The Libertine (2000)
9/10
Smile in Age of Enlightenment
7 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I saw "Le Libertin" 3 times. Or even 4. It is very good. It is much better on French with subtitles It is one of those 2 or 3 movies which I wanted to re-watch immediately after final titles. How to explain? If you see only nudity and scabrous jokes here I am afraid that this film is not about it at all. You may try but you can not persuade me. What I see here - is a great philosopher and great struggle for enlightenment. And what I admire in French style is to do serious things with easy smile and turning all into a fest. And they do it very powerful and in very fascinating manner. Vincent Perez and Fanny Ardant are splendid and subtle. They show a relation between two adult persons. Look how really adult people do it (not kidult).

Great part of the movie is devoted to question of religion. Soundtrack to the movie is worthy of listening. Main song performed by Boy George adds richness to atmosphere.

You feel courage behind the fest - you can see behind the form its content. You see a great self-control behind this smile. They do not try to make a good face playing bad, they do not play fool, no. On the contrary they make their fest so courageously, they are able to play games when the matter is quite serious, so you see Frenchmen are great nation. As if they know a great secret of life... To smile like in an old song...

Smile Smile, though your heart is aching Smile, even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky you'll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That's the time you must keep on trying Smile what's the use of crying You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you'll just Smile

This is a film which Fenchmen made after all what happened with them after the Age of Enlightenment, having in mind all what they did not find necessarily to say straightly. I see that this film has a strongest content covered with jokes. Only Frenchmen are able to say something complex using such easy manner without harm to the content.

I love this movie from the very beginning to the very end.
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