LOVE CRIME

Ma's View:

We've been fans of Kristen Scott-Thomas for a while now and can't say we have ever been disappointed by her performance, no matter what the quality of the film.  In this case, the film and her co-star, Ludivine Sagnier easily lived up to our expectations.  If anything Sagnier, the younger actress, outdoes her rival, depicting such an array of emotions as her naive devotion to her boss is transformed step by step into disillusionment, determination and finally implacable hatred.

While the subject matter is somewhat light weight - 2 high ranking female executives in a power struggle that ends in a crime - the plot has enough twists and turns and the acting is so excellent as to totally absorb the audience to the last minute.  Our audience spontaneously clapped at the end - a good sign!  Director, Alain Corneau, who passed away before the film's release, would be well-satisfied with its reception.   Although there are just a few little holes in the plot which occur to one after reflection, I have to give it a good score for sheer entertainment value.

My score:  8.5/10


Pepe's View:

Great entertainment and very little more sums up this film completely.  The acting is fantastic, the direction taut and develops just the right amount of tension while allowing us to really care about the characters.
I particlarly enjoyed the implication at the end that the new "boss" Isabelle, played superbly by Ludivine Sagnier,  will have to watch her back as her young eager male assistant knows a little too much about the crime.  The cycle of revenge, intrigue and ambition is set to be repeated.

Kristen Scott Thomas as the senior executive  Christine who uses her young protegee once too often as she ruthlessly maintains power is as always superb.  The crime, which I won't reveal as it would be a spoiler, and the way it is cleverly covered up and the innocent party is implicated, creates riveting entertainment as it is so well handled.

My Score:  8/10