Saint-Ex : Louis Garrel and Diane Kruger at the heart of a heroic quest - our review

Directed by Pablo Agüero, Saint-Ex takes viewers back to the 1930s, to the heart of Argentina, to follow the story inspired by the life of the famous writer and aviator Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. This historical drama tells of a time when Saint-Exupéry, played by Louis Garrel, was a pilot for l'Aéropostale, an activity that took him over the wild and dangerous lands of South America. When his friend and mentor Henri Guillaumet disappears during a mission, Saint-Exupéry undertakes a daring rescue mission in the fearsome Andes, an adventure that will push him to surpass his own limits. The cast, which also includes Diane Kruger and Vincent Cassel, promises an intense and sensitive interpretation of this story of courage and loyalty.

With Saint-Ex, Pablo Agüero delivers an ethereal, moving fresco retracing a key episode in the life of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Freely inspired by his adventures, the film blends visual poetry, dramatic tension and (more or less) subtle nods to the world of The Little Prince. Carried by the captivating performance of Louis Garrel in the title role, accompanied by Vincent Cassel as Henri Guillaumet and Diane Kruger as Noëlle Guillaumet, the film celebrates the spirit of resilience and courage of theaviation pioneers, while tackling timeless themes such as friendship, sacrifice and the quest for meaning.

From the outset, Saint-Exupéry plunges the viewer into the perilous world of the Compagnie Générale Aéropostale, the legendary company that opened up air routes across landscapes as sublime as they were unforgiving. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, alongside Henri Guillaumet, struggles to keep the company afloat in the face of train competition and technological challenges. The company's relentless slogan, "Mail is more important than life", sets the tone: every mission is a gamble against death.

The plot thickens when Guillaumet's plane disappears in the Andes Mountains. Guillaumet is never seen lost in the icy desert, and his fate remains an enigma throughout the film. While most people think he's dead, his wife Noëlle and Saint-Exupéry, buoyed by a fervent hope, defy orders to set out in search of him. This quest becomes a real challenge against time and nature, magnified by the poignant relationship between Saint-Exupéry and Noëlle, played with great humanity by Diane Kruger. Striking dialogues, such as "I've already lost one brother, I'm not going to lose another", underline the emotional depth of this adventure.

One of the film's most impressive scenes illustrates Saint-Exupéry's inventiveness, as he draws inspiration from bird flight to enable his plane to cross the Andes. Using the warm winds to soar higher, he demonstrates an uncommon practical genius and courage, all the more remarkable at a time when technology was extremely limited. These moments highlight the resourcefulness and genius ofaviation pioneers, capable of flying rustic machines in unimaginable conditions. This sequence, sublimated by immersive staging, testifies to Saint-Exupéry's visionary creativity and love of flight.

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Pablo Agüero 's direction is a veritable tour de force. The majestic landscapes of the Andes, the desert sandstorms and the vast expanses of sky and sea captivate with their raw beauty. Special effects, used sparingly, accentuate the film's dreamlike quality, particularly in scenes where Saint-Exupéry crosses storms or encounters evocative symbols - a sheep, a snake, a young blond child... - reminiscent of the Little Prince's imagination.

The soundtrack, composed of piano and symphonic orchestrations, amplifies this contemplative atmosphere while maintaining constant dramatic tension. The contrast between the visual poetry and the gravity of the situations creates a unique cinematic experience.

Benoît Magimel, in voice-over, plays an authoritarian but desperate director, adding further tension with striking lines like "Saint-Exupéry, you're our last hope." These performances, combined with sharp, chiseled dialogue, give the story emotional depth.

Saint-Ex is more than a historical re-enactment; it deals with profoundly human issues. The camaraderie between Saint-Ex and Guillaumet embodies the very essence of friendship, while the film explores the boundary between dedication and obsession. The courage of the pilots, willing to risk their lives to accomplish their mission, highlights values such as sacrifice and resilience.

The film also tackles socio-political issues, such as the failure of theaeropostale in the face of the upheavals of its time. The final line, "We conquered the Cordillera, we conquered death, but we couldn't save the aeropostale company and we didn't see the rise of fascism", lends the film a contemporary resonance and recalls Saint-Exupéry 's tragic role as an aviator during the Second World War.

Saint-Ex appeals above all to viewers who appreciate contemplative narratives and poetic historical frescoes. Lovers ofhuman adventures and great reflections on the courage, friendship andingenuity of aviation pioneers will find it an inspiring and visually sublime work. This film will appeal to those who like to take their time and immerse themselves in grandiose landscapes and stories of self-transcendence, rather than to audiences looking for a fast-paced, linear narrative. Through its thoughtful pacing and dreamlike flights of fancy, the film invites a sensory and introspective experience, at the crossroads of human drama and spiritual epic.

With Saint-Ex, Pablo Agüero offers a vibrant, poetic tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, supported by memorable performances and breathtaking direction. While the contemplative pace may disconcert some viewers, the film stands out as an immersive cinematic experience, combining high adventure and introspection. A true ode to resilience and the beauty of the world.

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