The Hedgehog

Name: The Hedgehog
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: August 19, 2011
Duration: 100 min
Rating: 64

2011

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 22 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Ratings

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7.8

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7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 10 Ratings

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The Hedgehog

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Movie Details & Credits

NeoClassics Films | Release Date: August 19, 2011 | Not Rated

Summary: The Hedgehog is the timely story of Palomaa young girl bent on ending it all on her upcoming twelfth birthday. Using her father’s old camcorder to chronicle the hypocrisy she sees in adults, Paloma begins to learn about life from the grumpy building concierge, Renée Michel. When Paloma’s camera reveals the extensive secret library inThe Hedgehog is the timely story of Palomaa young girl bent on ending it all on her upcoming twelfth birthday. Using her father’s old camcorder to chronicle the hypocrisy she sees in adults, Paloma begins to learn about life from the grumpy building concierge, Renée Michel. When Paloma’s camera reveals the extensive secret library in Renée’s back room, and that the often gruff matron reads Tolstoy to her cat, Paloma begins to understand that there are allies to be found beneath the prickliest of exteriors. As the unlikely friendship deepens, Paloma’s own coming of age becomes a much less pessimistic prospect. (NeoClassics Films)… Expand

Director: Mona Achache

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 100 min

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Critic Reviews

Kevin Thomas

Aug 19, 2011

An exquisite, intimate film of restraint and delicacy. Read full review

Tirdad Derakhshani

Aug 25, 2011

The Hedgehog is full of heart, passion, and human longing - but also a good dose of existentialism. Think of it as Sartre's "Being and Nothingness"-meets-Dr. Seuss. Read full review

Bill Goodykoontz

Sep 22, 2011

Igawa is almost a magical presence, projecting a calm in Ozu that is infectious. Read full review

Marc Savlov

Oct 5, 2011

A light but emotionally heady confection from France. Read full review

Mark Feeney

Sep 1, 2011

Achache's direction is deft and assured. She lends the film a nice, easy rhythm that conceals the story's alternating whimsy and melodrama and almost compensates for them (almost). Read full review

Boxoffice Magazine Sara Maria Vizcarrondo

Aug 19, 2011

Contrary to all of my bitter nudging, I found both sweet and charming. It's just me: I hate precocious children. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

Aug 25, 2011

Here Balasko, best known as a comedian, is particularly satisfying. But the reward is too small on the investment, and the film's resolution is downright irritating - not just a waste of time, but a waste of time with attitude. Read full review

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NewNewYorkTimes

Oct 13, 2013

A movie which has the power to demonstrate the advanced ability of French cinema, an industry often swept under the mat by American film conglomerates. You'll laugh, you'll cry, but most importantly, you'll believe it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

CitizenCharlie

Sep 4, 2011

The pre-teen 11 year old girl in Mona Achacheâ

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

drchoc

Sep 21, 2011

This is a fine little movie that probably will not receive the attention it deserves. Paloma (the young girl) is eccentric but very intelligent, and the interplay between her, the Hedgehog (the concierege) and the new resident is very interesting. It really is a story of the humanity of aThis is a fine little movie that probably will not receive the attention it deserves. Paloma (the young girl) is eccentric but very intelligent, and the interplay between her, the Hedgehog (the concierege) and the new resident is very interesting. It really is a story of the humanity of a man who can see beneath the "hegdehog" exterior and bring out the true person which lays beneath. It's too bad this movie will probably not get the attention it deserves, but there is a lovely message here.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

metamotivcritic

Aug 21, 2011

I'm not sure that the "meaning" of the movie is particularly profound (despite the references to Tolstoy, French class differences, and the like) or that the two subplots are even as well integrated as they might be; The movie is nevertheless beautifully filmed, lovingly directed, wellI'm not sure that the "meaning" of the movie is particularly profound (despite the references to Tolstoy, French class differences, and the like) or that the two subplots are even as well integrated as they might be; The movie is nevertheless beautifully filmed, lovingly directed, well acted, and a delight to watch. Subtle, sly, touching, and respectful of its audience.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

expertocrede

Dec 12, 2020

Odd kid. We clearly understand this within 10 minutes with her ideas, haircuts or glasses whatever... But after few scenes later these wise guy features irritate me also redundant prejudice and preconceptions about peoples consolidate my thinking. Her sisters opinions overtly explain it "youOdd kid. We clearly understand this within 10 minutes with her ideas, haircuts or glasses whatever... But after few scenes later these wise guy features irritate me also redundant prejudice and preconceptions about peoples consolidate my thinking. Her sisters opinions overtly explain it "you are a little creature which is intolerant, hysteric and detesting people." If the aim is that, I feel sharply. Main character is Paloma but the story and the message was transferred with Renee's life. Paloma indirectly effect from her life and Paloma's ideas change with incidents.

I don't like Anne Brochet's acting, seems like artificial.

Musics are very similar with each others or I feel like that. I do not annoy with remain technical details.

Until the end theme and lines stay constant on the same line, nice set-up and ending.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MarcDoyle

Sep 15, 2011

It's a relatively sweet movie. The ability of the new owner to come in and look behind the rough exterior that the Hedghog has built up over time is fascinating. But Paloma - the young girl - is so annoying in the first half of the film that she drained much of my will to keep watching.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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