War time articulated

The Man Who Cried is a story of survival through decreasing freedom as Europe is being invaded during World War II. Everyone (especially Jews in this case) wants to get to America, painful though it is to leave behind an established home, and often times family.

The film starts with a depressing splash as Suzie (Christina Ricci, The Opposite of Sex, Sleepy Hollow) fights for air on a stormy sea that is filled with flame. Cut to her early life (perhaps 5 years of age) when her beloved father leaves Russia in hopes to get to America and send for her. Shortly thereafter, their village is burned and the little one is picked up by strangers to get her to safety. She is raised in Britain by extremely patient surrogate parents.

Years later, she still wants to search for her father in America, with only an inscribed picture for a guide. So she joins a dance troupe to at least get to Paris. Tensions mount as Europe is further invaded but she is able to join forces with gold digger Lola (Cate Blanchett, The Talented Mr. Ripley, Elizabeth) and a gypsy whom she falls in love with Cesar (Johnny Depp, Blow, Sleepy Hollow).

The strongest aspects of this film are the parts that are unspoken. How rich the colors on film are compared to the frantic fumbling for little joys. The mounting self-preservation techniques used when in danger. Contrary to most romances featured in historical epics, Cesar and Suzie don’t have the stereotypical corny love scenes or cheesy dialogue. In fact, there is an unusual affectionate roughness between them so that they cling together but you aren’t convinced they are a perfect match. In times of need, you will cling to those you are more comfortable with for safety, and this comes through in their body language with a stunning accuracy.

Beautifully shot by Sasha Vierny, (8 ½ Women, The Pillow Book) with characters that have instant presence on the screen, it’s actually sad that the film did not live up to its potential. For all the struggle and pain, the ending is too easy and flippant, almost denying what the characters went through to get there. This may be partially due to writing scene after scene that’s intense with drama and melancholy instead of allowing the characters to feel a variety of emotions. Even when a film is dramatic, there is usually a laugh inserted somewhere to break things up, so that it isn’t just a depressing, downhill spiral.

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