See the Sea

(By the way, the title is a play on words, because the French word mere (mother) sounds like mer (sea). And the title "Look at the Mother" tells you more about the movie than does "See the Sea.")


Severe contrasts   May 10, 2000
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

See the Sea is an eerie portrayal of a sadistic wanderer that will really give you the creeps. Ozon is very talented and has a very unique technique that he uses to portray some fairly erotic scenes. The movie was well done but a little bit too morbid and disgusting for me. It is a severe contrast to the short film that proceeds it which is the reason I bought the film. The short, A Summer Dress, is light and funny and at the same time erotic and sexy. The short film is a coming of age story of sorts that explores the bi-sexuality of the main character. The attractiveness of the characters is both physical and by personality. Very sexy and the theme song will stay in your mind forever! Bang!Bang!


Suspense that pays   August 10, 2000
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

It may be Francois Ozon's time. While his recent films CRIMINAL LOVERS and WATER DROPS ON BURNING ROCKS are excellent studies in the costs of identity and self-transformation, repression and want, neither film (nor his other film, the darkly comic SITCOM) delivers the powerful suspense of SEE THE SEA. This brooding and gorgeous film is a dark examination of the issues that Ozon continues to explore; infidelity, punishment, and libidinous violence. While these themes, in the hands of a lesser director, might play out in predictable and visually sterile scenarios, Ozon explores them with a deft touch that includes a gracefully moving camera, saturated colors, and performances that will haunt you. The tensions that build and finally climax in SEE THE SEA are palpable and horrifying, and despite our best hopes, Ozon does not flinch in giving us the ending that Hollywood never would. I can't recommend it highly enough... a suspense film that delivers more bang in 54 minutes than most directors ever do. Ozon's latest works have grown aesthetically and broadened in scope and theme, but nothing touches this taut and haunting classic. A MUST SEE.


Sasha hails Outstanding , Ozon is the new Hitchcock   March 9, 2003
N. B. Moller (Australia)
5 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is truly a gripping short story , shot on a beautiful French Island. Sasha Hails is one of the true outstanding actresses of our time and Ozon will deliver more over the years to come. If this is any example of their partner ship, sit back and wait for more it will be worth it.
What was of interest was the Baby in the movie was in fact hails trule life daughter Samantha.
This movie won an award in the US Gay film festival, not that the movie has overly a gay theme but rather the Gay communities ability to spot a true winner and honour it accordingly.


Suspense that pays   August 10, 2000
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

It may be Francois Ozon's time. While his recent films CRIMINAL LOVERS and WATER DROPS ON BURNING ROCKS are excellent studies in the costs of identity and self-transformation, repression and want, neither film (nor his other film, the darkly comic SITCOM) delivers the powerful suspense of SEE THE SEA. This brooding and gorgeous film is a dark examination of the issues that Ozon continues to explore; infidelity, punishment, and libidinous violence. While these themes, in the hands of a lesser director, might play out in predictable and visually sterile scenarios, Ozon explores them with a deft touch that includes a gracefully moving camera, saturated colors, and performances that will haunt you. The tensions that build and finally climax in SEE THE SEA are palpable and horrifying, and despite our best hopes, Ozon does not flinch in giving us the ending that Hollywood never would. I can't recommend it highly enough... a suspense film that delivers more bang in 54 minutes than most directors ever do. Ozon's latest works have grown aesthetically and broadened in scope and theme, but nothing touches this taut and haunting classic. A MUST SEE.