Is Il était une fois... « 120 battements par minute » Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2022)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Il était une fois... « 120 battements par minute », a standout production of 2022, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary, TV Movie landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Zaps, sit-ins, die-ins, flyers, parades: in the early 90s, to fight against the general indifference to the AIDS epidemic, the Act Up movement invented a new language, a new style of activism, spectacular and provocative, which still inspires new generations of activists. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, TV Movie are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Zaps, sit-ins, die-ins, flyers, parades: in the early 90s, to fight against the general indifference to the AIDS epidemic, the Act Up movement invented a new language, a new style of activism, spectacular and provocative, which still inspires new generations of activists. This is what this documentary aims to show, by going back into the genesis and making of BPM (Beats per Minute), the 2017 Cannes Film Festival's grand prize winner, six times winner of the Cesar award. The film also shows how BPM (Beats per Minute) intertwines autobiographical memories and romantic lyricism, as close as possible to historical reality, and how Act Up was for Robin Campillo the founding personal experience that made him a filmmaker."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Robin Campillo does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Manuelle Blanc is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 51 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Il était une fois... « 120 battements par minute » truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, TV Movie, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Il était une fois... « 120 battements par minute » explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2022 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Manuelle Blanc respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Il était une fois... « 120 battements par minute » is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Robin Campillo or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Il était une fois... « 120 battements par minute » is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.