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Angel-A [2006]
from Optimum Home Entertainment
starring Jamel Debbouze, Rie Rasmussen, Gilbert Melki, Serge Riaboukine, Akim Chir
directed by Luc Besson

Features:

• Anamorphic
• PAL

Editorial Review:

It’s been some time some French director Luc Besson stepped behind the camera. And truthfully, Angel-A, good as it is, is a little underwhelming, particularly when you see that Besson’s curriculum vitae includes Leon, The Big Blue and The Fifth Element.

Still, that’s not to say that Angel-A is a film without merit. Quite the contrary, in fact, as this simple, diverting tale has plenty in its corner. Andre, played by Jamel Debbouze, is just about to end his life. When we meet him, he’s heavily in debt and he chooses to drown himself in the River Seine. Yet he’s saved by the mysterious Angel-A of the film’s title (played by Rie Rasmussen), and she offers to help Andre pull through his current problems. Thus, the stage is set for a pleasant, engaging mix of comedy, drama and a dose of romance, made all the stronger by its likeable lead actors.

While Angel-A is undoubtedly lacking the ambition of some of Besson’s earlier work, it’s a film that’s hard not like. It’s beautifully shot, tightly put together and thrives on its ultimate simplicity. It won’t be a dish to everyone’s taste, but it’s nonetheless likely to reward the majority who are tempted to give it a spin. --Jon Foster

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

• Visually stunning
  This film is visually beautiful. Unfortunately I found Jamel Debbouze's character deeply annoying and the dialogue in the second half of the film quite cheesy. That said, I still think this film is worth seeing, the aesthetics alone are enough to make it worthwhile.

• Modern-day fairy story
  This is an unusual film. I can only describe it as a fairy story set in a contemporary setting. It was filmed in black and white, mostly at night, which emphasizes the pit of despair the male character finds himself in and makes the female lead look all the more other-worldly. At times violent, at others funny, it's fast-moving with some surprises. The first half is better than the second.
  

• A Real Cinema Gem!
  Recently purchased dvd's " The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" and "Angel-A". I purchased because of reviews I had read. I enjoyed "Jesse James" because I like westerns, especially if they are well done. The cinematography for "Jesse James" has been well applauded but if you want cinematography then look no further than "Angel-A" - this movie is astounding to look at and is perfect for black and white. Performances are spot on by all concerned, particularly Luc Besson the director -... more info

• Beautifully filmed and staged.
  I bought this on the strength of the Amazon reviews and Luc Besson's name. What a good purchase it turned out to be!
  This looks wonderful and the characters are all portrayed deeply and with sympathy and the general tone is quirky rather than over the top or off the wall. Paris is treated as a character with the way almost every scene has a fabulous setting, and in black and white works so well! The only problem I had with this is that it's conveniently shallow in places like when Angela is explaining... more info

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