billcr12 Emmanuelle Beart shines as a classical violinist in France and she begins a relationship with the owner of a instrument repair shop. Shortly thereafter, the owners partner also becomes involved with her. The two men have radically different personalities, one is extremely introverted and the other extroverted.Of course, Beart believes she can change them and they continue a love triangle. The soundtrack is beautiful, making use of Ravel's compositions.This theme has been done many times but Beart's captivating screen presence makes this one time well spent.

David Moody I remember having to study this movie in detail when I studied French in high school.While not overly exciting, the the very name of the movie suggests an emotional nature of some sort.Although many characters play significant roles in this movie, the focus is on violin repairman Stéphane and a rather flawed relationship with business partner Maxime, and violin musician Camille. Although Camille is betrothed to Maxime, she develops an interest in Stéphane, who although he is aware of this, does not reciprocate and even speaks about emotions and how he doesn't feel them. (It would take someone as emotionless as Stéphane not to feel Camille's pain at hearing this). The saying 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' is very much brought to light in a later part of the movie when a very dolled up (and perhaps even slutty looking) Camille confronts Stéphane at the brasserie that serves as a common meeting place for the characters.Stéphane's 'lack of feeling' is put to the test when confronted with the situation of terminally ill elderly friend Lachaume.

ashankz I think it is an engaging and thoughtful movie - the kind that you keep thinking about, long after you have finished watching. The plot deals with the central character's coldness in relationships with people around him. He is definitely gifted in what he does. He is sincere and hardworking. People around him tend to be friendly and caring. But it seems our guy has some intimacy issues – he can't go beyond a certain level. I am not really sure as to what message did the movie want to convey. It can't just be - if you are cold in nature, you are a loser. I don't think Stéphane was cold by choice – he couldn't just change his nature so as to make others happy. I found it odd that a person of such nature would speak with frankness and openness about these issues – the way Stéphane tells Camille in the restaurant. His friendship with Hélène also seems unexplained - what was the basis – did they expect it to go further? What struck as peculiar was attention given to details on mundane activities - like the craftsmanship involved in making musical instruments or dealing with the restaurant manager. In some ways, these elements helped in keeping one occupied and expectant of things to come. Daniel Auteuil's portrayal of Stéphane was very natural. Always immaculately dressed, the way he interacted, sometimes with a smirk on his face - it made you empathize with his character. Also at times you felt like saying - what's wrong with this guy? – probably the kind of response director would have wanted to evoke from the audience. Emmanuelle Béart has acted brilliantly and looks amazingly beautiful. André Dussollier also put in a strong performance in his portrayal of Maxime. Dialogues are thoughtful - but at times their gravity made you feel that these are not the most natural of conversations. Cinematography is splendid – with close shots of characters and focus on eye and facial expressions.

krcstudio I first saw this movie in the theater when it was released. I was part of a group that saw movies every Tues and then rated them by number. When we left the theater one of the woman said she would give it a 7 (out of 10) and another said 8, when asked I said a 12! I loved it beginning to end. I had never seen a film that dealt with such a personality. A person closed off from the world by his own decision or thru some backstory we never really know. We see glimpses in his relationship with Maxim and the old music teacher but it is left to our imagination. What we do see is his manipulation of situations and again we are not given the reasons outright. This is an intelligent film for any thoughtful person who cares to examine the complexities of human beings. The music is perfect.