Œuvre constipée qui n'évite pas les écueils du scabreux facile... www.cinefiches.com
An indescribably sexy and fetish Bulle Ogier appear in this serious drama about S&M that never feel exploitative, over-the-top, sick or too kinky even if there are some squeamish moments. A very young Gerard Depardieu is excellent here and the love story is utterly fascinating.
I got a little bored towards the end, but young Gerard Depardieu in a bathtub with a fish and snake tank under it is the sexiest thing I've ever seen.
(...) Die treibende Kraft ihrer Liebe, das ist die masochistische Lust. Erst als Olivier wie wild mit dem Auto durch den Wald jagt, kann er Ariane eine genauso grosse Lust verschaffen wie sie ihm. (Dazu gibts unsere Film List "Arthaus Exzess - Frankreich in den 70ern" auf cinegeek.de
When Depardieu kisses Ogier while pissing on the client she's riding...most romantic scene in cinema history? uh....
Interesting character drama from director Barbet Schroeder is surprisingly subtle and nuanced considering the lurid subject matter - though it does have its shockingly graphic moments. Well-drawn characters and strong performances, though it is slow at times and a handful of scenes drag on too long.