I deeply admire Guédiguian’s subject matter which usually involves social reality and a strong critique of capitalism.

Although bleak, “La Ville est Tranquille” is a masterpiece, powerful, moving, never dull, multi-layered characters whose actions intrigue the viewer, visual moments that linger in the memory… In short, an amazing experience, however emotionally disturbing it may be… Also, the fact that he’s used his friends as actors for over 20 years allows for great footage that makes his characters more believable, for instance, there is the tenderest of scenes that depicts two main characters in their youth (real youth) in the midst of young romance. A beautiful scene visually/spiritually, that is a contrast to the bleakness of the entire film. Perhaps the only breath of hope, although brief, in this movie.

The opening and closing sequences also give (on the surface) a sense of peace and hope to Marseilles, but this peace rings fake, as above all “La Ville est Tranquille” is intended as a critique of financial transformation which inflicts pain on the people and the hypocrisy of politicians who manipulate them in the midst of their pain. It is an amazing display of the common individual existence trying to survive in the midst of loneliness, emotional baggage and poverty. A remarkable film.