DON'T FORGET YOU'RE GOING TO DIE

"Don't Forget You're Going to Die" is a 1995 French film directed by Xavier Beauvois, starring Chiara Mastroianni and Roschdy Zem. The movie focuses on the life of a young man, Benoit (Xavier Beauvois), who is diagnosed with HIV and how he deals with his upcoming death.

Benoit is a 30-year-old man who is living a seemingly normal life. He has a girlfriend, a job, and good friends, but everything changes when he is diagnosed with HIV. Struggling to accept his diagnosis, Benoit starts to push away his loved ones and his world slowly starts to crumble.

The film explores the themes of death, love, and friendship. Despite the heavy subject matter, the movie manages to find moments of humor and levity, making it a well-rounded and emotionally impactful film.

One of the strong points of the film is the acting. Xavier Beauvois delivers a nuanced and heart-wrenching portrayal of Benoit. He manages to capture the character's fears, regrets, and hopes with authenticity and vulnerability. Chiara Mastroianni also shines as Lise, Benoit's girlfriend. She is supportive and caring, but also struggles to deal with the reality of Benoit's illness.

Roschdy Zem is another standout in the film, playing the role of a young man named Mourad who befriends Benoit. Mourad is a free-spirited and adventurous character who provides a much-needed escape for Benoit from his illness. The chemistry between Zem and Beauvois is palpable, and their interactions add a sense of lightheartedness and joy to the film.

The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Emmanuelle Riva and Catherine Ferran, who play two elderly women living in the same assisted-living center as Benoit. Their characters provide a sense of perspective and wisdom, giving Benoit and the audience a glimpse into the value of life and how it should be cherished.

Visually, the film is impressive, utilizing beautiful and sweeping shots of the French countryside to contrast with the confined and contained spaces that the characters inhabit. The cinematography lends itself well to the themes of mortality and the beauty of life.

Overall, "Don't Forget You're Going to Die" is a poignant and moving film that explores the complexities of life and death. The performances are exceptional, the visuals are stunning, and the story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. It is a film that will stay with the viewer long after the credits roll.