Set among a small circle of friends and neighbors in a Parisian suburb, "35 Shots of Rum" is a warm, funny and enchanting film from the great French filmmaker Claire Denis. Lionel, a metro conductor, lives with his beautiful university student daughter Josephine in a bustling apartment complex. They have been sharing the same space for many years and have grown accustomed to one another's company. Lately, Josephine has been spending time with Noé, a handsome young neighbor, while Lionel is finding himself drawn into a romance with close friend Gabrielle. As their lives are pulled in different directions, father and daughter realize they must finally confront an aspect of their past in order to embrace what lies ahead. Sumptuously shot, this gloriously delicate and sublime new film casts a lovely spell unlike any other movie this year.
35 Shots of Rum is boring - and I reckon even its writer-director Claire Denis knows that. Her last film - The Intruder - wasn't much different. Saying that, there's warmth and sweetness to be found in the barely-there plot.
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