Portrait of a Lady on Fire

In 1760, Marianne is engaged to paint a portrait of Heliose who is promised in marriage to a man she hasn't met.

The director has achieved something extraordinary in making a poignant film that depicts moods in a craggy setting. The era was one when few freedoms were afforded to women, yet many remained unbowed and some burned with defiance. An unhurried air quietly envelopes the characters so audiences are unconcerned about the gentle pace. We're left breathless by the patient rendering of visual expressions of deep and tender desirous feelings. This girl is on fire, that one too.`

MIFF 2019
119 mins