Love Street (2002) [Cohen Collection Blu-ray review]

Stepping away from the conventional glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the French film industry carves a niche for itself in the global cinematic landscape. Embodying this distinct French sensibility is the 2002 film “Rue des Plaisirs” or “Love Street,” directed by the brilliant Patrice Leconte. As this piece is adapted for the Blu-ray format, it invites international cinema aficionados to delve deeper into its mastery and witness its high-definition allure.

Tell the world about Love Street

“Love Street” is a romantic drama set against the backdrop of 1940s Parisian brothels. It chronicles the story of Petit Louis, an orphaned brothel janitor who falls madly in love with Marion, a woman of the night. Louis, devoted yet shy, fights his personal demons to profess his love and save Marion from a life of despair.

The crux of the film, aside from the poignant love story, lies in its nuanced characters. Leconte’s characters are layered, allowing the audience to empathize with their struggles, thereby leaving a lasting impact. The story is heavily character-driven, employing their dilemmas and choices as a way of progressing the plot.

What Love Street meant for recent French Cinema

“Love Street” contributes to French cinema in many ways. While the theme of love is universal, Leconte places it in a unique cultural setting, aligning the story with historical and socio-cultural aspects of the French era. The ambiance of the 1940s, the subtle tones of French resistance against societal norms, and the aura of the Parisian underworld have been artfully brought out.

The film incorporates aspects of the French New Wave, a revolutionary movement in cinema, which was known for its audacious storytelling and stylistic experimentation. Despite this, it also distinguishes itself by taking a different route – a more classic narrative structure and a clearer moral compass.

Leconte’s Unique Perspective

Leconte’s approach to “Love Street” is marked by his signature style, one that mingles a touch of melancholia with an enduring sense of hope. Through his craft, the director has a way of humanizing the usually stigmatized inhabitants of brothels and making them more relatable. Leconte’s direction allows for a deeply emotional exploration of the characters’ lives, their dreams, and their pursuit of love, adding a unique dimension to French cinema.

The screenplay’s depth coupled with Leconte’s ingenuity in directing makes this film a visual treat. The long, lingering shots, the attention to detail, and the focus on the actors’ expressions add a layer of emotional depth. The film subtly challenges the audience to question the societal norms and conventional morality of the time.

How does Love Street stack up on Blu-ray?

The transition of “Love Street” to Blu-ray is an absolute delight. The vivid detailing of the brothel interiors, the intricate costumes, and the subtle play of light and shadow get a new life on Blu-ray. The transfer boasts an impeccable 1080p resolution which enhances the film’s aesthetics and accentuates Leconte’s eye for detail.

In terms of audio, the DTS-HD Master Audio French 5.1 soundtrack offers an immersive auditory experience. The poignant dialogues, the mellow music, and the ambient sounds of the Parisian streets are perfectly captured.

The Blu-ray edition also offers a treasure trove of special features including Wade Major commentary, trailers and more. These extras serve to deepen one’s understanding and appreciation of the film.

The last word on Love Street

“Love Street” is a testament to Patrice Leconte’s brilliance and a significant contribution to French cinema. It redefines the conventional narratives around love and societal expectations, marking it as a must-watch for any ardent fan of international cinema.

The Blu-ray release only heightens this cinematic experience, bringing the enchanting world of 1940s Paris into viewers’ living rooms with unparalleled clarity and vibrancy. For those keen on exploring the depth and beauty of French cinema, “Love Street” on Blu-ray is an offer too tempting to resist.

Love Street is now available on Blu-ray from the Cohen Collection