Sophie Marceau delivers a grand performance in director Yann Samuell's interesting dramedy, starring as high-powered executive Margaret, who begins receiving letters that she wrote to herself as a child. The missives (coupled with drawings and other creative materials)—all meant to one day remind Margaret of the hope, magic, and love that once defined her—were made by little Margaret in anticipation of her heart hardening after years of scarcity and the loss of her closest friend (played by Jonathan Zaccaï as an adult). Michel Duchaussoy is golden as the aging notary who agreed to keep the letters for young Margaret decades ago and then deliver them to her when the time was right. His scenes with Marceau offer a striking series of emotional contrasts, especially since Margaret has become a corporate shark who is almost in a state of amnesia regarding her rugged but whimsical youth. Also memorable are performances by Marton Csokas as Margaret's loving but alarmed husband, and Theirry Hancisse as her long-suffering but funny assistant. Besides Marceau, the other magical aspect here is the special effects, which heighten the imaginative element resident in all of those letters reminding Margaret to love herself. Recommended. (T. Keogh)
With Love… From the Age of Reason
First Run, 89 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $24.95 Volume 29, Issue 1
With Love… From the Age of Reason
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