Remember the name Fabienne Godet. In her first full feature film, she shows she might be the next great French director if she can improve on this fantastic movie.
"Sauf le respect que je vous dois" is a gripping tale on the working conditions in modern times but more importantly, on the human condition. Olivier Gourmet is yet again giving an amazing performance as Francois Durrieux, a loyal and quiet employee and a loyal and quiet family man whose world begins to fall apart as he questions the firm he works for and life he is living.
It is easy to see this movie as only a pamphlet on work environment conditions (as some reviews for the movie suggest) when it is so much more. The movie tackles many themes dealing with straying from the seemingly linear path individuals today often seem to be caught in, and the price one might have to pay when he stands up for himself, for others and questions the way things are.
The direction is top notch and along with the cinematography will remind many of a nascent Jacques Audiard (France's best director right now, in fact one of the world's best). The movie is beautiful yet very much organic and life-like. The score by Oscar-winner Dario Marianelli is simply breathtaking, a minimalist and haunting gem!
Olivier Gourmet might give his best performance here in a very challenging role and the rest of the cast is very effective as well. No points are hammered by the script or the director and there isn't much dialogue yet there is so much to digest from this movie concerning our life priorities, loyalties and beliefs.
The movie ends with a wonderful statement "Il ne faut plus avoir peur" (Roughly: we shouldn't be afraid anymore) that spoke a lot to me and the people I watched this movie with.
Highly recommended as a drama, even if it might feel disjointed at time. You get an opportunity to watch underrated and excellent actors, a most promising director and an elite music composer on top of his game while experiencing a socially relevant and poignant story.
