Non-english language films

This is rare indeed for a foreign language film (unless you are French) to be so highly recommended by me - I rarely go for this, but because this is a really well made thriller sourced from a best selling novel by Harlan Coben (that I read a few years ago and really enjoyed) here relocated from middle America to rural France.

It doesn't quite fully follow the original novel, chopping and changing background details and the order of events in a couple of instances, but still works. Changing names is one of the lesser details, but in parts completely throwing your knowledge of the story if you've read it, you may be disappointed by this film.

The basic story is Alex still grieving for his dead wife (this almost sounds like a melodrama) until one day he receives a message suggesting that she's still alive (which then turns it into more of a thriller) this also leads the main character on a voyage of discovery, but for you romantics out there, it has a happy ending... but you're going to have to find out for yourselves.

My only complaint about this film is the casting: in my opinion the lead actor Francios Cluzet looks a little old to successfully carry out this role, he looks like a cross between Dustin Hoffman and Edward Furlong, but it works... that aside a stellar cast including English actress Kirsten Scott Thomas and many famous French actors, and a great little twist at the end.

A great soundtrack of familiar and new tunes, and incidental music that blends in well with the action on screen. Standing on its own, is well crafted and a competent thriller.

From what I've read about this film, and the clips that I have seen Ye can easily spot QT's inspiration for his blistering début. This remains one of a number of HK Chinese movies that is on my wish list.
Redux review and more in due course