The Woman in the Fifth

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O g Jul 1 A strange film in many ways but enjoyed it See more Glafira Regina O @Glafira_Regina May 10 The film tells the story of an American writer who decides to come to Paris to visit his daughter from a once-happy marriage. He’s drowning in financial troubles and is forced to take a job as a night watchman in a semi-shady establishment, where he works on writing a book. The protagonist is filled with bitterness and apathy toward the world and everyone around him—except his daughter. But everything changes dramatically when he meets Margit. Who is this mysterious woman? What happened between Tom and his ex-wife? What lies ahead for him? We don’t get clear answers. From what I understood, the woman is a persistent thought and a personification of his mental illness—something he refused to acknowledge but eventually accepted and surrendered to. Another important moment: when the main character asks how long he’s supposed to stay with her, she replies, “undefined.” So, the screenwriter does leave him a chance at recovery. Although the meaning is deep and interesting, the film itself is quite dull, and the main character’s story is not really revealed. It’s a rather unconventional film and won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. For me, for example—it wasn’t. See more Maria H Apr 12 The movie is confusing and repetitive. No resolution. And very boring. See more Russell M Apr 8 Artistic, intriguing, yet ultimately left me flat. I hung in the entire disappointing way. See more Alastair N 09/04/2024 The critics and indeed the vast majority of viewers outside Poland miss the point of this majestic film entirely. Most of the "plot" is completely irrelevant. So, let me explain. The "Woman in the Fifth" is human temptation. Five is the biblical number for humans. Ethan Hawke is attracted to her with human lust. By contrast, when he arrives in Paris, circumstance leads him to Joanna Kulig. In the midst of those who are considered the lowest form of humanity, she shows him love and takes him upstairs to his room. Room number seven. Next door, in room six, the occupant is clearly in hell. Yes: 666 the number of the devil. And seven? Well, you've heard of seventh heaven. Joanna Kulig is Jesus. Later in the film, she leads him on to the roof of the hotel and speaks to him in Polish, a language he does not understand but it brings him to tears. On awakening, she looks over the rooftops at the Sacre Coeur. In every scene prior to this, Ethan is surrounded by high walls but in the next scene, Joanna holds his hand, arms outstretched as if on the cross, walking on a railway track. Yet still, despite the love of Jesus, an unconditional love that makes his soul soar, Ethan deserts her in favour of the woman in the fifth, deserts Jesus for the temptations of mortal flesh. For me, this is the best film ever made. See more Daniel G 08/24/2024 Though really beautifully filmed, this was more frustrating than intriguing - just too many open ends left without real explanations. Too bad I heard it in Portuguese - wondered how Ethan Hawke spoke French. See more Read all reviews

The Woman in the Fifth

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