Petite Maman

Slow, touching, mysterious. Celine Sciamma's films are different from the fast-paced Hollywood movies we've become familiar with in recent years; characters have room to think, grow and develop. As in her earlier excellent 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' a look can be as meaningful as what is said.In 'Petite Maman' a young mother, with her husband and daughter, returns home after her own mother dies, in order to sort the house and its contents out. After a short while the memories the house evokes for her become too much and she departs suddenly, leaving her daughter feeling lonely and confused. While playing out in the woods the daughter meets another girl, who looks very similar to her (they are played by identical twin sisters Josephine and Gabrielle Sanz) and the two of them become friends. Thus begins an intriguing ghost(?) story which my wife and I loved. Scary it most certainly isn't! Warm, playful and profound it is, a film which 'examines childhood, memory and loss... an enchanting and moving depiction of love and acceptance' with great performances by all the cast, particularly the two girls.

This film is a wonderful expression of emotions, told visually more than in words. I don't want to say more Bout it than that as its a film that allows for emotional and storyline perceptions to be placed on it in a very individual way. If you're a plot hungry film fiend it's possibly not up your street, but if you are willing and open to this film it will bring you something very special

Was a little weak in parts but the girls acted well.

My Grandchild loved this film. Useful for film studies at Uni and for lending to ancient grandma.

Amazing. Not a pretentious art film nor experimental cinema; great images and wonderful lines. Just beautiful.

The story very interesting and original, but the filming and shots sometimes very amateurish.

Good insight of lucid change at a very young age even if it is rather far-fetched, but innocence being understood I am not really sure as this idealizes that are of psychological growth and to some explains the psychological and emotional change.

Sound quality extremely poor, as if filmed on a 1990s camcorder. Acting very wooden. Spoken language nearly always mumbled and frequently inaudible. And the story line ... well, weak to say the least. As a rule, I love watching French films, but this one just doesn't make the grade; not even close. Hyped up by the crowd! Beware!!