Bandits

The traditional theme of Claude Lelouch's films is the relationship between a man and a woman. Usually, it is a romantic relationship, but this time the director played out a game of emotions between a father and a daughter. It is a drama that sometimes balances on the edge of the comedy genre. A smuggler of stolen goods sends his daughter to a safe foreign asylum and has her raised in a strict boarding school for children from a better society. When the man returns from serving his sentence, he meets a completely unknown girl who is now part of the safe bourgeois environment, and the intertwining of their worlds naturally causes a lot of emotional problems and tragicomic situations. The film may not be one of the best that Lelouch has directed, but he can precisely balance sentiment, the crime genre, and comedic exaggeration, creating an exciting and visually pleasing film. I even swallowed the seemingly unbelievable prison escape without any protests. Overall impression: 80%. There may not be many catchphrases in it, but they are such that you will remember them for a long time to come. (2008-11-19)

A beautiful story about people who aren’t so easily divided into good or evil. What makes this film truly special is its natural, effortless charm. Jean Yanne moves through the movie with such confidence and respect for his character that you can't help but feel the same. The plot unfolds so smoothly, it keeps you hooked, breathlessly anticipating each moment. And that final shot? It wraps everything up perfectly, like the closing of a compelling chapter in someone's life. It’s like sitting on a bench by the sea, watching the waves crash against the rocks as the sun sets in the distance—a moment of pure, quiet joy. (2011-12-31)