Cast
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Ludivine Sagnier
as Marie
Jérémy Sitbon
as Maurice
Christian Charmetant
as Gaudinier
Benoît Giros
as Yves
Dominique Monegger
as The janitor
Christian Sinniger
as Mary's father
Michèle Brousse
as Mary's mother
Valérie Moreau
as Paulette
Farah Ghoul
as Lucie
Alice Chetail
as Sophie
Ilroy Plowright
as Serge
Claude Tissot
as Father Jacques
Claire Prévost
as Madame Montiboeuf
Nikolai Urumov
as Akolit
Crew
Director
- Jean-Louis Bertuccelli
Writer
- Claude Gutman
- Jacques Fansten
- Sabine Ullmann
- Gérard Mordillat
Producer
- Véra Belmont
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Marie's Children examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jean-Louis Bertuccelli brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2002, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Marie's Children took approximately 33 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 141 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 53 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2002, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Marie's Children shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike White Bird, which focuses more on action than character development, Marie's Children subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like God Does Not Believe in Us Anymore and Une vie avec Oradour explore similar territory, Marie's Children stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: February 18, 2002
- Runtime: 1h 31m
