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Victoire Thivisol, Xavier Beauvois, Matiaz Bureau Caton, Claire Nebout, Delphine Schiltz ... see more see more... , Marie Trintignant , Aurélie Vérillon

A four-year-old girl must come to terms with the loss of her mother and the reality of death in this award-winning French drama. Little Ponette (Victoire Thivisol) is riding in a car with her mother w... read more read more...hen they're involved in a serious accident; Ponette survives, but her mother does not. Her father (Xavier Beauvois) initially reacts with anger over his late wife's careless driving, while her Aunt Claire (Claire Nebout) tries to comfort the child by telling her about Jesus and the resurrection. However, none of this does much to reassure Ponette or clarify her confusion about the practical realities and spiritual dilemma posed by death. In time, Ponette and her cousins Matiaz (Matiaz Caton) and Delphine (Delphine Schiltz) are sent off to boarding school, where they have to resolve their confusion and loss on their own. Writer and director Jacques Doillon carefully coached Victoire Thivisol (who was too young to read the screenplay) through her performance; the results earned the child Best Actress honors at the 1996 Venice Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

89% liked it

4,382 ratings

Critics

91% liked it

22 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 37 min.

Directed by: Jacques Doillon

Release Date: September 10, 1996

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DVD Release Date: June 10, 1998

Stats: 300 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (300)

  • flixsterman
    January 29, 2012
    flixsterman
    I have no idea how Jacques Doillon managed to get such sincere performances out of 4 year old children (especially Victoire Thivisol) but Bravo Jacques, Bravo!
  • RCCLBC
    June 1, 2007
    RCCLBC
    This movie is so beautiful and touching. the star (Victoire Thivisol) is an AMAZING actress, The performances (especially the children's) are so real and natural that it's almost like watching a documentary.
  • flickfever
    July 16, 2006
    flickfever
    A truly touching movie with brilliant acting by some of the most talented young actors I've ever seen. At the time this French film was produced, its protagonist was played by a 4-year old actress who carries this film on her small shoulders and carries it extremely well and bett... read moreer than most adult actors can only dream of carrying a film. The story is of an extremely sad nature and is very telling of how amazing these tiny thespians really are. To be able to act in a drama that deals with loss and tragedy and demands them to express a great amount of emotion not only showcases talent, but sucks you into the lives of these characters and makes you feel what they feel. By empathizing with a little thing like Ponette, you really feel for her and root for her until the very end. NOTE: French with English subtitles.
  • crazydannielle16
    June 16, 2011
    crazydannielle16
    Victoire Thivisol gives such an amazing performance for such a young actress. I really loved the emotion protrayed in this film and the story was well-written. The director really brought it to life realistically I think... except for the end which went against everything in the ... read morebeginning that people don't come back to life, except Jesus, until the rapture when everyone is resurrected. I really liked how the aunt was comforting Ponette but the other people in the movie who talked about God really got on my nerves... especially Ada, the girl on the playground. One of the best French films I've seen! :-)
  • brandonklaus2
    March 17, 2009
    brandonklaus2
    Just be happy.
  • mvieaddict
    October 25, 2009
    mvieaddict
    Ponette was a sensitive drama but enjoyable to watch.In this movie a 5 year old French girl Victoire Thivisol carried the whole movie.She played Ponette, grieving her mothers death, and she never gave up in trying to get contact with her mother. The strong point of the movie was,... read more it succeeded to bring the viewer into the world of thoughts and feelings of Ponette.I found it very difficult to understand how the director managed to let these children act so perfectly. The storyline was a simple one, but the movies greatness comes from the marvelous acting of the young children. A must to see.
  • kluroda01
    November 23, 2009
    kluroda01
    this little girl was only 4 and could act THAT GREAT?! i was so impressed by this film from france. so much talent from this little gem. so nice to see another kid besides dakota fanning
  • RKNOLTON
    June 8, 2008
    RKNOLTON
    THE BEST SUBTITLED FILM I'VE EVER SEEN AND ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES! THE STAR (VICTOIRE THIVOSOL) WAS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WHEN THIS WAS MADE AND SHE WON THE EQUIVALENT TO AN OSCAR FOR HER ROLE IS THIS FRENCH FILM. INTENSE EMOTIONAL DRAMA AT ITS RAWEST. IT IS AMAZING THAT SHE IS ... read moreONLY 4!! EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM THIS YOUNG ACTRESS!!!
    RODNEY KNOLTON
    MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
    RKNOLTON@GMAIL.COM
  • flixsterbum
    February 6, 2008
    flixsterbum
    One of my favorite movies. While it's not the best in terms of pacing or story, it is absolutely worth it for the performance of Victoire Thivisol. The most amazing child performance I have ever seen. She will break your heart.
  • tammyperl
    September 4, 2007
    tammyperl
    This movie is beautifully done with some of the best child actors I've seen in a long time. It is a bit sad, but clever, poignant, and heart-wrenching all in one.

View All Ponette Reviews

Critic Reviews

Jeffrey Overstreet
January 15, 2005
Jeffrey Overstreet, Looking Closer

... as powerful a film as has been made about the interior life of children.

Daniel Eagan
August 24, 2004
Daniel Eagan, Film Journal International

Outstanding study of troubled child

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
March 1, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

The kind of intimate drama that stops you in your tracks and leaves you marveling at the magnificence of the human soul. Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum
September 7, 2011
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

David Stratton
April 7, 2009
David Stratton, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Jeff Strickler
November 6, 2002
Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune

Click to read the article Full Review

Kevin Thomas
February 14, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Stephen Holden
January 1, 2000
Stephen Holden, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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