Jeux d’enfants (2003)

Marion Cotillard is playing Sophie Kowalsky
English title: Love Me If You Dare

Main Details

Directed by Yann Samuel
Written by Yann Samuel, Jacky Cukier
Genre Comedy / Drama / Romance
Tagline From the visionary mind of director Yann Samuell comes France's hit comedy!
Theatrical Release France: 17/09/2003, USA: 14/05/2004, UK: 20/08/2004
DVD Release n/a

Starring Guillaume Canet, Marion Cotillard, Thibault Verhaeghe, Joséphine Lebas-Joly

 Jeux d’enfants
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Synopsis

A whole life can pass by before someone’s capable of saying, “I love you.” Eighty years can go by before a love story begins. And all because of a game – or perhaps, thanks to a game. Sophie and Julien defined the rules of the game when they were young. For the rest of their lives, they’re referees – and often victims – of it. “Are you up to it?” “Sure!” They’re ready for anything: for better or worse. They flout all taboos, defy all restrictions, fly in the face of authority, laugh until it hurts. They’re ready for anything! Except perhaps to admit that they love each other. The game begins with an innocent bet. A bet made so as to forget that mum is very sick. A bet made so as to forget when the whole class calls you a dirty Polack. And a few bets later, the game becomes the best and most compelling thing in both of the children’s lives. They play, they love each other. Play, love. Love, play. In the end, it’s so much easier to just be friends. And so life goes by, the game remains, increasingly intense, like passion. And each time that they’re say “Sure!” they say, “I love you more than my own life.” “Sure!”

Marion Cotillard's role

She plays Sophie Kowalsky, the daugher of Polish immigrants and somewhat afraid of her social background. Of course she and Julien both play their dangerous games, and Sophie certainly has her fair share of mean ideas, but at times it feels as if she only goes along because she doesn't want to lose his friendship. Marion covers the character's age - from teenager to young woman to wife - perfectly. Thanks to her acting we feel with Sophie, we understand why she reacts in a certain way and we completely know what it's like to not be able to speak truthfully about one's feelings. This remains one of her best and most-loved performances.

From the Gallery

Trivia & Facts

• When Julien is at the cemetery on the day after which he and Sophie haven't seen each other for ten years, he wishes Sophie would just appear and sing "La Vie en Rose", a song by Édith Piaf. Marion Cotillard (Sophie) would play Piaf in La Môme (2007).
• The scene in which Julien and Sophie are immersed in cement was filmed by immersing Marion Cotillard and Guillaume Canet in apple sauce.
• The film is dedicated to Yann Samuell's parents-in-law Gerard and Sonia. Gerard and Sonia lent their house to Yann Samuell while he was writing the screenplay. The two were killed in a car crash a week before the film was released.

Quotes: Reviews
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Quotes: Marion Cotillard
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Personal Comments

I really noticed Marion Cotillard for the first time in this movie. She plays Sophie, the female leading character. I wouldn't go as far as to say I love this film - 'cause I really don't. And yet I do. The story is promising and keeps me on the edge but the way everything ends just leaves me wanting, wishing, waiting for more. I have often said I don't understand the film - but I do get the symbolism etc and I think I can follow the filmmaker's intentions. It's just, at the end of the day, I prefer a more definite story. And honestly, I think the two main character come up with pretty stupid/dangerous ideas for their dares. Marion Cotillard as Sophie is brilliant however and every now and then I can't help but watch it again, hoping it might turn out different.
by Maria



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