Jeanne Herry clearly specializes in strong social issues. Following the adoption story of a child born under X in Pupille, the daughter of Miou-Miou and Julien Clerc turns her attention to restorative justice, a little-known process that brings together and discusses the perpetrators and victims of all kinds of offenses. Released in cinemas on March 29, the film is one of our favorites of the year.
And for this, her third feature film, the director has surrounded herself very well. Leïla Bekhti, Elodie Bouchez, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Gilles Lellouche, Miou-Miou, Denis Podalydès and Fred Testot are all part of this impressive cast.
Our opinion
"Restorative justice is a combat sport" is how this little-known practice is presented to us. And indeed, it's complicated! The members of the association may be volunteers, but they're not idle, and the work is often heavy, since it consists of bringing prisoners and victims of the same kind of offences they've committed together for discussion. In the film, two very distinct devices are presented: a group, which organizes itself into a round-table discussion, and another, more individual journey, that ofAdèle Exarchopoulos' character, who wishes to meet with a particular criminal.
There are many life trajectories, and each one is different, giving a good overview of what restorative justice can do. In its social aspect, Je verrai toujours vos visages is an important film. But that's not all: Jeanne Herry has established herself as a great filmmaker and director of actors. The cast is vast, containing many stars, yet all the actors are 100% at the service of the film, with subtle acting, served by a camera that is just as subtle. Rarely have simple fields/counter-fields been so moving.
This allows us to approach situations and hear often sordid words, evoking situations that destroy lives. With a subject like this, Jeanne Herry doesn't pull any punches, but knows how to step back when necessary and take the time to set up her story properly. The film is all about storytelling: the criminals' story, the victims' story, and Jeanne Herry's story. As they interlock, the scope of the film is revealed and impresses.
The characters may be numerous, but they are all deeply moving, each in their own way, both criminals and victims alike. We see their relationship evolve as they talk to each other, a bond being forged. Watching the victims rebuild themselves through the prisoners' words, and vice versa, is deeply moving.
Since 2014, in France, Restorative Justice has offered victims and perpetrators of crime the chance to dialogue in secure settings, supervised by professionals and volunteers like Judith, Fanny or Michel. Nassim, Issa and Thomas, convicted of violent robbery, Grégoire, Nawelle and Sabine, victims of homejacking, robbery and snatching, and Chloé, victim of incestuous rape, are all involved in Restorative Justice measures. On their journey, there is anger and hope, silence and words, alliances and heartbreak, awareness and renewed confiance... And at the end of the road, sometimes, reparation...
Films Incontournables UGC 2024: the best films of 2023 back in cinemas for €5
Les Films Incontournables UGC is aptly named, as it features the best films of the past year. The new edition of this must-see event takes place from January 10 to 23, 2024, in some 15 cinemas in the Paris region. Good news: tickets are only 5 euros. It's also an opportunity to meet and talk with some of the directors. Here's the program! [Read more]
Not sure which film to see today? Well, we've got plenty of films to show near you. [Read more]
Films Incontournables UGC 2024: the best films of 2023 back in cinemas for €5
Cinema: which film to see today, this Wednesday December 18, 2024?
