Hammerman Ikon

Hammerman Ikon Film Guide

Amour
2012
****
Director: Michael Haneke
Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert, Alexandre Tharaud, William Shimell, Ramón Agirre, Rita Blanco, Carole Franck, Dinara Droukarova

Georges and Anne, now in their 80s, are retired Parisian piano teachers who still have a loving, respectful relationship. When Anne suffers a stroke, Georges promises to take care of her in their own home until the bitter end. Michael Haneke's subtle, heartbreaking drama delves into the essence of love. This is not a romantic story, but a depiction of complete and utter dedication. Georges must turn from a partner and soul mate to a caregiver and protector, as Anne's undignified demise becomes a humiliating and deeply private endurance test. This powerful and wonderfully acted film won several awards, which include the Palme D'Or and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.