Frances Ha (Criterion Collection) (Blu-ray + DVD)

Frances Ha is nothing short of a breath of fresh air—a film so lively, so bright, that it feels like the perfect companion for anyone navigating the wild, uncharted territory of growing up. It’s fun and serious in such a gentle, refreshing way, with a lightheartedness that never belittles the real struggles at its core. We follow Frances as she dances her way through life, friendships, and ambitions, watching her beautiful friendship with her ex-college "other half" begin to change as careers and differing levels of success drift them apart.Frances herself is captivating—a character who faces every hurdle with a sad smile and a contagious resilience that warms the heart. There are no grand, sweeping gestures of sadness, no tearful breakdowns; just a quiet, poignant journey that unfolds with all the beauty of a well-loved song. And what a soundtrack! David Bowie’s “Modern Love” has truly found its perfect cinematic home here, capturing the spark, the charm, and the unassuming elegance that runs through every moment.There’s a cadence to Frances Ha that feels both delicate and empowering, a little gift that gives with every scene, lingering in your heart long after it’s over. It’s the rare kind of film that makes you feel braver, kinder, and, above all, wonderfully alive.

I'll be honest. I was never a Noah Baumbach fan. The Squid and the Whale was over-rated to me, and, while solid, that previous Baumbach effort -- let's not forget NB has co-written some solid fare with Wes Anderson -- had the critics loving it because it had enough dark material, enough easy cynicism to satisfy the jaded mass of ex-English majors filling the dying papers. FRANCES HA, on the other hand, is FRESH, bright, fun and serious in an entirely different way. We see this young girl's friendship with her ex-college gal pal ("the other her/me") fall apart and alter as life comes along, with careers and disparate levels of success. The roomie has a relationship. The roomie has a great job. And Frances has to find her way, in that unforgiving career: dance/choreography. And let me tell you, having met the fallen bodies from Julliard and the Manhattan School of Music and watching them adjust to the rigors of this less than forgiving world is something I know well, but this film has a charm, an aplomb, a simple, lovely cadence that gives and gives. Seeing her switch roommates, return to her college roots, suffer the worst kind of "I can do it" world travel to Paris, and then land on her feet, without all the cliches of "Hey, everything is sudden success; she is a choreographer for SNL now'" is a thing of beauty. I loathe the fact that this upbeat work is not Oscar-nominated. And sure, thinking of The Prof in The Squid and the Whale, yes, I know Oscars are for Philistines :) But, honestly, from twirling to Bowie's "Modern Love" in Manhattan to 'fake-fighting,' I LOVED every moment. It does have a formlessness at first, and then you see that it's more than slice of life; it's life rendered damned well, and France's transitions are heroic. There are so many sweet moments, such as her brief visit home at the holidays, rendered in a series of quick cuts and warm images. Gerwig is great. The cinematography: majestic. Go love it.

The Woody Allen influence in the movie, like the black and white title sequence, is very apparent. The humor is light-hearted, and the acting is good overall. The on-location scenes of NYC are appealing and the black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous. The only problem I have with the movie is the story – it focuses so much on Frances' social awkwardness in awkward situations that I don't get to see who she is. Yes, she's clumsy, tender-hearted, and nerdy, but what are her views on life? I wanted to see her mind, but I only got Frances in bad situations. However, it's still an enjoyable movie if you want something light to watch. The Criterion Blu-ray edition is top-notch. The video presentation is flawless. I'd recommend the purchase if you're a fan of Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig. Otherwise, just rent it.

Greta Gerwig's character is someone you root for even she doesn't make the best decisions

This movie was such a surreal experience for me. I had never heard of this movie before and i took a chance on it. So glad i did. I felt a real affinity with Francis and her life. I was so there with her a few years ago before i got stuff figured out. I loved this actress too. Im now a huge Greta Gerwig fan. her performance,well it was so funny and charming yet sad. Maybe because of my own experience in her shoes i related to what she was going through. But this movie touched me on a profound level. sorry to be cheesy but it did. Loved it. Loved Greta Gerwig. Love Francis Ha.

Movie was exactly what I hoped for and in great condition as advertised, would recommend buying from this seller !

The best Baumbach film and the best showcase for Greta Gerwig. A beautifully moody, oddly upbeat film about affluent post-college slackers, enriched by brilliant use of music by George Delerue originally comosed for Truffaut films: a kind of rich kid "400 Blows" and NYC "Jules and Jim."

Frances Ha was a movie that I didn't initially love, but my wife did. At her prodding, I have since watched "Frances Ha" again ... and again ... and again. I have to admit that my initial assessment was wrong. "Frances Ha" is brilliant. I am so glad that it got the Criterion treatment so shortly after it was released. Criterion makes everything better.