Man On A Train

Year: 2002

Grade: B

Country: France

Director: Leconte

Review

like abbas kiarostami’s work, this is a quietly good film. this is an example of a film that relies almost entirely on the development of two characters and their relationship, and is still able to succeed. plot-wise, not much actually happens, but what does happen is pretty important and keeps a carrot out there for the audience to maintain interest on that extra level. both the leads do a very fine job and the direction of their relationship is subtle, yet strong. it’s about two men, one older and one middle aged, both wishing they had taken different paths in life. through their brief relationship they are able to find the strength to dabble in a life they never experienced. the question becomes whether or not they will make the full transition and fundamentally change their lives or not. the ending leaves it up to the viewer which can be both frustrating and preferable, depending upon the viewer. a well-done film.