User reviews

"Cartegena" from 2007 was an interesting film. Based on the subject matter you know you're in for a somewhat tough watch. I found it on streaming and I watched it all the way through when I wasn't planning to, so it must be a certain level of quality for me to do that. I don't want to heap praise on it though, there were points that I didn't care for, namely the overall bleak tone, which was a choice, to only show the seedier elements of life there. Having every character be some degree of loser makes it tough, but I know that the world is rough out there, however I can't reward a film for simply showing that. What I do find positive about "Cartagena" is the novel location, good cinematography, good acting, and chiefly the spotlight that the film shines on the disabled and their caregivers, which touches many persons in this world and is a difficult but important subject. Both the patient and caregiver have their own unique difficulties, worries, and thought processes; I have personally experienced both sides of it. And, I think this film has an important point that men can be caregivers too and should not be excluded from such work out of some kneejerk reaction. Both men and women need each other, they are complimentary, and sometimes just the other's presence and help with daily activities can make a big difference in enlivening someone's life. Bottom line: worth a watch, but 6/10 rating.

The movie pleasantly surprised me. Characters dramas and atmosphere are the keys here, not the plot, which is rather thin. Noticeable is the subtle, but constant erotic arousal between Leo and the 3 female main characters, who, at certain point all seem to be falling for him. Don't expect explicit scenes, romance is just suggested and that makes the movie worth. C.Lambert is acting very well IMHO, bringing to life an unexpected mixture of manhood, loser, romance and sensitivity. Sophie Marceau is ravishing as a very beautiful woman condemned in the wheelchair, but still aspiring for love and fulfillment in her life. She is an educated woman, even sophisticated, having high expectations from the people surrounding her. She reminds of a noble from other century sometimes. I found very nice to watch how such a character played by Marceau ends up falling for the sometimes rude Lambert, and also, how this "rude" boy, a former boxer now drinking all his pennies, can display such profound and delicate feelings. In conclusion I would give it 7.5, which is good, but not great.

Great movie. Great acting, great story, great photography with wonderful message for happy life!

The only thing that gets me is the bad hair on the lead man throughout the film. Lol.

Otherwise it was pretty overall.

Sweet beautiful delicate actress. Her face is a gem.

Gentle lovely intimacy.

Holding space and quietness is in the tone and manner throughout.

Colorful and artistic in terms of choice of colors, setting, clothing, interior design of everything.

Shows the value that ppl need in order to have a great relationship. Trust.

But Trust takes a combination of things to get to - eg. Time, consistency (choosing kindness even at the worst times) and a promise and a commitment in action to eventually arrive at.

In the end, love for another human, wins.

In terms of area of improvement, not sure, something more acting related perhaps... on lambert's part.

I love it. I do not know why. For actors, for story, for its bitter taste, for its delicate and seductive portrait of characters, for the untold words or for the feeling to discover a honest definition of life. Important is only the film itself. The presence of Sophie Marceau and Christophe Lambert, the photography and the smart plot. And the gentle manner to tell the story. All so simple. And full of hope.