Watch Villa Des Roses

Villa Des Roses is a romantic drama film released in 2002, based on the novel of the same name written by Willem Elsschot. The movie is set in the early 20th century and tells the story of a young Belgian woman, Louise Creteur (played by Julie Delpy), who becomes a chambermaid at Villa Des Roses, a luxurious hotel in Ostend. Louise arrives at Villa Des Roses with hopes of starting a new life, leaving behind a troubled past where she was forced into prostitution to make ends meet. Upon reaching the hotel, she discovers a vibrant community of guests, including several eccentric characters such as Mrs. Edith (played by Harriet Walter) and her husband Harry (played by Michael S. Kitchen), the Maitland family and George (played by Shaun Dingwall), a young British soldier recovering from a battlefield injury.

As Louise adjusts to her new job, she forms a bond with George, who falls in love with her. Their romance blooms amidst the beautiful surroundings of the hotel, with its spacious rooms and lush gardens. However, their happiness is short-lived as the outbreak of World War I leads to George being called back to active duty.

As the war rages on, Louise's life at Villa Des Roses becomes more difficult. The hotel is taken over by German forces, forcing her to take on more strenuous tasks as a maid. She also becomes involved in a dangerous situation with one of the hotel guests, leading to a series of events that put her life in danger.

The film's director, Frank Van Passel, does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the era in which the story is set. The costumes, settings, and cinematography all convey a sense of authenticity that transports the viewer to the time and place of the story. The music, composed by Steven Price, works in tandem with the visuals to evoke a sense of longing and melancholy.

The cast is equally impressive, with Julie Delpy delivering a nuanced performance as Louise, a woman whose strength and resilience is slowly revealed through the trials she endures. Her chemistry with Shaun Dingwall's George is electric, making their romance both believable and heart-wrenching. Harriet Walter's portrayal of Mrs. Edith is nothing short of excellent, as she portrays the character's eccentricity and vulnerability in equal measure.

Overall, Villa Des Roses is a moving and beautifully rendered film that manages to be both poignant and memorable. The story's themes of love, loss, and sacrifice ring true even today and the cast's performances stay with you long after the film has ended. It's a film that deserves more recognition, and one that should be sought out by lovers of great cinema.