A Burning Hot Summer

Synopsis

A Burning Hot Summer (Un été brûlant) is a 2011 French-Italian drama directed by Philippe Garrel, starring Monica Bellucci, Louis Garrel, and Céline Sallette. Set against the backdrop of a sultry Mediterranean summer, the film explores the tangled emotional lives and complicated relationships of a group of young artists and lovers. The storyline centers on a painter and his strained relationship with his wife amid the arrival of a young model who disrupts their fragile balance. The film delves into themes of passion, jealousy, and the elusive nature of love, all framed within lush, intimate settings and tender character studies.

Cast

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  Monica Bellucci

  Angèle

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  Louis Garrel

  Frédéric

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  Céline Sallette

  Élisabeth

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  Jérôme Robart

  Paul

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  Vladislav Galard

  Roland

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  Vincent Macaigne

  Achille

Reviews

Critical reception for A Burning Hot Summer has been mixed to moderately positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 55% approval rating, indicating a divided response from critics. The site's consensus notes the film's slow pace and introspective style, which may not appeal to broader audiences, though its atmospheric visuals and performances are appreciated. Metacritic assigns it a score of 62 out of 100, categorizing reviews as generally favorable. Critics have praised Monica Bellucci's captivating presence and the film's poetic mood, with some highlighting Philippe Garrel's ability to evoke raw emotion and sensuality. However, some reviewers found the narrative meandering and lacking momentum, which might challenge viewers seeking a conventional plot. IMDb users have rated the film 5.0/10, reflecting the polarized opinions among general audiences. Overall, A Burning Hot Summer is often appreciated for its artistic ambition and mood, though it is considered a niche film that appeals most to fans of European art cinema and introspective dramas.

See also

Pulp Fiction

The Shawshank Redemption

Titanic

Shutter Island