Hey folks, Harry here... This is the movie that I wish I could watch on Christmas Day! This is the present I want to unwrap with my eyes. That I can take in with my ears. Luc Besson hasn't directed in ages - and I love every film he's directed completely. This sounds AMAZING! A film for us Besson Lovers. Having said that - there are radical spoilers here. I have them in white text - so you have to highlight them to read. The film sounds great - but if you really want Besson to just give you a brilliant film - wait... and see. Please no spoilers in topic lines below. Please.

Hey Harry!

There's no sign of a review for this one on AICN. I take this as a sign that my review is needed.

So here you go!



Luc Besson's ANGEL-A, shot in black and white last summer in Paris, starring Jamel Debbouze and Rie Rasmussen. All we knew about the movie was the trailer Besson released not so long ago. Even this morning, the newspapers didn't really have any review. As far as I know, there hasn't been any press screening.

This afternoon, before the film started, Besson, Debbouze and Rasmussen quickly introduced it. Besson thanked the audience for watching the movie on the release day, which meant we still had faith in him. He quickly explained that he kept the mystery around the movie, because he wanted it to be a surprise for the viewers. He mentioned that it was also because halfway through the movie, the story took a different direction. Then they left, and the movie started.

Here's what I thought :

The movie is beautiful on every aspect. Short, well paced and efficient. The musical atmosphere fits the scenes perfectly. Technically flawless.

The story is the one the trailer gave us a glimpse of. Andre (Jamel Debbouze) is a con-man, who owes money to too many people. He's considering suicide, and suddenly meets Angela (Rie Rasmussen), who is in the same state. He thinks he's ugly on the outside, she thinks she's ugly on the inside. Each tries to convince the other that he shouldn't die.

That's how it starts, without spoiling too much. Eventually, it's the sweetest story I can think of for last year, and it's not as cheesy as it sounds (I was afraid of this myself, but I totally bought it in the end).

Now for the spoilers : (highlight to read)

(I won't be spoiling scenes, more like the overall plot.)

Angela is an angel (Ooooh, who'd have thunk it?), and was sent to save Andre from his lies.

After much effort, and plenty misuderstandings, she manages to make him realize that he has Good in him.

Once he loves himself, he'll be able to solve his problems.

In the process, he realize that he loves her : only her made him feel this good about himself.

In the end, she starts lying, and making up excuses to leave... her mission is over, and it's time for her to unfold her wings and go back "up there".

But Andre understands that under these lies, she also fell in love with him, and he wants to challenge his fate, by keeping her with him.

The climax of the movie is Angela, flying away from a bridge, and Andre desperately jumping after her, catching her by the feet.

It may sound cheesy, but just think of it...

Catching an angel before it flies away, and keeping her with you (with her consent).

I love it! I just love it!

There much more to tell, but that would be abusing your patience. Many reviewers speak a better English, and know more about actually writing reviews than claiming "it rocks! it's awesome!" like I do usually.

You can call me "El Polypo".

If you liked that first review, maybe you can give me tips or contacts in Paris, so that I can have access to actual screenings. That would be magnificent.

--

Louis