Damage (1992)
Directed by Louis Malle
***1/2
Writer-director Louis Malle is passionately interested in people. All of his films show it, whether they live with them in a boys' school (Au revoir les enfants) or sit down with them to dinner (My Dinner with Andre). This film, most appropriately titled a sexual thriller [why was this such a popular genre in the 90s?], explores the boundary between friendship and just-don't-do-that. That's the boundary that gets danced around by a British MP (Jeremy Irons) and his son's new, elusive girlfriend (Juliette Binoche). Yes, you read that correctly. The plot is - surprisingly - engaging and meaningful, the acting (also by Miranda Richardson) is really good, and the ending is devastating. Since sexuality is a significant plot element, this is not recommended for many. Choose wisely.
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