FrogGlace
In other words,this film is a surreal ride.
Invaderbank
The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.
Abegail Noëlle
While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.
Aspen Orson
There is definitely an excellent idea hidden in the background of the film. Unfortunately, it's difficult to find it.
ccthemovieman-1
Being a Patrice Leconte-directed film, you know this is going to be nicely photographed with a lot of Sergio Leone-type facial closeups. I always appreciate that, and especially here when it is the beautiful face of Anna Galiena featured often. Some of the "portraits" of her in here would make magnificent paintings.The story isn't much but it kept my interest in an odd way. The film had some strange scenes and some strange viewpoints on life, although I noticed much of the same secular and superstitious liberalness in many films from France. Unfortunately, that secular viewpoint can lead to tragic endings as is the case in this story which finished in a shocking manner.However, there is some nice humor in this drama, too, such as the funny dance scenes by Jean Rochefort.One thing about French films: they don't need a lot of action to keep your interest. They are wonderful storytellers and I usually enjoy their films, despite their odd philosophies on life.
exoterica-1
I would rate this as one of the top ten movies I have ever seen. It is a perfect little movie: a visual poem. Surprising, bittersweet. Heartbreaking and mysterious, Rocquefort's performance is masterful and secures his place as one of cinemas most expressive actors. The lead actress is lovely and perfectly cast; she does not hit a false note in her performance. The emotional pallet runs from hysterically funny to wistful to heart-rending. One of the great love stories that rewards multiple viewings. It never does what you expect it to. But when it turns you realize the choice was right on target. I rank it up there with My Life as a Dog and Cinema Paridiso. It is the type of movie that makes me fall in love with cinema all over again.
MartinHafer
This was a very simple little movie that I liked until the abrupt and totally unnecessary ending to the film. It literally took the film from a score of 8 or 9 and lowered it to a 6 because it just destroyed much of what it had accomplished in a space of just a few minutes. I won't ruin it for the viewer, but have a hard time imagining anyone liking the way the movie ends.The acting was very good and the story at times was VERY sensual and romantic--that's why it's such a shame the film de-rails so badly at the end. If this film were re-made with a better ending, I would gladly rush out to see it.FYI--due to the sexuality in the movie, I would recommend this to adults.
George Parker
"The Hairdresser's Husband" shows a boy enraptured by his buxom female barber and then again as a middle-aged man who proposes to a beautiful barber during his first visit to her salon. The film goes on from there bathing itself in the couple's mutual gratification and the man's peculiar predilection for Eastern dancing while wandering ambiguously and playing out thematically with precious little story to be found. All in all, the film seems to be a testament to one man's obsession though it could well have been a boy's fantasy or the man's boyish imaginings. Not clear of purpose, this flick is simply beautiful and fun hedonism with narrow appeal from the less-is-more school of film making. Only for those into fatalistic French films and other artsy stuff. (B)
