I am a not a big fan of foreign films, but since this was by Luc Besson, I had a feeling it would be unique and worthwhile. And it was. At first, you might think it's going to be too artsy in black & white, but the beautiful cinematography with panoramic shots and amazing use of natural light and shadows captures the scenic beauty of Paris as well as the atmosphere which inspires Love in so many people. At other times, the black and while subtly conveys the contrast between the characters and where they're from. The acting is superb. Rie Rasmussen is stunning in this. There's a sharp contrast between the two central characters and everything about them reflects it. Yet the story speaks to that within us - feeling unworthy, lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem - and how one person can have an impact on another. There's a lesson in it for the underdog in all of us. With twists and turns, you're never quite sure what is coming next. It's an easy view with the subtitles kept to a minimum so the viewer can spend more time enjoying the full experience. I came away feeling pleasantly surprised.

Angel-A is an easy film to knock. Superficially, there isn't a great deal to endear it to any particular type of audience. For example, there's barely any action, no sex or nudity, there are no big Hollywood stars, it's not sufficiently intellectual to be an 'art-house movie' (despite being black & white!) and, although it has amusing moments, it's hardly a comedy. In addition, the film is only focused on the two main characters and, even then, it's only really about one of them. The remaining participants are (quite deliberately it appears) straightforward stereotypes who allow the simple story to progress. The quality of acting from Rie Rasmussen seems far from impressive but, to be fair, she's not speaking in her native language. Mind you, her awkward portrayal of the titular character seems to work well and she certainly stands out as a 'fish out of water'. But despite the film's potential short-comings, there are three saving graces that transform Angel-A from a rather average 7 to a brilliant 9 in my eyes: the breathtaking cinematography (thank you Luc Besson), the magnificent casting (Jamel Debbouze is perfect as André) and the heart- warming gentle story (which stayed with me long after the film had finished). In fact, I would go so far as to say that Angel-A could leave you examining your own life and wondering when was the last time you stopped to 'respire and regard' the beautiful world around you and consider how the way you feel about yourself might well have a direct impact on how others treat you. However, Angel-A is one of those films that you have to be in the right mood to watch. If you don't allow yourself to relax and be drawn into the fairytale, the story can easily fall flat. You also have to give it a chance to get started; the fast-paced dialogue at the beginning makes it hard to watch the pictures at the same time as reading the words (unless you're French of course!). But once Angela enters the frame, the story takes off on a stunningly gorgeous wander around Paris and the way that the tale gently unfolds in the second half of the film is wonderfully touching. There are many moments of outstanding beauty and even the superficially simplistic long-shots of Angela & André crossing the Seine have a mysterious magical quality about them. Actually, the whole film feels slightly unreal; this is partly down to the subject matter but also to the way it was filmed in an almost-empty Paris at odd times of the day. So, in summary, I love Angel-A. It's one of those films you can watch again and again quite happily and find new insights from each viewing. There are so many scenes that quickly become favourite moments as you watch it multiple times. The contrast between the giant Nordic goddess and the shifty little North-African seems to work brilliantly and the backdrop of a beautiful black & white Paris with incredible lighting more than makes up for a few minor flaws. 9/10

'I am a reflection of you' Angela tells Andre, with an assured, smile over their table at a Parisian café.'What, a beautiful, 6 foot tall slut?' He asks, amused.'Yes.' For those who truly read into those lines, I believe them to be the summation of Andre's dual character profiles (the aesthetic averageand the beautiful inside 'put simply', as Angela might say) and the marrying of all the elements together in this Luc Besson beauty...Angela is the physical manifestation of Andre's 'inside'. In physicality - on which we all naturally draw instant conclusions on the people we encounter...she is the obvious everything that Andre can't see in himself, as it would mean looking past the 'first layer' - the surface.His good nature evokes the saying of those who stand '6 feet tall' purely on the grounds of his goodness - a man to be looked up to. Her 'sluttiness' - that dress and attitude - is a reference to Andre's habit of whoring himself out indiscriminately to anyone, regardless of their true intentions, who'll show him the slightest bit of attention or superficial kindness (the gambling scene and it's lead-up in the bar, embodies this). Her beauty, the embodiment of the western mainstream ideals of femininity and attractiveness - tall, long-legged, blonde, generally model looking - refer to the all-pervasive 'good' that Andre really is inside.Luc, instead of being conventionally preachy by consistently arguing the self is more important than the superficial - actually engages both, a physical manifestation - one in which we all recognise - to exemplify another in a way that couldn't possibly be lost on his audience.Very well done.That line truly made the film for me - otherwise, an elegant, jovial, delicate and smooth-running watch.

Angel A is one of those wonderful films that is truly an experience and original - as we watched we felt ourselves becoming more and ore drawn to this loser and this impossibly tall girl and their story.Both a fairy tale and a gritty look at Paris' underworld Besson mixes together a wonderful romance adds humor and fear and gives us something unique and magical.We were really moved by this: a tale of love that is definitely out of the ordinary. Shot in black and white and beautifully lit and composed, there is an ethereal, yet truly gritty tone to this that really does capture the viewer.The plot is almost impossible to describe without revealing spoilers, except to say André, a total loser, jumps from a bridge and saves Angela, and the adventure begins.Above all, this is film, and a film that you can experience and remember: a masterclass in brilliant captivating storytelling it might well be one of the great romantic movies - just different from beginning to end - and warmly recommended.