Movie No. 24 (2013): DECLARATION OF WAR

Declaration of War (2011)
Director: Valerie Donzelli
Cast: Valerie Donzelli, Jeremie Elkaim


They meet in a wild and noisy dance bar.
-Romeo.
-Are you joking?
-No. Why?
-I'm Juliette.
-That means our fate is doomed.

This is the opening of the film. It's a playful but deceitful indication of what to expect of the rest of the film. The couple faces a predicament as their child is very sick. They gather their parents and friends and declare war against the illness with hope as their only warfare. The result is a film that is funny, heartbreaking,  vibrant, and charming - a rare combination.

The film was France's submission in the Best Foreign Language Film category of Academy Awards last year. It didn't make the cut. But, if it did, it certainly deserved the slot. 

Date seen: January 23, 2013

Rating: 4.0/4.0