Sally Potter

Synopsis

Fegele (Christina Ricci), a Russian Jewish refugee working in a variety troupe in Paris just before the Second World War, is befriended by Lola, a white Russian exile (Cate Blanchet). Fegele meets Cesar, a gypsy (Johnny Depp) in the world of the opera and they fall in-love. But When the German Nazis invade Paris, Dante Domino, the star of the opera (John Turturro) betrays Fegele, and she has to escape. Under the extreme conditions of war alliances are formed and broken and question of identity become matters of life and death.

Reviews

'Potter drenches her movies in bold, romantic music, and in wildly involved visuals. Her camera (here choreographed by the great European veteran Sacha Vierny) does not observe, but joins. She loves rich images, unexpected whirls, camera movements that join unexpected elements.' - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, 22.06.01

'Potter, unlike most, doesn't batter you with what she wants you to feel. As the lyrics of a song, this film is poetry. I suspect it will linger with me long after its details would normally fade. Beautiful.' - David Poland, Hot Button, 31.05.02

“An achingly beautiful and touching movie”- Empire Magazine, January 2011.

“Easily establishes Sally Potter as one of Britain’s most innovative and daring film-makers”- Evening Standard, 26.10.00

“A heartbreaking counterpoint to big war spectacles, beautifully performed by Christina Ricci, Cate Blanchett, Johnny Depp and John Turturro.” – David Germain, May 24 2011.