runamokprods Full of wonderfully acted, beautifully observed moments in the life of an unconventional family, this was called, by one critic, 'an Australian 'Hannah and her Sisters'. And to an extent that's not a bad description. But this film is messier, less complete in it's vision and less bold in it's style. None-the less it's still entertaining, moving, and very worth seeing. Bruno Ganz's half French, half German accent is a bit distracting (he's terrific otherwise), and, for me, the ending felt rushed, as if things had to get to a conclusion.It's a film I'd actually wished had gone on longer, or had been willing to leave things less resolved. Once you start with the messiness of life, you lose something with a last minute switch to the neatness of movies.

dylaneb This film is more mature than others but still evokes a great story. The cinematography is incredible. Each camera movement and frame was thought out carefully to the very last detail making every shot artistic. I recommend this movie for any film students! The actors in this film are not A list celebrities which I think is great because while their acting is superb, their popularity status does not detract from the film's story and delivery. As far as independent films go, this one is very well done and an excellent example of what film making is all about. This is clearly some of Geoffrey Simpson's best work as a cinematographer.

George Parker "...Chez Nous" looks at this compelling question through the life of one Aussie woman who's self esteem is constantly undermined by the men in her life. This film is a psychodramatic, realistic, and intelligent look at the clockworks of a nuclear family held together more by mutual need than love and respect. The camera studies the slow disintegration of the family unit and the rebirth of Beth (Harrow), the principle character. Well made, earnest, honest, and insightful. An interesting watch for more mature audiences.

Onyx-10 I liked My Brilliant Career back in 1980, but after seeing this effort from the brilliant turned masterful Ms Armstrong I suspect that its traditional feminist message ("I won't give up my dreams for a man") made it more palatable for the times. Chez Nous doesn't let you off the hook so easily. What I found so compelling is its gentle but firm refusal to adopt a condescending attitude towards the characters or the audience. I rented this film with Jane Campion's Sweetie, which I found audaciously weird but riveting, in fact I now own Sweetie. Like Chez Nous, it deals with heroines and their family relationships, particularly involving sisters and to some degree, fathers. Both films are from the same part of the world. I was happy to find a used copy of Sweetie a few months after seeing it, but I watched Chez Nous twice before returning it, and that's the highest recommendation I can give.