Love Me If You Dare (2003 - subtitles)

            Two children begin a dare game that develops into their lifelong obsessive need.  This compulsion raises havoc for them and everyone around them.  The film is described as a hit French comedy, a drama and a romance.  Of these, I'm only sure it's a drama.  More to the point, it's a psychological case study of aberrant behavior dramatized in a way that is as engaging as it is unbelievable. 

            This is a film for those who like to consider the vagaries of strange behavior, enjoy ruminating over why characters do what they do and like controversial stories that spark discussions with friends.  I'm trying to say that this film is special and different in a way that will not fit all tastes.  Regardless, the story brings out an aspect of daring that involves intimacy.  You have to know the other person in order to really conjure up a dare that's a challenge.  This, of course, sets the stage for escalation. 

            Guillmaume Canet plays Julien, the male adult actor in the duo.  He's a French "heart-throb" and a popular star.  Marion Cotillard plays Sophie, the female adult actor in the duo.  She's an ecologist active in Greenpeace.  Both were close to age 30 at the time of filming and both have a solid ten years of experience in both TV and film.

            The writer/director Samuell stretches believability to the breaking point to demonstrate both the absurdity of the dare and the kind of intense relationship that can develop from focused psychological intimacy even when it involves an absurdity.  And he doesn't let us down easily at the end of the story by providing two conflicting endings.

            Reviewed October 17, 2005                Copyright 2005 Charles T. Markee

            MPAA: Rated R for language and some sexuality.