Rent The Hedgehog (2010)

Exceptionally well-done adaptation of a classic, much loved book - The Hedgehog review by EN

As the book, 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' was so good, I was prepared not to expect too much of this film. Instead, I was positively blown over as this delightful, moving, intelligent movie manages to not only do justice to the book but also create a lovely stand-alone piece by itself, worth watching by anyone who hasn't read the book (and those who have, will be well rewarded).

The brilliant director, Mona Achache, has managed to lovingly recreate the Paris atmosphere so well drawn in the novel, so I could instantly recognise it; and to evoke the contradictory sense of simultaneous alienation and belonging experienced by the very bright, very sensitive young Paloma, through whose eyes the story is seen.

All the characters in this film are easy to relate to: the bright Paloma who, burning with creativity at 11 ish years of age does not want to join the cynical, empty adult world she sees around her, made up of posturing characters leading inauthentic, vacuous lives; Kukuro, the stupendous Japanese gentleman with impeccable manners and a glint in his eye who befriends Paloma; and Renee, the curmudgeonly manageress/janitor (the 'Hedgehog' of the title) whose brittle exterior hides vast depths of cultured sensitivity and frustrated passion, who hides her love of music and literature (and huge book collection) from the insufferable middle-bourgeoisie who make up the inhabitants of her building, yet cannot quite fool either the inquisitive, intelligent Paloma, nor the admiring Kukuro, who, detecting her secret, both make beautiful alliances with her. Thus one is treated to a story of tender friendships, hope and love, humour and a gentle dose of French 'je ne sais quoi'... in short, if you like intelligent stories well told, with sensitive characters who find each other in an often alienating world, I think you'll love this beautiful film. Highly recommended.

Dull and artificial - The Hedgehog review by CP Customer

Very tedious, with unbelievable characters and overall an alienating effect. Time seems to go past very slowly.