[.ca] Pauline & Paulette (Widescreen)

From Amazon.com:
As a rule Flemish-language films rarely make much of an international impact, but Pauline & Paulette is a refreshing exception. Director Lieven Debrauwer's debut is an affectionate coming-together of two sisters: the mentally restricted Pauline, living in a world of flowers and fantasy, and Paulette, her life occupied with lingerie and operetta. The story focuses on the exasperation of Pauline as she is shunted between provincial Belgium and Brussels and the realization of Paulette, having retired to the coast, that a sister in her life might not be a bad option after all. The interplay between veteran actresses Dora van der Groen and Ann Petersen is minutely observed in detail, with the remaining cast a triumph of ensemble acting, not least Rosemarie Bergmans as the sophisticated "other sister" Cecile and Idwig Stéphane as the pompous Albert. At just 72 minutes, the film is almost too taut for its own good, but if this was Debrauwer's way of avoiding the sentimental, so much the better. Witty and touching in equal measure, this is a film to savor. --Richard Whitehouse

There's a rock in it:
This Movie was very funny. You must see her water the flowers. Paulette has a cake bed that looks yummy. Pauline likes Jam not chocolate on her toast. Well I hope you enjoy the vul-au-vent.

Pauline & Paulette, a beautifully realized film:
I discovered this film about a month ago, and, initially, I must admit, I had reservations as to how good it might be. I haven't seen more than a dozen foreign-produced films, and while some have been quite well done, I came away from the majority disappointed. Everything about this film, though, vastly exceeded my highest expectations-the attention to detail, both in plot and characterization, is exquisite. The beauty of the plot, along with its actual realization in the film, defies any overly simplistic description that I might relate here, so I will limit myself to the basic theme and the manner in which this theme is expressed. I view the major theme of this film to be that of the treasuring, or cherishing, of ALL individuals-especially those who are often viewed by society as being less than human. Less than human, of course, refers to those people with physical/mental disabilities, who are generally brushed aside and devalued. Lieven Debrauwer's film, through careful plot device and quite humorous (yet still subtle & instructive) dialogue, never falters in bringing genuine and clearly heartfelt emotion to the screen. Quite clearly, this director has a great passion for fine filmmaking; never once throughout the film did I feel that any detail was excluded or otherwise overlooked. Unbelievably, all of this is packed into just slightly over 70 joyous minutes. The director's commentary on this DVD is superb; watch the film first, and then view the film again with his thoughts and various comments. You will be delighted by his style, and will acquire a wealth of insightful information about the participants in the production. I cannot close without noting the incredible acting ability of each & every actor in this film; even the taxi driver seems to have been chosen especially for his particularly convincing approach. (If this sounds far-fetched to you, please, please, please---buy the DVD & experience it for yourself!) If only Columbia had released his two short films on this Region 1 release! I eagerly look forward to the future directorial efforts of Mr. Debrauwer.

A happy tears film:
Before seeing it, "Pauline & Paulette" was at the bottom of my list at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival. I had low expectations for it and only went to see it because my other choices were sold out. As sometimes surprisingly wonderful happens at these events, it turned out to be one of my favorite films. This is a story of four elderly sisters, one of whom is mentally retarded. Dora van der Groen's portrayal of Pauline, the retarded sister, is brilliantly convincing. Ann Petersen plays her favorite sister, Paulette, the owner of a dress shop whose future plans are thrown into question when Pauline's guardian (another sister, Martha) suddenly dies. Both Paulette and the fourth sister, Cecile, struggle over who will care for Pauline. Pauline clearly prefers Paulette and the love these two have for one another is heart-warming. While it has some powerfully emotional moments, Pauline's misadventures also provide some light comedy. These moods are all enhanced by the set designs (like Martha's dreary brown kitchen or Paulette's bright red and pink bedroom) and background music (the "Waltz of the Flowers" for the garden scene is fantastic). I'm delighted this film is now available on DVD and I'm very happy to recommend it.