It's not man that takes the sea, but the sea that takes the man (dvd)

Rating: 10/10 (25 September 2011)

I was 14 years when this movie engulfed a generation and I was left ashore. One year later, I tried to embark but I fainted in front of the theater desk, too much pushed by the crowd of a free movie day. A bit later, the VHS box-set was a gift to my father: all the family watched it on New Year's Day and I didn't get it except for a scene. Years later, I discovered it again and it finally talks to me.
I am just totally hooked by this reunion of lost people, unfit to the real world and fascinated by the nature, the beyond and silent world. Besson depicts with great wisdom the best of friendship and the best of love. When Rosanna pushes the button to his final dive, it's the essential act of love: she doesn't like him for herself and she wants him to be happy, she loves him all, with his good and bad sides. Thus, Besson had a good hand by picking this cast: Reno has a heart as big as his height, Barr is so right being shy and dreamy and Rosanna is just incredible as a passionate lover, very fragile compared to those men but as strong as them as well. It's said that Passion is a fire, that it's pleasure and pain at the same time and each of those characters shares it dangerously. In addition, it's the only movie where nature, sea is depicted with such a gripping, compelling call.
With such primitive and powerful feelings and setting, it was a challenge to score it well and Serra delivers a miracle. His soundtrack matches beautifully the frames and can be listened apart. The Peruvian tracks are deeply haunting and say it all: it's about being lost and in love...
With "Titanic", this movie is just another proof that there is enchantment under the sea and i recommend everyone to dive into this big blue.