I have loved you for so long (Il y a longtemps que je t'aime)

Original title: Il y a longtemps que je t'aime Production and year: France, Germany, 2008Genre: drama Screenplay: Philippe ClaudelDirector: Philippe ClaudelMusic: Jean-Louis AubertCast: Kristin Scott-Thomas, Elsa Zylberstein Medicaltopic: euthanasiaDescription: A story of finding one’s place in a new reality, the story of two sisters getting to know each other from the beginning, even though both have long been adults. The older sister, Juliette (the excellent Kristin Scott-Thomas), a former doctor, is released from prison after 15 years; the younger sister, Léa, picks her up from the airport and welcomes her into her home. Over the course of a screening lasting just under two hours, the director guides us through the lives of his characters. He shows the fear that accompanies Juliette, her reluctance to socialize, her inner turmoil, and her coming to terms with guilt; the fears of Léa’s husband, who cannot bring himself to trust his sister-in-law; and the younger sister’s efforts to make life easier. Gradually, we learn more and more about the main character: What was she convicted of? Why didn’t she defend herself in court? Why doesn’t she work in her profession anymore? The result is a moving story of a difficult, profound love—a mother’s love for her son.