Some reviewers seem to think Revanche is a failure as a 'thriller.' Of course, this merely identifies their failure as viewers. Revanche is not remotely a thriller, or a crime drama, or a tale of revenge, or suspense. It's more a story of lost love, of sorrow and regret. And - as the title cleverly implies - of *possible* redemption.
As I watched Revanche, I inevitably formed certain ideas about where it was headed. Each of those ideas was in turn dispelled. Only late in the experience did I see where the director was taking me, a conclusion of perfect, poetic inevitability. You literally have to see the whole film to properly know what it's about.
Yes, Revanche is EXTREMELY low-key and slow-paced. It helps if you realize that its real content is not in the action at all - it's in the silences between actions. It's in the mood, in the elegant photography. Focus your attention there and you'll soon realize that this is essentially a simple story, told simply and economically. (To say more would be to give away too much.)
Obviously, you do need to have some patience to enjoy a story that unravels so slowly and subtly. But if you do, you'll be rewarded beyond your expectations.
As I watched Revanche, I inevitably formed certain ideas about where it was headed. Each of those ideas was in turn dispelled. Only late in the experience did I see where the director was taking me, a conclusion of perfect, poetic inevitability. You literally have to see the whole film to properly know what it's about.
Yes, Revanche is EXTREMELY low-key and slow-paced. It helps if you realize that its real content is not in the action at all - it's in the silences between actions. It's in the mood, in the elegant photography. Focus your attention there and you'll soon realize that this is essentially a simple story, told simply and economically. (To say more would be to give away too much.)
Obviously, you do need to have some patience to enjoy a story that unravels so slowly and subtly. But if you do, you'll be rewarded beyond your expectations.