156. Pacifiction; movie review

 

PACIFICTION

Cert 15

165 mins

BBFC advice: Contains strong sex, nudity

Pacifiction is based on a great idea - opening a window on a world seldom seen on the big screen - but why did it have to be so bum-numbingly long?

Set in Tahiti in French Polynesia, it focuses on the diplomatic shuffling of the High Commissioner, De Roller (Benoît Magimel).

The representative of the French government on the island, has to walk a very fine line between those jostling for patronage and power.

Meanwhile, uncomfortable rumours begin to grow that controversial nuclear testing is about to begin in the area again.

De Roller sees all sides of French Polynesian life but, while showing a diplomatic facade, trusts none of them.

Much of the film is set at a seedy club whose owner (Sergi López) quietly insists that the staff, both male and female, wear the skimpiest clothes while serving a clientele of foreigners.

The High Commissioner is the country's figurehead - speaking at events such as a prestigious book launch but he is mainly occupied discussing politics in darkened corners.

Meanwhile, it is unclear whether he is giving responsibility or just taking advantage of a transgender hotel receptionist (Pahoa Mahagafanau) who has a habit of making important friends.

The intrigue and the surroundings certainly attract but the film just goes on and on and on and less and less happens as it progresses.

This is particularly true of the concluding 45 minutes which are simply a filler.

And why do the key characters wear the same clothes throughout? It is a bit odd that the High Commissioner only has a white suit - even when facing down a giant surf and I really couldn't fathom why a submarine's admiral would never change out of his uniform - even when dancing in a nightclub.

I admired the performances - especially Magimel's and Mahagafanau's - but Albert Serra's film outstayed its welcome by an hour.

Reasons to watch: A rare insight into French Polynesian culture

Reasons to avoid: Far far too long

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: Yes

Overall rating: 6/10

Did you know?  On 29 January 1996, France announced that it would accede to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, and no longer test nuclear weapons.

The final word. Albert Serra: "Like these colonies, or ex-colonies: all the contrasts, all the problems that we see, or that we have the intuition that are there. In these countries, these things are more visible from a graphic point of view. " Mubi

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