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Esther Kahn 15 rating

Arnaud Desplechin's artfully directed tale of a young Jewish girl drawn to the passion of theatre in 19th-century London.

Drama 2001 142 mins

Director: Arnaud Desplechin

Rent for £3.50

Overview

Staged with authenticity and studded with passion, French director Arnaud Desplechin’s first English language film is a delight for the senses. Set in 19th-century London, it tells the story of Esther, a young, timid girl adopted by a Jewish family, who's drawn to the passionate world of theatre. A vivid and enticing character study that aims to explore the notion of what it means to be an actor.

Adapted by Desplechin himself, along with his writing partner Emmanuel Bordieu, and based on the short story by Arthur Symons, Esther Kahn simmers with the intimacy of working class life and the extravagance of the stage. Propelled by a strong performance from Summer Phoenix, sister of actors Joaquin and the later River Phoenix, it's an entrancing work which betrays the level of detail and care that Desplechin clearly has for his story and characters.

Director
Arnaud Desplechin
Featuring
Summer PhoenixIan HolmFabrice DesplechinFrances Barber
Genres
Drama
Certificate
15Contains very strong language and strong sex references and violence
Released
2001
Country
France
Language
No Dialogue with English subtitles