Alicia I love this movie so much

Beystiman It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

Freeman This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Gary The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

dissident320 It has some interesting elements and Charlotte Rampling is excellent. The story has some meta-elements of her being a mystery author and getting caught up with some of her subject matter while on a writing getaway. It's primarily about her being a voyeur and using some of these observations in her novel.It had a decent ending which made me want to give it a little bit higher of a rating. Overall it's well-made but unremarkable.

Python Hyena Swimming Pool (2003): Dir: Francois Ozon / Cast: Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier, Charles Dance, Jean-Marie Lamour, Marc Fayolle: Spellbinding erotic mystery about beauty, lust, age, dysfunction, and what emerges from the pool whether it be fall leaves or the captivating image of young skin. It stars Charlotte Rampling as a successful mystery writer who is sent to her publisher's holiday home to rest and regain her composure for writing. Peace and quiet are interrupted by the arrival of her publisher's French daughter played by Ludivine Sagnier who is loud, obnoxious and brings home an array of males for a night of sinful passion. What is most fascinating is its reality and fantasy base that is never clear but then again, that is the point. Was a murder committed or is it just the prize of a latest bestseller? Director Francois Ozon brings viewers deep into the mind and reality and is backed by tremendous performances by Rampling and Sagnier with an underwritten role by Charles Dance as the publisher who is only present when convenient for the plot. Jean-Marie Lamour appears as a male caught within Sagnier's web of passion and regrets it severely. Marc Fayolle also makes an appearance as a character named Marcel. While some elements aren't exactly clear, it does play like a mystery novel within slick compelling filmmaking and peep show. Score: 7 ½ / 10

brchthethird SWIMMING POOL is a laid-back, sensual thriller with top-notch performances by Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier. The story is about a British crime novelist, Sarah Morton (Rampling) who, lacking in inspiration, is allowed by her publisher to vacation at his French home to begin work on a new novel. Trouble starts when his daughter shows up unexpectedly and begins to turn things upside down for the uptight novelist. Gradually, Sarah starts to come out of her shell and then things take a turn I didn't expect (which I'll leave unsaid). The best thing about this incredible film are the great performances given by Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Sagnier (as Sarah's publisher's daughter). They bring so much depth to their characters and every scene they share is a treat to watch. Also of note is the eerie, mysterious score which does an excellent job at setting the tone of the film. The film is also shot very well, with lots of beautiful location shooting on the French countryside. The only negative I could find was a scene about two thirds of the way through when Julie (Sagnier) brings home a waiter who Sarah happens to know, and they have a little dance party. It was more the choice of song than anything, although the scene was rather awkward in and of itself. Still, this only reminds me why I love French films, especially thrillers like this one. Highly recommended.

George Wright This movie will keep you thinking after it is over. The main role is performed by Charlotte Rampling as the successful writer of mystery novels, Sarah Morton. The plot takes you from London to the south of France where the action mainly occurs. There is some wonderful viewing pleasure as the audience sees the transition to a holiday retreat in France. Sarah is on a working holiday at the residence of her publisher, performed by Charles Dance. The publisher has invited her to spend some time there where she can work on her next project. She needs a change to escape the doldrums of a writer's block. Sarah's new-found tranquillity is upset with the arrival of Julie (Ludivine Sagnier), her publisher's daughter. Sarah is uncomfortable with Julie's promiscuous lifestyle and Julie views Sarah as a prude, who is totally unable to relax and enjoy life's pleasures. As the movie progresses, we feel that Sarah has taken a different turn, not only in her writing but also in her life as she adapts to Julie's behaviour. There is a swimming pool below her balcony and it is a dominant location throughout the movie. The animosity between Sarah and Julie undergoes a thaw and we feel that Sarah is anxious to break through the bounds of her own life and become more adventuresome.Francois Ozon, the director, shows us two people whose self-indulgent lifestyle forges a relationship that can literally ignore their wrongdoing. This movie delivers a few surprises at the end but the dominant impression is of two women who are willing to sacrifice people to preserve their own comfortable existence.