I'm torn when I think about this movie. Part of me wants to dismiss it as pretentious art house academia. The other part of it is simply enchanted by is visual and aural style and its love of character. It goes without saying that Juliette Binoche's performance is remarkable. As Roger Ebert put it in his review, "she can convince you that she is thinking and feeling, [but] she doesn't need to 'do' things in an obvious way." I certainly relate to that claim and agree with it wholeheartedly. Her performance beckoned me to try to penetrate the enigma of her character; I tried furiously to understand her, and while I don't think I completely succeeded, I did figure a lot out. For some time after the film was over, I continued to reflect on it. I'll err on the favorable side for any movie that can make me think like that.

Blue is the first in the "Three Colors" trilogy, by writer-director Krzysztof Kieslowski. Although the three films relate distinct stories, together they comprise a singular study. I would recommend to anyone interested in viewing any of these films that the complete trilogy be viewed, in order, and in close succession. For those who like to ponder and reflect, it will be a richly rewarding experience.