Courted

Courted, originally titled L'Hermine in French, is a heart-rending yet subtly humorous 2015 French film directed by Christian Vincent. The film showcases acclaimed actor Fabrice Luchini, who also earned the Best Actor award at the 72nd Venice International Film Festival for his performance. The film also stars the talented Sidse Babett Knudsen, well-known for her role in Borgen, and promising actress Eva Lallier.

Courted serves as an engaging peek into the French judicial system, while simultaneously revealing a tender and surprising love story. This nuanced blend of genres, combined with thoughtful character development and sharp dialogues, amplifies the film's depth, making it a fascinating viewing experience.

The story primarily revolves around the life of the stern and often cold Judge Racine (Fabrice Luchini). Racine is the president of the Assize Court, which handles severe criminal cases, including ones involving life sentences. Strict, meticulous, and unyielding, Racine is feared and respected in his professional world. He has the power to steer the destiny of the defendants with his decisions. The film offers an intimate perspective on Racine’s life as it masterfully portrays not just the judge but also the man beneath the robe.

A significant change impacts Racine's life as he gets acquainted with Ditte (Sidse Babett Knudsen), a member of the jury selected for a challenging case. Ditte is no stranger to Racine; she is, in fact, a woman he was once in love with many years ago. As it was, the past unexpectedly intertwines with the present, adding emotional complexity to this unusual situation. The unfolding events inject an aspect of soulful warmth and pleasant humor into Racine's otherwise stark, judicial routine.

Ditte's character is nuanced, gentle, yet firm, and she brings a sense of charm and esprit that changes Racine's perception and gives him an incentive to embrace emotions, which, so far, were foreign to him.

Sidse Babett Knudsen's portrayal of Ditte is refreshing and inspiring. With unspoken emotions speaking louder than words, Knudsen brings life to Ditte, showcasing an appealing mix of vulnerability and strength that contrasts Racine's rigid and protectively withdrawn character. This contrast creates a magnetic attraction between the characters that viewers will find riveting.

Eva Lallier, who plays the defendant in the criminal case, also delivers a poignant performance. She skillfully portrays the character's confusion, fear, and desperation, adding another layer of emotion and intrigue to the plot.

Courted successfully combines the austere world of law with the unpredictability of human emotions. The film remarkably showcases how each juror, despite their objective responsibility, carries their persuasive feelings and experiences into the courtroom.

As the audience journeys from the closed confines of the court to the hidden depths of the judge's personal life, Director Christian Vincent skillfully unfolds an intricate fabric of human emotions, ethical dilemmas, and the ever-present quest for justice.

Courted is not just about the relationship between Racine and Ditte; it's a showcase of the judicial process's human contribution. It's about looking beyond the black robes and gavels, beyond the serious courtrooms, and reaching into the depth of human emotions that each individual involved in a trial experiences.

With a unique narrative, captivating performances, and a profound understanding of life and law, Courted surely leaves a mark. It is a delightful, philosophical exploration of the concept of justice served - both in court and in love. The film allows viewers to ponder upon life's uncertainties and the human capacity for change and growth, interwoven with the fascination of a courtroom drama.

In conclusion, Courted is an engaging, well-executed movie with heart and intellect. It is filled with depth and wit, beautifully underscored by brilliant performances. It is a movie that certainly presents viewers with an experience worth cherishing.