A Very Long Engagement (2004)
A Very Long Engagement (2004) is a haunting, romantic mystery set against the devastation of World War I. Directed by Jean‑Pierre Jeunet and anchored by Audrey Tautou’s determined, luminous performance as Mathilde, the film follows one woman’s relentless quest to discover the fate of her fiancé Manech (Gaspard Ulliel), one of five soldiers formally declared executed after being left in No Man’s Land. As Mathilde chases rumors, records and reluctant witnesses, the story unspools through vivid flashbacks, short character vignettes and wartime tableaux that reveal each soldier’s life and the bureaucracy, cruelty and absurdity surrounding their supposed deaths. Viewers can expect an emotional, genre‑blending experience: the visceral horror and claustrophobia of trench warfare; the suspense and puzzle-solving of a detective tale; and a tender, often heartbreaking romantic throughline. Jeunet’s meticulous period detail and striking visual style mix melancholy, dark humor and poetic touches, while a strong supporting cast fills the world with small, memorable moments. The film moves between despair and stubborn hope, building to a bittersweet, cathartic payoff that rewards patience and feeling. Ideal for viewers who appreciate evocative historical dramas that combine mystery, romance and visual storytelling.
Actors: Audrey Tautou, Gaspard Ulliel, Jodie Foster
Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Runtime: 133 min
Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance
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