I never give anything 5 stars

This might not be a good time to write a review, when it's very late into the night, and I've consumed a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon while watching Betty Blue for the 5th or 6th time.

No time for a practice, no editing, just shooting from the hip while the urge is there.

It just seems fitting to applaud this wonderful film immediatley, right now, in the impulsive spirit of Betty & Zorg, or the motivation to do so will be lost in tomorrow's sobriety.

This film is THE archetypal French film IMHO. I never give anthing 5 stars. But, as I'd rightly give a zero or 1 star rating to a naff film, surely my favourite French film ever must deserve max points?

It's got the lot. Eroticism yes, but also the matter-of-fact nudity that is normal in one's own home is just real life, isn't it? Or it might have been before you got old.

This film has sex, love, recklessness, impulsive behaviour, comedy, delightful non-PC lines ('cigarettes de Pedes') and classy Mercs, little French idiosyncrasies (the boiling pot awaiting Zorg's return, and the care needed to make coffee properly), tragedy, pathos, friendship, tolerance and heart-rending angst towards the end.

Just brilliant.

I tried the English subtitles, but the American accents were just horrbile. For me, the suggestion that these personnages could be Yanks truly appalled me. It doesn't work. The moment I switched back to French, the magic returned.

The Americans simply cannot make a film of this quality.

This is the one film that enticed me to French cinema. There are many in a similar style, but this is the best of the genre.

The plot?

Betty & Zorg are introduced in a passionate scene, in which every one of remembers, or pretends existed.

The slowly unwinding story follows their passionate beginnings, the usual rows, reconcilliations and adventures together.

Things change, they move from place to place, a deep love develops, but the relationship spirals tragically downwards as Betty becomes ill. Things get a little out of hand.

You thought the lady you love goes a bit OTT due to PMT? Betty is worse. Trust me.

Oh, what do I know? Just see it.

If you don't like it , then you have no heart at all.