A Difficult Year (2023) User Reviews

Feels like a script draft, not fleshed out

[Aeonic22 · 4/10 · 17 May 2024]

Interesting premise - combine eco-activism with a debt situation, since both are due to overconsumption.

Two guys without jobs and in debt find their selves while bluffing their way into eco activist group. There is a girl that both of them are interested in. She maybe later becomes interested back. There is a crisis, and a redemption, and a shock. Cliches so far, not a problem in itself...

But it feels like move added no additional depth to this, barely a summary, that I've written. That screenwriters went from this, to final product, too fast. Why did they end up debt, why the romantic theme?

We don't learn not much about global eco or economical situation. We do see that they are all just people and it seems that their cause is futile, since no impact is ever shown. Support groups for people in debt are shown so I became aware that they exist, nice.

Handheld cam, fast cuts, annoying overhyping music don't help the movie. Some jokes are funny, many of them just too basic or repetitive. The two main heroes are not particulary interesting. Half an hour too long.

Great opening, though!

"If I can't dance I don't want your revolution"

[timhgreenwood · 9/10 · 16 September 2023]

Skipped the local Climate Action group meeting and went to see "A Difficult Year" at TIFF a few days ago and had the reality of our ongoing Climate catastrophe and mad overconsumption served up to me with subtitles, French style and wit. Directed by the makers of film "The Intouchables" it looks beautiful and has a fabulous kinetic energy and has enough surprises and twists in its storytelling to keep you pleasantly off-balance. The story revolves around two charming conniving overconsuming scoundrels played by Jonathan Cohen ('temporarily' Lexo) and Pio Marmai (Pumpkin) who have wonderful chemistry together as they become unlikely chums. They get drawn into joining the Climate movement and into increasingly radical actions by the alluring beauty and charm of one of the leaders played by Noemie Merlant (Cactus). There is a cartoonish aspect to the depiction of over consumption and the possible ways out of debt but the passion and commitment of the climate activist group is presented in a positive light as one experiences how their sense of community and shared purpose helps them live with Eco-anxiety which is one of the film's themes. A Difficult Year sheds light on an existential crisis yet it is able to be funny with a good heart and its ending is surely inspired by activist Emma Goldman's famous line: "if I can't dance, I don't want your revolution"

A sweet and funny light on the major concerns of our time

[nathaliebernard-89632 · 10/10 · 21 October 2023]

The Black Friday gives the opportunity to 2 men ( full of debts ) and 1 woman ( climate activist) to meet and fight or join forces . For diverse (opposite?) reasons , they join forces in the activist group of Cactus ( the woman) and learn to better know each other . This movie is bringing a sweet and funny light on many concerns of our time : eco anxiety , sobriety and its multiple interpretations, the strange reasons why people would become associates , the power of collective actions , and ultimately the superiority of fundamental needs ( such as eating , loving and dancing ) above ideas. A shoot of energy in a depressed world.

Another incredible film from the duo

[martinpersson97 · 10/10 · 28 January 2024]

This directorial duo is, indeed, one of the all time greats, having provided a rich and ever impressive filmography of stellar films in several genres.

This is indeed another worthy and masterful achievement in their continiously stellar filmography, combining drama with very witty, well written humour, splendidly. Incredible script, for sure, and all of it accompined by some incredible acting, from some truly standout names. Very career defining, very incredible writing, pacing and a great touch to it.

The cinematography, cutting and editing is splendid, very much in line with their style, and very beautifully put together.

Overall, truly an incredible and very much recommended film for any lover of film!