Amour

Amour is a minimalistic love story about a man and his wife, who suffers from an attack, and how their love is tested. Whether it is through talking with her, feeding her, or just being with her, this is a tale of true love and the tribulations that can come with it in old age.

Foreign films often struggle in America due to the added issue of subtitles. Amour, however found a way around this. By choosing only static shots on the screen, save for a few moments when the camera follows the action, it is easier to read all the dialogue and see the character's expressions at the same time. The static shots also add a feeling of claustrophobia throughout the film.

And in a film about love and other emotions, expressions are key. Critics and audiences alike are relishing Emmanuelle Riva's performance as Anna and it is stupendously tragic, but without the outstanding performance of Jean-Louis Trintignant she would have been "hung out to dry." The chemistry the pair share on screen is unquestioningly charming.

What made their performance so great was the story and how it shows the audience the everyday struggles someone who has had a stroke must deal with. Going to the bathroom, showering, even eating. Nothing is off limits in this movie.

In the end Amour raises the question: What would you do for the person you love most?

8.5/10