Bonjour and welcome to a very special episode of Shelf Criticism! Today, we're in the trenches with French cinema with A Very Long Engagement, directed by the brilliant Jean-Pierre Jeunet. This film, a blend of whimsical romance and the brutal realities of war, offers a unique viewing experience that owes a debt to French New Wave cinema.

In this episode, we explore the delightful quirks and charms that populate Jeunet's characters, much like his earlier masterpiece, Amelie. We discuss the intricate and, at times, convoluted plot and the film’s stunning visual style that transports us to post-WWI France. We also tackle the criticisms, from the film's perceived sentimentality to its challenging narrative structure. And, of course, we can’t forget the whimsical touches that only Jeunet can deliver, including the ever-controv ...