Review: ‘Breaking and Entering’ on DVD

The majority of popular films are based in fantasy. Filmgoers like to escape from reality and their own personal problems while enjoying a movie. Breaking and Entering (2007) is the complete opposite experience which explains why it did not receive the attention it deserved. This final film directed by the late Anthony Minghella feels so real that it is painful.

Breaking and Entering is centered on the personal and professional life of Will (Jude Law). He has been living with his girlfriend of 10 years Liv (Robin Wright Penn) and her 13 year old autistic daughter. The couple is deeply in love, but is struggling with raising a handicapped daughter, the time constraints of Will’s job, and Liv’s chronic depression.

Will is a Landscape Architect who recently moved his business to the crime infested area of King’s Cross, London. Soon after the business opens it is robbed twice. Taking matters into his own hands, Will stakes out the office and soon discovers a young man Miro (Rafi Gavron) trying to break in. Will follows the robber to a run down apartment complex and witnesses an exchange between Miro and his mother Amira (Juliette Binoche).

The next day Will goes back to the apartment to gain information about the burglary, but finds himself fascinated by Amira. Will learns that Amira is a refugee from Bosnian who fled to London to start a new life after the death of her husband. They quickly develop a physical relationship and Will becomes torn between his love for Amira and turning her son in for his crimes.

This film’s best attribute is the wonderful performances given by the lead actors. Jude Law is brilliant in his portrayal of Will. He gives just enough emotion for the audience to feel his struggles, but still upholds the take charge business and family man exterior. Juliette Binoche is one of my favorite actresses and sorely under rated. She gave everything she had in portraying the grieving, lonely single mother. Her performance just tore at my heart. Robin Wright Penn’s performance was great, but the least captivating. She was just missing that certain something and her Norwegian accent was distracting.

The screenplay was definitely character driven. The whole concept of having the characters move the story along instead of the other way around was refreshing. The thoughtful portrayal of insecurities the characters felt was truthful and real. The only problem I had was the ending, which I do not want to give it away, but it was disappointing.

Breaking and Entering was a thought inspiring Independent film that should have received more recognition. The film touches on concepts that everyone can relate to such as war, lies, lust, crime, love, and forgiveness with heart wrenching realism.

Rated R for sexuality and language

DVD includes commentary with Writer/Director, behind the scenes making of, deleted scenes with commentary, and theatrical trailer.

[rating:4/5]