A Place on Earth

This is in a way a classic European character study film based on a very touching and subtle story about life, happiness, and friendship in the face of the overpowering emotional sensitivity some people happen to have as a feature of their personality.

It tells the story of a short period in the crossing life paths of a photo artist who lost his path in alcoholism and self-doubt and a young gifted female archaeologist who meet unexpectedly when she attempts suicide. The theme could appear a little bleak from the above plot but the story is really about how to achieve happiness and self-realization when, like the two main characters, your emotional sensitivity to life's events an the emotions of those around you are sometimes too much to bear.

Benoit Poelvoorde transcended elegantly his usual comedic acting style and Ariane Labed confirmed her great talent at expressing intense emotions with subtlety. Her romantic aesthetic and her great capacity to talk with her eyes without uttering the wrong words, is unique. In short: a great movie for those who like the things of the heart!