Watch La vie promise

La vie promise is a 2002 French drama film that follows the story of a woman named Sylvia (Isabelle Huppert) who travels to the south of France with her daughter, Laurence (Maud Forget), in search of her estranged husband who had abandoned them years ago. Sylvia is a prostitute who has been living in Paris, struggling to make ends meet while also trying to keep her daughter out of harm's way. After years of being away from her husband, Sylvia finally discovers his whereabouts and hopes to start a new life with him.

The film opens with Sylvia and Laurence traveling to the south of France in a truck. Sylvia is surprisingly happy and excited about their journey, and this happiness is infectious as she tries to create a better life for them. She tells Laurence about her visions of a new life, and Laurence slowly starts to believe that everything might turn out okay for them.

Once they arrive in the small town where Sylvia's husband is rumored to be, Sylvia starts looking for him. She ends up meeting and forming a relationship with a man named Jean-Jacques (Pascal Greggory), a local baker who is kind and caring towards her and her daughter. Jean-Jacques falls in love with Sylvia, but she is still not over her husband and hopes to reunite with him.

Meanwhile, Sylvia's past catches up with her, and her dangerous ex-boyfriend shows up in town, causing trouble for Sylvia and Jean-Jacques. Sylvia struggles to balance her past life with her desire to start anew, and the tension builds as she tries to keep her secrets from Jean-Jacques.

The film is a powerful exploration of characters struggling to find a sense of belonging and a new beginning. Isabelle Huppert gives a captivating performance as Sylvia, portraying both her strength and vulnerability as a woman trying to provide for her daughter and rebuild her life. Maud Forget is also outstanding as Laurence, the daughter who longs for a better life but is starting to understand the harsh realities of the world.

Pascal Greggory is charming and sympathetic as Jean-Jacques, the kind-hearted baker who falls in love with Sylvia despite her troubled past. He brings a warmth and gentleness to the film, providing a stark contrast to the harsh reality of Sylvia's life.

The film is well-directed by Olivier Dahan, who captures the beauty and desolateness of the French countryside, as well as the gritty reality of Sylvia's life as a prostitute. His use of close-ups and handheld cameras creates an intimate and raw atmosphere that draws the audience into the characters' emotions.

Overall, La vie promise is a haunting and poignant film that tackles difficult issues such as poverty and prostitution while also exploring the universal themes of hope, love, and redemption. The film is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity and a testament to the power of family and relationships in helping us find our place in the world.