Watch Going Away

Going Away is a French drama film directed by Nicole Garcia, which was released in 2013. The film follows the life of Baptiste, a teacher who has recently separated from his wife, and is now struggling to cope with the loss of his relationship and the daily grind of his job. One day, while driving back from work, Baptiste comes across a former student, Mathias, who is being beaten up by a gang of boys. Without hesitation, Baptiste jumps out of his car and assists Mathias, leaving him with a few stitches and bruises. However, Baptiste's actions soon land him in trouble with the school authorities, who accuse him of misconduct and threaten to suspend him from his job.

Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about his future, Baptiste decides to take a break from the city and get away for a while. He heads towards the countryside, where he visits his mother, who he has not seen for years. Upon arriving, he reconnects with old friends and neighbours, meets new people, and experiences a range of emotions, from sadness and regret to happiness and hope.

Throughout the film, Baptiste learns to come to with his past, and gradually start to find some peace and closure. Together with his mother, who is suffering from Alzheimer's, he visits places from his childhood, and reminisces about his past. He also meets a young girl named Claire, who is the niece of his friend, and the two forge a close bond.

As the story unfolds, we are privy to glimpses of Baptiste's life before his separation from his wife. We see flashbacks of their relationship, their arguments, and their love for each other. At the same time, we see how his present-day experiences help him find a renewed sense of purpose and a new direction in life.

Overall, Going Away is a touching and thought-provoking film that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. The performances of the cast, particularly Pierre Rochefort's portrayal of Baptiste, are outstanding, and the French countryside provides a beautiful and tranquil backdrop for the story to unfold. The cinematography is superb, capturing the raw beauty of the natural world, and the film is full of memorable moments that will stay with you long after the end credits roll.