Watch When the Sea Rises

When the Sea Rises is a French film from 2004 that tells the story of Irène, a traveling performer who travels across Belgium performing her one-woman show. The film is a love story, a road movie, and a commentary on contemporary society. It is directed by Yolande Moreau and Gilles Porte, who also co-wrote the film with Moreau.

The film revolves around Irène (Moreau) and her travels with her husband, Kiki (Willaert), who is also her manager. They travel from village to village in Belgium, setting up their show and performing for the locals. Irène's show is a mixture of poetry, monologue, and song, all performed with a charming and quirky style that is uniquely her own.

The film begins with Irène and Kiki setting up their show in a small village square on a hot summer day. As Irène performs, she catches the eye of Dries (Gourmet), a handsome and mysterious man who is passing through the village. There is an instant connection between Irène and Dries, but they do not exchange words.

As Irène and Kiki continue their travels, they are followed by Dries, who seems to be drawn to Irène. The three characters are thrown together when they are forced to share a room in a small inn. From this point on, the film explores the relationships between Irène, Kiki, and Dries, as they travel through Belgium, encountering a variety of people along the way.

Throughout the film, Irène is haunted by memories of her childhood and her past relationships. She is a complex character who is simultaneously confident and vulnerable. She is fiercely independent, but also yearning for love and connection. As the film progresses, we see her grow and change as she confronts her own demons and learns to open up to the people around her.

When the Sea Rises is a film that is both poignant and funny. The humor comes from the eccentric characters that Irène and Kiki meet on their travels, as well as the quirky and charming performances of Yolande Moreau herself. The film is also a love story, but not in the traditional sense. It is a story about the love between friends, between strangers, and between oneself.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning imagery of the Belgian countryside and intimate close-ups of the characters. The music, composed by Philippe Poirier, is also a standout feature of the film. The score is a mixture of jazz and traditional Belgian music that perfectly complements the film's whimsical and romantic tone.

In conclusion, When the Sea Rises is a charming and heartfelt film that tells a story of love, friendship, and self-discovery. It is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with its quirky characters and beautiful setting. With its unique style and honest portrayal of complex characters, When the Sea Rises is a film that will stay with you long after you watch it.