RUST AND BONE

DE ROUILLE ET D'OS - OPENING FILM

After a long absence, Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts), ex-boxer with a murky past, reclaims his young son from a foster home in Northern France. The youngster hardly knows his father. Ali is homeless, the winter is harsh and jobs are scarce.  No choice but to hitchhike down to the Côte d'Azur to a welcome warm climate and shelter in his unwelcoming sister's garage. At a local disco, Ali crosses paths with Stéphanie (Marion Cotillard). He's immediately attracted to her but she's disinterested. 

Stéphanie has an engrossing job as a trainer of Orca whales. In a tragic freak accident, both Stéphanie's legs are severed at the knee. After several operations she's alone in her apartment, wheelchair-bound. It's a dramatic change from her prior life; coping with all the difficulties is unbearable. Her reconnection with Ali leads to a budding friendship, as they gingerly attempt outings and even beach-time together. The unsentimental Ali helps her out matter-of-factly, without pity, without compassion. Eventually, Stéphanie starts to wonder: "is my love life still operational?" The unlikely pair falls into a tentative but tender courtship.

Iconic director Jacques Audiard’s accomplished and unconventional work swings from despair to hope, from human frailty to strength. It's easily the most anticipated French film from Official Competition Cannes 2012 and has already set box-office records in France. Simply a stunning film...

2012 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
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2012 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
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MUNICH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
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