Broken homes and solitude

Rating: Null/10 (21 December 2010)

The baby skin is so red and thin that a stroke of light or wind could make it burst. Mama's desperation shows in her eyes and frantic manners when the next - where she quietly raises her brood - is suddenly uncovered. It's just a mouse family and yet their physical vulnerability and strong family ties draw us close to them. We pity their ordeal; we mimic their fear and pain. We are reminded that one day we were defenceless babies, too. For a few moments, we no longer distinguish between human and rodent feelings.
Three Colours Blue is an acutely well-observed study of human solitude and broken homes. The protagonist Julie (Juliette Binoche) has just lost her family (husband and daughter) in a car accident. She is disheartened and despondent as she attempts to recreate her life. The encounter with the mouse family represents the newfound feeling of sympathy. She is unable to kill the mice because such barbarous act would represent the perpetuation of her own family disintegration.
Finally, Julie borrows the neighbour's cat in order to carry out the murderous task. Her decision is contradictory but also liberating. She finally forgave herself for the death of her husband and daughter and decided to move on with her life. There should be no room for guilt and fear in our lives, Kiéslowski reminds us.