Movie No. 177 (2013): THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN

The Broken Circle Breakdown (2012)

Director: Felix van Groeningen

Cast: Veerle Baetens, Johan Heldenbergh

In Flemish, with English subtitles

This film is Belgium's entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category of Academy Awards. Synopses of this film on different websites are one in describing  it as melodrama. Indeed it is, but it's a far cry from being a tearjerker like most melodramas are. But still, it can make you cry. Some situations can be a pin to burst those tear glands without even trying.

The lead characters in this movie are an odd couple. Didier is a bluegrass singer, an atheist who's crazy about America. Elise is a tattoo artist, a devout catholic. It's quite interesting that it's the difference in their faith and fundamental beliefs that makes their bond stronger. Then tragedy sets in. And what used to be their unifying bond becomes the object of their disputes, which will threaten their marriage.

The movie is told with dizzying editing style. It's when you get used to it that you'll appreciate the technique. It certainly makes the movie more interesting. The script is bold. Characterization is creative. The bluegrass music is itself an important character. The symbolism is something to note.

Rating: 4.0/4.0

Date seen: October 14, 2013