When i saw the cover of this Géraldine's movie, i decided to keep it for the last because it seemed the most interesting : Lhermitte is a honorable actor and this meeting of snow, dogs and loneliness was intriguing
Now that i have watched it, i can say this is a terrific movie, full of compassionate feelings and optimism : sure the beginning is hard because it's about losing a child
But i can understand the father reaction : numbness, morbid hobby and the desire to start it all over again by himself
The movie is really good to focus on the small, little joys of life, the unexpected meetings and in that context, the dog walking is a great idea : Dogs are the best to meet strangers and this cold Canadian winter is wonderful to offer the ideal location for introspection, as i have experimented by walking in Stockholm. All this generous Canadian cast is welcomed as it's a good change from the usual well stuffed french one
Géraldine is excellent here in her first bad character as a rather poor sighted mother and wife
For all those who like zen, calm, insight and life philosophy, this movie is a must- see because it teaches you how it's more and more difficult in our material world to stay true to oneself and to say NO when needed ! In all cases, it's more intelligent and emotional about parents loss than the one with Jenny (Reservation Road) which is the usual American soup about revenge, violence: here the focus is about of hope, help and resilience
Review of The New Life of Paul Sneijder
