Henri

Henri, a Franco-Belgian film released in 2013, is an art-house drama that tells a unique story rooted in humanity. The film manages to tell a deeply human tale, focusing on the moments and relationships that make this journey through life worthwhile. Directed by Yolande Moreau, who is known for her ability to tell compelling stories with an emotional depth, the movie features an impressive cast, including talent like Pippo Delbono, Miss Ming, and Jackie Berroyer.

The story follows Henri, played by Pippo Delbono, an Italian actor renowned for his raw and intense performances. Henri, the protagonist, runs a small restaurant inherited from his father, located in a quiet coastal town. He lives a fairly uneventful life and maintains a steady routine, trying to keep the eatery alive after the death of his wife Rita. He deals with his loneliness and seeks solace in his daily interactions with his regular customers.

The plot takes a life-changing turn when Henri has to hire Rosette, an intellectually disabled woman, as an aid. Rosette, played by Miss Ming, displays a unique innocence and cheerfulness despite the challenges that life has thrown at her. Their unexpected meeting proves to be a turning point in both their lives. They both have their own set of struggles, but together they discover solace, companionship, and sense in their otherwise mundane existence.

Rosette, beneath her intellectual disability, has a pure heart and an infectious zest for life. Throughout the film, she is portrayed as an empathetic character who tends to develop strong attachments to the people around her, Henri ultimately being one of them. Being around Rosette compels Henri to reconsider his isolated lifestyle and initiate changes that he was initially resistant to.

Henri, a seemingly mundane character becomes extraordinarily relatable thanks to Pippo Delbono's brilliant acting skills. The character's development throughout the film is impressively presented, highlighting Delbono's range as an actor. Despite his initially withdrawn nature, Henri's relationship with Rosette forces him to display vulnerability, opening up avenues for growth and transformation.

Jackie Berroyer adds flavor to the narrative through his strategic portrayal of a supportive friend – one that is sometimes comic and sometimes more serious, providing bursts of light in the otherwise serious drama. Berroyer's character often serves as a grounding point for the story, continuously pulling focus back to the essence of the narrative amidst the unfolding drama.

The film excels in its storytelling through simplicity, subtlety, and quiet emotions, giving viewers a poignant exploration of human relationships, loneliness, and the little joys of life. The film also underscores the importance of accepting and cherishing all kinds of relationships, irrespective of societal judgments.

The direction by Yolande Moreau is brilliant in its capacity to capture emotion in even the smallest of moments. The screenplay, the silence between dialogues, the emotion-laden exchanges, and the careful unmasking of complex characters show Moreau's possession of an observing and patient approach towards storytelling. Moreau's choice of simple but vivid visuals complements the narrative's serene pace, highlighting the rustic charm of the seaside town.

Henri is as much a character study as it's a storyline with a narrative arc. It explores the power of human connection and innocence to touch and transform lives, even against the odds. The cinematographic choices add to this central theme, with close-ups creating an intimate depiction of the characters and their complex emotions.

In summary, Henri is a simple yet profound film that shines a light on the beauty of mundane routines, unexpected relationships, and the transformative power of acceptance and friendship. Its unassuming narrative and brilliant acting performances make it a must-watch for lovers of raw, human stories. It might not have the flashy allure of a blockbuster, but it packs a punch, reverberating with viewers long after the credits roll.