2014 Cannes Critics’ Panel Day 6: Dardennes Receive a Bonus with “Two Days, One Night” & “Still the Water” Floats

Cannes May 20th – Day 6.

Past the midway point, this morning’s 8:30 a.m. screening proved that The Dardennes might be the first to three-peat. Palme d’Or winners with Rosetta (1999) and L’Enfant (2005), the Belgium trio (including Marion Cotillard) are currently sitting at the pole position among our critics with a solid 4-star rating average. Minimalist, sprawling in microscopic scope with a Twelve Angry Men-like formula, the world’s larger issues get truncated into a mother-wife trying to safe her job and potentially, keep the family nest intact. With a resolution that could have ended in a manner of ways and still work, it’s disarming how the Dardennes manage to immerse the viewer in this heroine’s plight and flight with the utmost of ease. Two Days, One Night is the buzz title of the fest so far. Their last film, The Kid with a Bike (2011) won the Grand Prix.

Having screened the previous night, the day’s second film from Japanese helmer Naomi Kawase, Still the Water is about two teens dealing with separation within their families scored good grades from our panel perhaps for its lush backdrop and philosophical template. Winner of the Camera d’Or for Suzaku (Directors’ Fortnight – 1997), Kawase’s fourth feature film in the Main Comp showings of Sharsojyu (2003), The Mourning Forest (2007 – Grand Prix winner) and Hanezu (2011). Click on the grid below for the latest results: