Is La peau de chagrin Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

📖 The Core Premise

La peau de chagrin returns to the screen in 1980, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Raphaël de Valentin is a tormented, hopeless and penniless young aristocrat. An old antique dealer gives him a sorrowful skin that has the power to grant all the wishes of its owner. But he warns him: with each wish granted, the size of the skin will shrink."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In La peau de chagrin, even the presence of Marc Delsaert struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is La peau de chagrin worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, La peau de chagrin misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 140 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.