Rust and bone

 It seems as that French filmmakers have a knack for creating sensitive character studies surrounding the difficulties and social standpoint that being disabled brings. We've witnessed this already, earlier in the year with the fantastic Intouchables that covers the personality change that 'new life' can bring and now we've witnessed it to an even greater extent with the excellent Rust and bone a film about disability and it's coinciding tolerances.

 Stephanie,a recently disabled killer whale trainer (Marion Cotillard) finds refreshing love in the form of rough single father, Alain (Matthias Schoenaerts) in this heartwarming tale of true love and the bitterness of fate. From the exterior with it's seemingly unoriginal trailer it looks as though Rust and bone has little going for itself when in reality it's much different proving to be original and metaphorically rewarding. It takes it's time to get into the swing of it's fluid narrative proving to procrastinate slightly in it's opening few minutes however once it gets going it doesn't stop until its heartwarming climax. The films tonal and technical aspects are perfectly balanced never swerving away from the sensitive story at hand, proving to constantly connect with the audience sharing in their difficulties. This is as much a character study as it is an art-house drama looking into the rich depth of the characters that have been created, every decision is understood and every wrongdoing is painful to watch. This films ultimate triumph in it's perfect portrayal of characters coinciding with them being beautifully acted by the two lead roles who both prove to be fantastic driving there performances with true emotion and heart which should surely provide some Oscar buzz.

In a year of many overrated art-house pictures this is one that should truly not be missed and should be recognized as a piece of gentle art, bringing sensitivity to a fragile subject. Carrying painfully realistic and powerful messages of respect and change, Rust and bone takes the viewer on a ride of unrelenting emotion.

9/10-  A fantastic heartfelt drama driven by feeling and concluding with a charming bow.

Calum Russell