A Very Long Engagement
A Very Long Engagement

Movie spotlight

A Very Long Engagement

2004
Movie
133 min
French

Young Frenchwoman Mathilde searches for the truth about her missing fiancé, lost during World War I, and learns many unexpected things along the way. The love of her life is gone. But she refuses to believe he's gone forever — and she needs to know for sure.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes73%
Metacritic69/100
Google Users83%
Director: Jean-Pierre JeunetGenres: Drama, Romance, War, Mystery

Plot Summary

In the midst of World War I, Mathilde is devastated to learn that her fiancé, Manech, has been sentenced to death for self-mutilation and abandoned in the "no man's land" between French and German trenches. Refusing to believe he is dead, Mathilde embarks on a tenacious and complex investigation to uncover the truth about his fate, navigating a world of deceit, betrayal, and the lingering ghosts of war. Her quest leads her through a labyrinth of witnesses, legal loopholes, and personal connections, revealing a dramatic story of survival and the enduring power of love against all odds.

Critical Reception

A Very Long Engagement was met with generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its stunning visual style, Audrey Tautou's captivating performance, and its poignant blend of romance and wartime drama. While some found the plot intricate, the film was widely lauded for its emotional depth and Jeunet's signature whimsical yet somber directorial touch.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually enchanting with a rich, romantic narrative that captivates.

  • Audrey Tautou delivers a memorable and moving performance.

  • A complex but rewarding story exploring love and survival amidst the horrors of war.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's beautiful cinematography and the emotional journey of the protagonist. Many found the story touching and the performances compelling, though some viewers noted the plot could be a bit convoluted at times.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 2 Academy Awards, including Best Art Direction. Won 5 César Awards, including Best Actor for Gaspard Ulliel and Best Actress for Audrey Tautou.

Fun Fact

The elaborate trench warfare scenes were filmed on location in the Dordogne region of France, using a meticulously constructed set that took months to build.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

Community Critic Reviews

No critic reviews have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

My Review

TMDB Reviews

No TMDB reviews are available yet for this title.

Video Reviews

No video reviews found for this title yet.