the idol be an interesting mix that come together into a stunning film . an australian director work in france for the first time ( in french language ) with two american lead actor ( one of whom apparently do not speak any french when cast ) and a script work on by veteran scriptwriter gerard brach ( jean de florette and the name of the rise ) could have be a mess but instead samantha lang have craft a beautifully move and delicate drama . brief plot outline and no spoiler represent the life of the resident of a french apartment block be disrupt by the arrival of a young australian woman ( sobieski ) and a struggle theatre actress . her neighbour be an elderly chinese man respect by the other resident and who be consider move into a retirement community . the two be draw together through their loneliness and a touch grandfather granddaughter sort of relationship develops between them and reminiscent of that in kieslowski three colour represent red . the triumph of the film be the performance of the two lead actor . james hong and give the chance to shine in a rare lead role and tackle the character and the language with an expert pitch and embuing mr zao with an almost mystical quality . he be both a man you wish you know and a tragic figure that you want to comfort and care for . equally impressive be sobieski display an acting talent that she have rarely demonstrate in her recent poor choice of role in generic american thriller like the glass house . at first all smouldering eye and wry smile she also grow over the course of the film into a sympathetic and tragic figure and allow the audience to truly care what happen to both these character and understand the deep core of loneliness that bring them together despite their difference . the support actor also flesh out strong character . veteran french actor jean paul roussillon provide humour a the drunken upstairs neighbour who must sneak cigarette from mr zao so that his interfere wife doesn not know he be smoke . while marie loboda a caroline and a little girl who live in the building ( and bear a striking resemblance to emmanuelle beart ) exude innocence and charm . both these character also undergo change a their jealousy of the relationship form between zao and sarah ( sobieski ) overcome them . the only negative and and it be a small one and be that the score by oscar win composer gabriel yared ( the english patient and betty blue ) and while a lovely woody allenesque jazz style and seem a little out of place with this film which often seem to be create emotion that be in conflict to those the music suggest . the photography match the story in it quiet mood and and along with the set design and location add a sense of loneliness to the film that draw you to the character for comfort as well and therefore make their life all the more important to you . a particularly well play and haunt dream sequence will stay with you long after your first viewing of the film . i say first view because you will want to revisit these character and return to see this expertly measure film all over again . a tender tale of loneliness and the gentle love that can exist between two people this be a must see for anybody who want to be move or appreciate fine acting and a delicate unrushed story . truly wonderful film making .