Hiroshima Mon Amour
From the measureless depths of a woman's emotions...
Overview
The deep conversation between a Japanese architect and a French actress forms the basis of this celebrated French film, considered one of the vanguard productions of the French New Wave. Set in Hiroshima after the end of World War II, the couple -- lovers turned friends -- recount, over many hours, previous romances and life experiences. The two intertwine their stories about the past with pondering the devastation wrought by the atomic bomb dropped on the city.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Released during the height of Cold War tensions, the film serves as a profound anti-war statement. Its title references both Hiroshima (the atomic bombing site) and 'my love' in French, symbolizing a personal connection with global tragedy.
- Engaging exploration of love and war themes, Powerful performances by Emmanuelle Riva and Eiji Okada, Pioneering in its explicit portrayal of post-traumatic stress, Unique narrative structure using flashbacks
Fun Facts
- The film was banned in Japan upon its release due to sensitive content, Alain Resnais, the director, used actual newsreel footage from Hiroshima in the movie, The iconic opening credits sequence features sand and pebbles falling on a glass plate to mimic the passing of time.