Pauline & Paulette (2001)

83% of critics liked it
(53 reviews)
81% of users liked it
(655 ratings)

An elderly woman who can't take care of herself becomes the center of a family squabble in this moving drama. Pauline (Dora van der Groen) is a severely retarded woman who, at the age of 66, cannot read, speak in complete sentences, or even tie her own shoes. Despite her handicap, Pauline is happy,… More An elderly woman who can't take care of herself becomes the center of a family squabble in this moving drama. Pauline (Dora van der Groen) is a severely retarded woman who, at the age of 66, cannot read, speak in complete sentences, or even tie her own shoes. Despite her handicap, Pauline is happy, and can run simple errands; she lives with her older sister Martha (Julienne De Bruyn), but Pauline has always been especially fond of one of her other siblings, Paulette (Ann Petersen), and Pauline would gladly spend the day puttering around Paulette's sewing supplies store if Martha didn't stop her. When Martha dies, Paulette and another sibling, Cecile (Rosemarie Bergmans), discover Martha's will stipulates that if one of the surviving sisters will take in Pauline and care for her, her money will be evenly divided three ways between Pauline, Paulette, and Cecile -- but if she's given to others or placed in a home, the entire inheritance will go to Pauline. Paulette reluctantly agrees to take in her sister, but her compassion soon proves to be in short supply as she begins hatching a plan to close down her shop and move away, leaving Pauline behind. Pauline et Paulette was the first feature film from director Lieven Debrauwer. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 18 min.
Directed By: Lieven Debrauwer
Written By: Lieven Debrauwer, Jacques Boon
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Mar 15, 2002 Limited
On DVD: Aug 13, 2002
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics

Critic Reviews

Michael Wilmington, Chicago Tribune
A moving tale of love and destruction in unexpected places, unexamined lives.
Peter Howell, Toronto Star
The acting in Pauline And Paulette is good all round, but what really sets the film apart is Debrauwer's refusal to push the easy emotional buttons.
Ray Conlogue, Globe and Mail
Although there's nothing profound about Pauline and Paulette, it does have a few memorably sly digs at the kinds of things we believe to be profound.
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Simple, poignant and leavened with humor, it's a film that affirms the nourishing aspects of love and companionship.
Desson Thomson, Washington Post
A movie that doesn't aim too high, but doesn't need to.
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Yet another iteration of what's become one of the movies' creepiest conventions, in which the developmentally disabled are portrayed with almost supernatural powers to humble, teach and ultimately redeem their mentally "superior" friends, family...
Dan Jardine, Apollo Guide
About as satisfying and predictable as the fare at your local drive through.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Lovely Beligian film about a mentally challenged sixty-six year old woman who tutors all those around her in wide-eyed wonder.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A small gem from Belgium.
Paul Malcolm, L.A. Weekly
The film's plainness, and the understated force of van der Groen and Petersen's performances, sharpen its complexity of feeling until all mawkishness is cut away.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
The film hinges on its performances, and both leads are up to the task.
Jon Popick, Planet Sick-Boy
Writer-director Debrauwer does manage to wrap things up in an ***-pleasing 78 minutes. It's isn't much, but it's a lot more than callous Callie Khouri did with that "Ya-Ya" mess. Also, there are no irritating hats.

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Laura C

A wonderfully sweet and simple film, sentimental but never sappy. I found it completely absorbing thanks to outstanding performances and great art direction, I especially loved the use of colour. I have not come across a film that portrays someone that is mentally challenged (and… More
A wonderfully sweet and simple film, sentimental but never sappy. I found it completely absorbing thanks to outstanding performances and great art direction, I especially loved the use of colour. I have not come across a film that portrays someone that is mentally challenged (and their caregiver,) in a way that felt this authentic.

Cast

Dora van der Groen
as Pauline
Ann Petersen
as Paulette
Rosemarie Bergmans
as Cecile

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Pauline & Paulette (2001)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Laura C

Cast

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