With Love…From the Age of Reason 2010
Distributed by First Run Features, 630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036; 212-243-0600
Producer n/a
Directed by Yann Samuell
DVD , color, 89 min.
General Adult
Adolescence, Children, Interpersonal Relations, Marriage, Romance
Date Entered: 05/27/2014
Reviewed by Linda Frederiksen, Washington State University, Vancouver, WAOn the eve of her 40th birthday, high-powered corporate executive Margaret has some issues, both personal and professional. In need of resolution, she doesn’t have to go far in search of her inner child. Instead, she receives a packet of letters from her 7-year old self, delivered by the notary of the small village she left behind many years ago. Each letter, which begins “Dear Me,” contains bright collages, old photographs and heartfelt or playful notes. In a clash of early dreams and later reality, the letters reveal an unhappy childhood and the cracks in what appears to be a perfect adult life. Margaret returns to the village of her youth, finds an old beau, tries to repair a broken relationship with her brother, and discovers new meaning and energy in her life and marriage.
Directed by Yann Samuell (My Sassy Girl, 2008), the feature-length film stars the French actress, Sophie Marceau (The World Is Not Enough, 1999) as Margaret. Editing, photography, and mise-en-scène are all well-done. With no other purpose than light entertainment and no message beyond than “become who you are,” the film succeeds as a romantic comedy with a subtle touch of social commentary. Recommended.