Cold Cry

Recently, in my French class we were told we'd be watching two contrasting films to write a comparison review. My love for French has grown continuously throughout this year, therefore watching the movies 'Amélie' and 'Un long dimanche de fiançailles' ( A very long engagement ) both starring Audrey Tautou , certainly didn't bother me. 


However, I didn't realize that one of the films could affect me so greatly. 



'Un long dimanche de fiançailles' is about a young girl, Mathilde, and a young boy, Manech, who have been friends ever since they can remember and eventually realize their friendship has turned into love. The film is set in world war one and of course, this meaning Manech was sent to 'fight for his country'. Manech supposedly dies on the battlefield after accidently burning his hand (or as seen to everyone else as self mutilation to get him sent home) and being banished to 'No man's land'. Most would think they'd just accept this information and eventually find time to get over it, move on. However, Mathilde 'hangs onto the finest thread' in order to prove that Manech really is alive. Mathilde challenges fate and goes out of her way to find him. 



This may sound similar to any old film with a cliché ending, yet the reason why i enjoyed this film so much, isn't because it's so obviously about love, but the way in which Mathilde expresses her love and uses her intelligence and strength to find the person she's loved all her life. There is always a little hope, with everything she does.  


Before this film, i had never realized how much pain people went through during the war, physically and mentally. Therefore, i decided to write a song in Mathilde's shoes to compensate for how truly lucky some of us are at this present day;

Cold Cry. 

Where did you go? Leave us all so cold,

Without you, together we cry.

I feel alone, scared of losing you,

Oh, the Battle has just commenced.

And now the worlds changing, can't stick to it's old ways,

So why can't I do the same?

I can't just leave you, out there to die,

I'll do my best I'll try.

So I said, Please come home,

For I never want to be alone. 

And I fear for you, for their love is untrue, 

But without you, we can't stay.

When did you go? No one seems to know,

Without you, it's never been the same.

I'm still fighting, oh so scared of losing you,

Will this battle ever end?

And now, the worlds changed and It's left it's old ways,

So I think I'll do the same.

Oh I can't just leave you, out there to die,

I'll do my best, I'll try. 

So I said, Please come home,

For I never want to be alone.

And I fear for you, for their love is untrue,

But without you, we can't stay.

And i said, Please don't leave me hanging on a string.

I'll fight for you, I'll be scared but I'll do

What it takes to find you...

After 127 minutes on the screen, Mathilde finds Manech alive. He doesn't remember her face, her voice, even her name... 
but he smiles.