★★★☆☆
Mia Hansen-Løve delivers a poignant, intimate portrayal of love, loss, and human resilience, led by Léa Seydoux’s captivating performance. Read our One Fine Morning review.
Mia Hansen-Løve’s One Fine Morning is an intimate exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of human existence. Drawing from her father’s battle with a neurodegenerative disease, Hansen-Løve crafts a tender yet sombre portrayal of human resilience.
Léa Seydoux delivers a captivating performance as Sandra, a widow and mother coping with her father’s deteriorating health. His decline forces him to leave his cherished home for an impersonal nursing facility, leaving Sandra helpless. Concurrently, she seeks solace in a romantic relationship with a married man unable to commit to the depth of connection she desires.
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The film tackles heavy subjects like grief, rejection, ageing, and death with sensitivity, insight, and bravery. The viewer admires the human spirit’s ability to endure life’s storms while seeking its inherent beauty. This sentiment is echoed by Sandra’s grandmother when she states, “It’s a bit hard…living.”
One Fine Morning casts light on life’s shadows, creating moments of perfection within an otherwise harsh reality. These instances of happiness become a sanctuary for the characters and the audience, offering hope amidst adversity. Seydoux’s powerful and nuanced performance captivates viewers throughout the film.
However, One Fine Morning has its flaws. It occasionally deviates from its central narrative, venturing into side plots that diminish the emotional intensity. The uneven pacing can make the viewing experience less immersive than hoped.
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Despite these imperfections, the film remains a heartfelt and thought-provoking examination of life’s trials and tribulations. Hansen-Løve’s personal touch and Seydoux’s stirring performance create a rich cinematic experience.
One Fine Morning is a poignant and reflective film that, although not a masterpiece, offers an insightful look at the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. Its emotional authenticity and strong performances create a memorable and thought-provoking viewing experience.
