INNOCENCE, 2004, Belgium / France / United Kingdom, 122 min.
(Subtitled)
Genre: Drama
Release Data: November 2006 (Canada Only)
Selected Recognitions: FIPRESCI Prize, Istanbul, 2005; Best New Director, San Sebastián, 2004; Bronze Horse, Stockholm, 2004; Silver Award for European Fantasy, Amsterdam fantastic Film Festival, 2005
Buy Now
Director(s): Lucile Hadzihalilovic
An eerie little first feature that isn’t quite science-fiction, but is more a fantasy-based parable about childhood and growing up. In a boarding school for girls, surrounded by woods, the pupils arrive in coffins as small children and are quickly taught the importance of obedience and, especially, the strict rules forbidding escape. They are instructed in the elements of natural science and they also study dance so that they can perform for the school’s shadowy patrons. No other subjects are presented. The staff is meagre so the senior girls look after the younger ones. No-one knows how they got there and each year, some are chosen … but for wh? And where do they go? There is mystery here – but never any explanation. However, the director does give us an amazing sense of style, so if you are a fantasy fan you will likely be intrigued by this visually haunting film from Gaspar Noé’s (Irreversible) life partner.
Notes: Do not confuse with the Australian film of the same title directed by Paul Cox; one of our favorite titles and in our archive.
Available on DVD through our listed on-line sources