I LOVE this movie. It is one of my all-time favourites. The thing that makes it so so special is the tone, the warm, non-judgmental acutely observant tone. This film lingers adoringly on its characters trying to understand them, giving us, the viewers, time to dwell on them. I just loved the mood this film created. It is SUCH a gorgeous film. 
I have been desperately trying to find other Resnais films ever since I saw this one.