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Gabrielle is a 2005 French drama film that follows the story of Gabrielle (Isabelle Huppert), a woman in her forties who is married to Jean (Pascal Greggory). They live a wealthy and comfortable life in a French chateau. Gabrielle is constantly bored and frustrated with her life, feeling unfulfilled by her monotonous routine. She yearns for passion and excitement, which she finds in her affair with Paul (Charles Berling), a dashing landscaper who works in their estate. Gabrielle is torn between her feelings for Paul and her desire to keep her marriage intact.

The film is beautifully shot, and the stunning French countryside provides an idyllic backdrop for the story. The characters are complex and well-developed, and the performances are outstanding. Isabelle Huppert shines as Gabrielle, bringing depth and intensity to her portrayal of a woman struggling with her desires and societal expectations. Pascal Greggory also gives a convincing performance as Jean, the uptight and conservative husband who is unaware of his wife's affair. Claudia Coli plays Hélène, Jean's sister, who is also grappling with an unfulfilling marriage.

At its core, Gabrielle is a study of human relationships and the complexities of desire. The film explores the tension between societal expectations and personal fulfillment. Gabrielle represents the conflict that arises when one yearns for something different from what society tells us is acceptable. Her affair with Paul challenges her notions of fidelity and societal expectations of marriage. The film also delves into the pressures of social class and how it shapes people's lives.

As the story progresses, the tension builds between Gabrielle and Jean, who suspects that his wife is having an affair. The scenes between them are electrifying, as each tries to maintain a façade of normalcy, while their emotions simmer just below the surface. Meanwhile, Gabrielle's relationship with Paul intensifies, and she struggles to keep her feelings in check.

The film is not just about the story of Gabrielle, but also about the characters around her. Hélène's dissatisfaction with her marriage is juxtaposed against Gabrielle's situation. There are moments of tension between the two women as Hélène tries to guide Gabrielle towards a path of stability and contentment. The drama becomes even more intense towards the end, as secrets are revealed and the characters' true feelings come to light.

Overall, Gabrielle is a must-see film for fans of French cinema. It is a captivating and moving tale of love, desire and the pressures of society. The performances by the cast, especially Isabelle Huppert, are outstanding, and the direction by Patrice Chéreau is masterful. It is a timeless story that still holds relevance in today's world.

Gabrielle is a 2005 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 79.