Elementary Loves
Elementary Loves

Movie spotlight

Elementary Loves

2014
Movie
94 min
Italian

The film depicts the first flaming signs of love in human life. The characters are all ten years old and attend the same hockey and figure skating club in a small village set among the Italian Alps. The theft of a medal will trigger an adventurous escape to Moscow, where our six main characters will learn the first skirmishes of love and find new fiancés.

Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users75%
Director: Xavier DolanGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

The film chronicles the complex and often tumultuous romantic relationships of a group of artists and intellectuals in Montreal. It delves into themes of love, loss, ambition, and the passage of time as characters navigate their intertwined personal and professional lives. Through fragmented narratives and intimate character studies, 'Elementary Loves' explores the intricacies of human connection and the search for meaning in love.

Critical Reception

Critically, 'Elementary Loves' received a mixed to positive reception, with many praising Dolan's directorial vision and the performances of his cast, particularly Laurent and Ulliel. However, some critics found the narrative structure disjointed and the emotional arcs occasionally melodramatic. Audience reception was similarly varied, with some connecting deeply with its raw emotional portrayal of relationships, while others found it overly stylized or bleak.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visually striking aesthetic and bold directorial style.

  • Acclaimed for the nuanced and emotionally charged performances from its lead actors.

  • Some viewers found the non-linear narrative and intense emotionality to be challenging or excessive.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's artistic ambition and the emotional depth conveyed by the cast. Many found the exploration of love and its complexities to be relatable and thought-provoking, though a segment of viewers expressed that the film's intensity and thematic focus could be overwhelming.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Un Certain Regard award at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Xavier Dolan initially envisioned the film as a television series before condensing it into a feature film.

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