Eternity (2016)

Eternity Poster
Original Title: Éternité

Valentine marries at the end of the 19th century, and love passes through her family from generation to generation.

Introduction
"Eternity" is a Vietnamese movie released in 2016, directed by Trần Anh Hùng. The film is adapted from the unique "Love, Eternity, and the Wheel", composed by Alice Ferney. This romantic drama informs the story of love, tradition and the passage of time, featuring a deeply poignant narrative and spectacular scenes that boosts the movie's total story.

Plot
The movie begins with Valentine, represented by Bérénice Bejo, who is going to a desolate beach alone. While on the beach, she sees a piece of driftwood that sets off a series of flashbacks about her familial history, especially the stories of her mom and grandma.

The narrative then delves into the life of Valentine's grandma, Marguerite, portrayed by Audrey Tautou. Marguerite, a vibrant and attractive lady, falls madly in love with Jules, a rich male who can guarantee a future that Marguerite's simple background can not afford. They get married following a passionate courtship depicted through sensational cinematography.

Valentine's mother, Mathilde, also has a story of her own. Mathilde and Henri, having actually struggled through the grief of the First World War, fall in love. However, Mathilde is in anguish due to some forbidden feelings. With time, Mathilde finds out to accept her feelings for Henri and finds joy in their relationship.

Themes
The principal themes "Eternity" explores are love, tradition, the inevitability of time, and the cyclical nature of life. Women's strength and durability are also popular elements of the film especially in how Marguerite and Mathilde handle the trials and tribulations in their particular lives.

Design and Critiques
"Eternity", steals attention with its astonishing visual imagery and cinematography. Trần Anh Hùng's directorial skill can be seen in the ease and beauty with which the tale of three generations unfolds. Yet, the film misses out on some emotional depth because of the non-linear storytelling. The wondrous and often tragic elements of life are elegantly shown against a background of sophisticated sets and costumes that include a layer of sophistication to the otherwise simple story.

Reviews of the movie vary. While some applaud the captivating visuals, outfits, and performances, others argue that the storytelling falls short of boosting the audience's emotional investment in the characters.

Conclusion
In spite of the shortcomings in the advancement of the characters, "Eternity" is a stunning depiction of the ruthless cycle of life and the romantic narrative of time and love. The combination of the amazing efficiencies by Audrey Tautou, Bérénice Bejo, and Mélanie Laurent, and Trần Anh Hùng's visual storytelling brings sensible touch to this resonant ode to life, love, and household.

Top Cast

  • Audrey Tautou (small)
    Audrey Tautou
    Valentine
  • Bérénice Bejo (small)
    Bérénice Bejo
    Gabrielle
  • Mélanie Laurent (small)
    Mélanie Laurent
    Mathilde
  • Jérémie Renier (small)
    Jérémie Renier
    Henri
  • Pierre Deladonchamps (small)
    Pierre Deladonchamps
    Charles
  • Arieh Worthalter (small)
    Arieh Worthalter
    Jules
  • Irène Jacob (small)
    Irène Jacob
    Mère de Gabrielle
  • Valérie Stroh (small)
    Valérie Stroh
    Mère de Mathilde
  • Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu (small)
    Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu
    Mère de Valentine
  • Tran Nu Yen Khe (small)
    Tran Nu Yen Khe
    Narrator (voice)
  • Thibault de Montalembert (small)
    Thibault de Montalembert