Three Colours: Blue

Rating: 9/10 (25 April 2019)

This, the first part of a thematically linked trilogy of films inspired by the French flag and its motto 'Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity', is centred on Julie. In the opening scene she loses her husband and daughter in a car crash. After leaving hospital she decides to make a break from her old life; she moves into a new apartment and disposes of most of her possessions, including her composer husband's unfinished masterpiece. She tries to avoid making connections but inevitable she gets involved with new people and reconnects with people from her past who search for her.
Director Krzysztof Kieslowski does a fine job bringing this story about how one woman deals with loss to the screen. It isn't about visible grief but the numbness that leads Julie to try to isolate herself and move away from her old life. The blue motif is used to fine effect throughout the film; whether it is the pool Julie swims in or the blue ornament in her flat, one of the few things she kept from her old life. Juliette Binoche, who is rarely off screen, does a brilliant job in the lead role; making the viewer believe in Julie's situation. The story plays out well with as it depicts Julie's gradual coming to terms with what happens. Overall I'd say this won't be for everybody but if you enjoy 'art house cinema' then this is definitely one to watch.