Most French films have an earthy and realistic feel to them and this series is absolutely no exception. It's a very frank look at the life of prostitutes working in a Paris brothel in the late (1871), 19th century. You'll either love or loathe foreign films and this series, made in the French language is, as with all subtitled films, a little more challenging to watch, unless you are fluent in French, but it makes for a much more authentic atmosphere. The plot is believable and the girls likable, but the story line is very uncompromising, and pulls no punches when it comes to the sexual scenes and the violence which the girls experience. But it's all done with such French aplomb that it was for me, impossible to take offence. It goes with the subject matter so if you are easily offended, probably best to give it a wide berth. For myself I have found it fascinating and absorbing.
Review of Maison close
