
The Witnesses
2007, Drama, 1h 54m
50 Reviews 1,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
French director André Téchiné successfully weaves five gripping stories in an engaging and realistic film about the early days of the AIDS epidemic. Read critic reviews
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Cast & Crew
Adrien

Sarah
Mehdi
Julie

Manu
Sandra
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Critic Reviews for The Witnesses
All Critics (50) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (43) | Rotten (7)
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November 18, 2011 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
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November 17, 2011 | Rating: 3/5 -
Excitingly convoluted.
October 18, 2008 -
Techine's graceful, forceful drama has the tact not to play narrative games with its subject.
October 18, 2008 | Rating: 3.5/4 -
André Téchiné's film features a strong ensemble cast. The film pulls no punches in its depiction of lives in crisis.
July 16, 2008 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
The Witnesses doesn't pay off with a great operatic pinnacle, but it's better that way. Better to show people we care about facing facts they care desperately about, without the consolation of plot mechanics.
May 16, 2008 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for The Witnesses
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Jun 12, 2010An unusual but refreshingly straightforward film that sensitively shows how the beginning of the AIDS epidemic affects a group of connected friends. Beautifully filmed, the screenplay keeps things relatively pared back and serves the actors well - the power and intensity comes from the terrific performances instead of artificial melodrama. An intelligent and adult film.Daniel P Super Reviewer
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Apr 17, 2010Poignant, sensitive drama with well developed characters realistically played by the cast.jay n Super Reviewer
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May 23, 2008Functional but well performed recollection of the AIDS epidemic and its fallout amongst a group of unlikable bourgeoisie.Gordon A Super Reviewer
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Mar 16, 2008[font=Century Gothic]In "The Witnesses," it is 1984 and Sarah(Emmanuelle Beart), a children's writer, is married to Mehdi(Sami Bouajila), a macho and ambitious vice cop. Not being able to concentrate with her baby crying all the time, Sarah persuades her husband to take some time off, so they can go to her summer house, inviting her friend and doctor, Adrien(Michel Blanc), who brings along Manu(Johan Libereau), a young man who he met while cruising in the park one night. During that weekend, Mehdi saves Manu from drowning and the two men become friends...[/font] [font=Century Gothic][/font] [font=Century Gothic]It goes without saying that there has been better fiction written about the early days of the AIDS epidemic including "Longtime Companion" and the play, "Angels in America," which were made at the end of the initial crisis, signaling the beginning of the long battle ahead. Coming at least a decade after them, "The Witnesses" is an astute but slightly overlong movie that is a reminder of how far we have come since then, arguing for love and compassion in the process. But what also sets it apart, is its eroticism, not shying away from the sexual side of the equation which even the more chaste characters have no problem with.[/font]Walter M Super Reviewer
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