gives it her all and pulls off a remarkable character study. As for the Blu-ray itself, it is about average as far as picture and sound quality go. I found it ironic that Sony would bring a 2008 foreign film to 1080p on its "Sony Pictures Classics" home video arm. While I've Loved You So Long is a serious film with good acting, I would hardly call it a classic. And for a company taking its sweet time to release its bona fide classics like Lawrence of Arabia and Taxi Driver on Blu-ray, what is the motivation to prioritize this quiet, somewhat uncomfortable 2008 French film? I don't get it.

Juliette Fontaine (Kristen Scott Thomas) faces many challenges in adapting to life after prison, including her disapproving brother in law, Luc (Serge Hazanavicius).

When the story begins, Fontaine has just been released from prison after fifteen years. This rather critical fact, as well as the reason behind her incarceration, is revealed slowly. The narrative churns along at an unhurried pace, allowing Fontaine to remain a bit mysterious. The mystery behind her past lends intrigue to the characters and their behavior, essentially tricking the viewer into being curious about people who are not really that interesting. The script slowly fills in more color between the sketched-out lines as Fontaine becomes reacquainted with her sister Lea (Zylberstein) and Lea's family. Except for Lea, they are all a bit aloof and suspicious of Fontaine. Lea has two adopted Asian daughters and her husband Luc (Serge Hazanavicius) is uncomfortable with Juliette being around the kids.

When the narrative finally reveals why Fontaine was jailed, many other issues in the plot make more sense--like the fact that she can't get a job. As more details emerge, Fontaine becomes harder to relate to for the audience. And the intrigue that generated interest in her and the other characters is largely lost--at least it was for this viewer. But there is no denying that Fontaine is a figure who attempts to command some element of respect because she does not seem to feel sorry for herself and wants to face the future instead of allowing the past to completely define her. While never appearing upbeat, she tries to socialize and participate in family life, despite the tremendous hurdles in her way.

I've Loved You So Long is written and directed by Phillipe Claudel as a portrait of a strong, resiliant woman who is struggling to leave the past behind. But more that, Fontaine is struggling to emerge from a prison that society made for her. It is as real as the jail bars she faced for the last 15 years. Even though her case is unique, the themes Fontaine deals with are universal. We all find ourselves trapped or defined by societal constraints to some extent. In this respect, Fontaine is accessible. By the time the great secret from the past is revealed, Fontaine has addressed most of the issues resulting from her incarceration, and in fact, the film's intrigue and engaging qualities result from the mystery--the vacuum of an unknown past. Once that vacuum is filled and the mystery is solved, all the wind is taken out of the sails of the narrative. The main character becomes harder to relate to or empathize with, and the film loses its intrigue that helped propel the early scenes by playing off the viewer's curiosity. Nevertheless, Thomas’ performance holds it all together, along with the solid role of Fontaine's sister delivered by Zylberstein.

I've Loved You So Long Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Sony Pictures Classics presents the film in 1.78:1. The 1080 resolution may seem unnecessary, but there is no denying that the high definition lends itself to visual nuances like subtle changes in facial expression that communicate emotions and character insight very effectively. With Thomas turning in a fantastic performance, the importance of rendering her face with great clarity cannot be underestimated in delivering the emotional impact of the film. Watch the scene where she sits at a piano with her niece. Her emotional response to the girl is subtle, but largely carried by the facial expressions that are rendered with good detail.

Skin tones, fabrics and household sets appear detailed, but not quite at the reference level of the best Blu-ray transfers. Even so, the overall presentation is impressive. Shadow detail is good, although the picture is more weighted toward brightness than dark, and bright areas of outdoor scenes appear too hot, giving up some definition.

I've Loved You So Long Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

I've Loved You So Long includes a Dolby TrueHD 5.1 track in French with English subtitles. An English track is also selectable with Thomas doing her own dubbing. There is not much to say about the sound quality. Voices are clear and definition is good. There is almost no deep bass or rear channel content, so you may as well not have a subwoofer or surrounds. The voices and music anchored up front have decent treble extension and detail. The score composed by Jean-Louis Aubert complements the story and appears lush with adequate air around the instruments, dispelling congestion and showing no sign of distortion.

I've Loved You So Long Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Extras are limited to seven deleted scenes lasting five minutes overall--with optional director commentary, the theatrical trailer and bonus trailers. I give this a low rating but frankly I was grateful I didn't have to wade through further bonus content for a movie that managed to lose my interest.

I've Loved You So Long Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

I don't know what Sony's recent fascination is with producing for Blu-ray films featuring haunted women dealing with their uncomfortable lives. The good news is that both Rachel Getting Married and I've Loved You So Long showcase impressive performances, good direction and chemistry between the lead actresses that borders on magical. The French film earned an official selection at the Toronto Film Festival, won an Ecumenical Jury prize at the Berlin International Film Festival and was nominated for a Golden Bear award, also at the Berlin festival. While it's refreshing to see actors and directors in command of their art, I just don't find the plot or narrative of such films to reward repeat viewings. If you're in the right mood, a single viewing may hit the spot, but it's high time Sony released on Blu-ray more of its real classics. Unless you enjoy seeing a woman struggle for redemption through troubling situations, you may want to stay away from I've Loved You So Long. It's a quality production with impressive acting, but I wish I had my two hours back.