Ponette (1996)

91% of critics liked it
(22 reviews)
89% of users liked it
(4,342 ratings)

A four-year-old girl must come to terms with the loss of her mother and the reality of death in this award-winning French drama. Little Ponette (Victoire Thivisol) is riding in a car with her mother when they're involved in a serious accident; Ponette survives, but her mother does not. Her father… More A four-year-old girl must come to terms with the loss of her mother and the reality of death in this award-winning French drama. Little Ponette (Victoire Thivisol) is riding in a car with her mother when they're involved in a serious accident; Ponette survives, but her mother does not. Her father (Xavier Beauvois) initially reacts with anger over his late wife's careless driving, while her Aunt Claire (Claire Nebout) tries to comfort the child by telling her about Jesus and the resurrection. However, none of this does much to reassure Ponette or clarify her confusion about the practical realities and spiritual dilemma posed by death. In time, Ponette and her cousins Matiaz (Matiaz Caton) and Delphine (Delphine Schiltz) are sent off to boarding school, where they have to resolve their confusion and loss on their own. Writer and director Jacques Doillon carefully coached Victoire Thivisol (who was too young to read the screenplay) through her performance; the results earned the child Best Actress honors at the 1996 Venice Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 37 min.
Directed By: Jacques Doillon
Written By: Jacques Doillon
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 10, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Jun 10, 1998
Studio: Wellspring Media Inc.

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer
... as powerful a film as has been made about the interior life of children.
Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International
Outstanding study of troubled child
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
The kind of intimate drama that stops you in your tracks and leaves you marveling at the magnificence of the human soul.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Featured Audience Ratings

Randy T

I have no idea how Jacques Doillon managed to get such sincere performances out of 4 year old children (especially Victoire Thivisol) but Bravo Jacques, Bravo!
Robert C

This movie is so beautiful and touching. the star (Victoire Thivisol) is an AMAZING actress, The performances (especially the children's) are so real and natural that it's almost like watching a documentary.
Rico Z

A truly touching movie with brilliant acting by some of the most talented young actors I've ever seen. At the time this French film was produced, its protagonist was played by a 4-year old actress who carries this film on her small shoulders and carries it extremely well and… More
A truly touching movie with brilliant acting by some of the most talented young actors I've ever seen. At the time this French film was produced, its protagonist was played by a 4-year old actress who carries this film on her small shoulders and carries it extremely well and better than most adult actors can only dream of carrying a film. The story is of an extremely sad nature and is very telling of how amazing these tiny thespians really are. To be able to act in a drama that deals with loss and tragedy and demands them to express a great amount of emotion not only showcases talent, but sucks you into the lives of these characters and makes you feel what they feel. By empathizing with a little thing like Ponette, you really feel for her and root for her until the very end. NOTE: French with English subtitles.
Dannielle A

Victoire Thivisol gives such an amazing performance for such a young actress. I really loved the emotion protrayed in this film and the story was well-written. The director really brought it to life realistically I think... except for the end which went against everything in the… More
Victoire Thivisol gives such an amazing performance for such a young actress. I really loved the emotion protrayed in this film and the story was well-written. The director really brought it to life realistically I think... except for the end which went against everything in the beginning that people don't come back to life, except Jesus, until the rapture when everyone is resurrected. I really liked how the aunt was comforting Ponette but the other people in the movie who talked about God really got on my nerves... especially Ada, the girl on the playground. One of the best French films I've seen! :-)
Brandon K

Just be happy.
Daisy M

Ponette was a sensitive drama but enjoyable to watch.In this movie a 5 year old French girl Victoire Thivisol carried the whole movie.She played Ponette, grieving her mothers death, and she never gave up in trying to get contact with her mother. The strong point of the movie was, it… More
Ponette was a sensitive drama but enjoyable to watch.In this movie a 5 year old French girl Victoire Thivisol carried the whole movie.She played Ponette, grieving her mothers death, and she never gave up in trying to get contact with her mother. The strong point of the movie was, it succeeded to bring the viewer into the world of thoughts and feelings of Ponette.I found it very difficult to understand how the director managed to let these children act so perfectly. The storyline was a simple one, but the movies greatness comes from the marvelous acting of the young children. A must to see.