Rosetta (1999)

Directors:  Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Writers:  Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne

Stars:  Émilie Dequenne, Fabrizio Rongione, Anne Yernaux

Runtime:  95min

PLOT: The story of a young and impulsive woman living in despair with her alcoholic mother.

REVIEW: The opening sequences of the film reveal the miserable life that Rosetta lives as she sells old clothes for money and fishes in a filthy stream nearby for food. The film has an odd profound tone which strongly focuses on economic acceptance; a young lady for whom employment indubitably equals happiness. Rosetta's spirit is characterized as her disdain for society and her frantic need to be considered as part of it. 

The entire film has been shot hand-held, an attempt to be a tool for achieving intimacy and impulsiveness that pays off. The nucleus of the story revolves around Rosetta's suspicious relationship with Riquet, a young man her own age, whose job is so fiercely desired by Rosetta that she deceives him. Émilie Dequenne's performance in the film as Rosetta is undeniably noteworthy, portraying the young woman's struggle for survival to perfection.

Overall, the film touches a great topic: the Darwinian struggle for surviving and the dehumanizing effects that comes along with it. A great movie to watch that will make the audience ponder every time.

Source: The New York Times