War is declared: Valérie Donzelli’s cry of hope
France 4 is broadcasting this evening the second film by Valérie Donzelli with autobiographic overtones. Story of his fight and that of his companion at the time, Jérémie Elkaïm, to continue living with their child’s illness. The surprise success of 2011.
A couple, Romeo (Jérémie Elkaïm) and Juliette (Valérie Donzelli). A child, Adam. A fight, illness. And above all, a great love story, theirs…
Presented at the opening of Critics’ Week at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, War is declared shook up the Croisette. In this film, which resembles a personal exorcism, the couple Valérie Donzelli / Jérémie Elkaïm exposed themselves nakedly and evoked one of the tragedies that marked the history of their relationship: the illness of their child, suffering from a rare brain tumor. A true story which had strengthened more than ever their bonds with their son but which had also led to the end of their relationship.
On a highly sensitive subject, Valérie Donzelli and Jérémie Elkaïm have produced a film of both great modesty and unfailing optimism even during the most difficult moments of their existence. This message of hope sent to families also affected by cancer has made its way into French cinemas since with more than 800,000 admissions, the film has largely exceeded all its expectations and made its contribution to the very good success of French cinema at the end of 2011 (with among others The Artist, Polish and of course the cardboardUntouchables.
Praised by the public, War is declared also delighted critics and made the rounds at award ceremonies. Grand Prix at the Cabourg festival, the film received six César nominations including best film, best director and best actress. Chosen to represent France at the Oscars for best foreign film (The Artist having finally been selected among the eligible films in the main categories with the success that we know), War is declared was ultimately not accepted. Which in no way prevents you from (re)discovering the universal story of Romeo, Juliet and Adam.
War is declared is broadcast this evening at 9 p.m. on France 4.
