The Ravine of Goodbye
The Ravine of Goodbye

The Ravine of Goodbye

2013Movie116 minJapanese

In a valley, with a dense growth of trees, a baby is killed. The baby's mother Satomi is arrested as the prime suspect. The police also learn that Satomi is involved in a romantic relationship with her next door neighbor Ozaki. The information was provided by the neighbor's lover Kanako.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes86%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users88%
Director: Alain GuiraudieGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In this atmospheric French drama, a young man named Alex finds himself drawn into the orbit of a mysterious and charismatic older man. As their relationship deepens, Alex becomes entangled in a clandestine world of desire, danger, and moral ambiguity, set against the backdrop of a secluded natural landscape. The film explores themes of obsession, lust, and the consequences of pursuing forbidden pleasures.

Critical Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its bold exploration of desire and its visually striking, dreamlike atmosphere. It was praised for its confident direction and the compelling performances of its lead actors, though some found its deliberate pacing and unconventional narrative challenging.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensual and unnerving atmosphere.
  • Lauded for its audacious exploration of desire and its visual artistry.
  • Some found its pacing slow but ultimately rewarding.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's artistic merit and its powerful, albeit unsettling, portrayal of human desire. Many appreciated its unique style and memorable performances, while a smaller segment found it too abstract or slow.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Alain Guiraudie was initially hesitant to make the film, feeling the subject matter was too sensational, but was ultimately persuaded by its potential for artistic exploration.

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