Since I have previously missed this thread (what with my not being able to keep up to date with our board for the last two months), I have copied my short comments on this remarkable film from the last Movie seen thread.

Quote:Laurent Cantet's vers le sud (2005) was a very good emotional drama about the impossibility of a global perception in personal history. Set in the late 70s in haiti, it is an exploration of politics via their "absence" in the narrative of the film. The viewer has to fill out the blanks along with the female protagonists. Great structure, masterful directing, etc. Cantet is clearly one of the most gifted current french directors. Comparison with Robert Guediguain in the combination of personal and social history, though Cantet is as far as I can see superior in a lot of ways. Also a rare case of an completely honest film that doesn't try to ridicule anyone. In our "postmodern" age this may be hard to swallow for many viewers who think they can pass their judgement on a lot of things... Strongly recommended.
72/100

I have seen the film at the cinema, and I also loved the way it reversed the usual roles, making the viewer uncertain at times what is morally "expected" from him (as Trevor has pointed out). The film has a lot of "problems", although Cantet is such a capable director that he smoothens them over. But it could have been better if the picture had been a bit longer or a bit shorter. I did like the strong statement Cantet was making by keeping Legba silent. Another ambivalent move, as he denies him the right to speak, but at the same time allows him to keep his dignity. The psychology also sometimes stumbles, but it is played out on such a high level, that it is already rewarding if you only consider this part of the film. And Cantet is really a master when it comes to pulling the right strings for an emotional and honest scene. 

The only other of his films I`ve seen, is his masterpiece "Human Ressources" from 1999. Seems like Cantet has to be careful to bite off only what he can chew, but the risks paid out this time.