Watch The Broken Circle Breakdown

The Broken Circle Breakdown, a Belgian movie from 2012, is a heart wrenching story of two people in love, their passion for music, and the aftermath of tragedy. Directed by Felix Van Groeningen, this movie is a beautifully crafted piece of cinematic art. Elise (Veerle Baetens) and Didier (Johan Heldenbergh) are two free-spirited souls who fall in love at first sight. Both are passionate about music, and their passion extends to the creation of a band, where they pour all their musical talent, energy, and love. As their band gains success, they become inseparable, and soon, they have a daughter Maybelle (Nell Cattrysse).

As their little family grows, they face tough obstacles that test the strength of their relationship. Both Elise and Didier have different philosophies about life, and those differences start to become more pronounced when their daughter falls ill. As Maybelle's health deteriorates, so does their relationship. In the face of tragedy, they are forced to confront their individual beliefs and how they can reconcile them.

The storyline of The Broken Circle Breakdown is well-paced and carefully woven. It tackles tough issues that many might have experienced or can relate to. It is a sharply observed exploration of love, life, death, and grief. The movie's title and recurrent themes of circles and brokenness add a symbolic depth that evokes a universal sense of catharsis.

The cinematography, soundtrack, and editing of the movie are all excellent. The film's use of flashbacks and flash-forwards helps to create a layered experience that makes the audience invested in the film. The striking contrast between the lighthearted nature of the couple's budding relationship and the somberness of their later years together builds up the emotional climax of the movie.

The acting in this movie is amazing. Veerle Baetens and Johan Heldenbergh deliver incredible performances that lead to a transcendent cinematic experience. Baetens is the movie's star, delivering a mesmerizing portrayal of Elise, who possesses a fierce independent spirit but is vulnerable and intense when she confronts the events that occur. Meanwhile, Heldenbergh excels in playing the role of Didier, who is more pragmatic and level-headed but suffers as much as Elise.

Nell Cattrysse, who plays Maybelle, is a wonderful child actor. Her presence in the movie tugs at the heartstrings and adds a poignant layer to the story. The secondary cast, composed of singers and musicians, also adds a lot of gravitas to the movie with their extraordinary performances.

Overall, The Broken Circle Breakdown is a movie that leaves an indelible mark on the viewer's mind. It is a perfect representation of a life that has highs and lows and how we must navigate through them. The movie is full of emotional moments, heart-wrenching scenes, and some light-heartedness that is a natural byproduct of a couple in love. It is certainly worth watching for anyone who loves a good story and appreciates cinematic beauty.

In summation, this movie is a must-watch for those who love music, romantic movies, and a storyline filled with emotional depth. With a well-paced style, excellent performances, and emotive cinematography, this movie is bound to leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

The Broken Circle Breakdown is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 70.