The Hedgehog
Seen it?2009 | 100 min | Comedy, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
Paloma is a serious and highly articulate but deeply bored 11-year-old who has decided to kill herself on her 12th birthday. Fascinated by art and philosophy, she questions and documents her life and immediate circle, drawing trenchant and often hilarious observations on the world around her. But as her appointment with death approaches, Paloma finally meets some kindred spirits in her building's grumpy janitor and an enigmatic, elegant neighbor, both of whom inspire Paloma to question her rather pessimistic outlook on life.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
87% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.2 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 10K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Mona Achache
- Josiane BalaskoRenée Michel
- Garance Le GuillermicPaloma Josse
- Togo IgawaKakuro Ozu
- Anne BrochetSolange Josse
- Ariane AscarideManuela Lopez
- Wladimir YordanoffPaul Josse
- Sarah Le PicardColombe Josse
- Jean-Luc PorrazJean-Pierre, tramp
- Mona HeftreMrs. Meurisse
- Gisèle CasadesusMrs. de Broglie