Breaking and Entering Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A wealthy architect gets burgled, sleeps with the burglar’s mom, and then everyone lives (kinda) happily ever after because… London?

🍿 Breaking and Entering: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Architect’s Disrupted Life

Will Francis, a landscape architect in London, finds his life upended when his office is repeatedly burglarized. His relationship with his partner, Liv, is strained, and her behaviorally challenged daughter adds to his feelings of being an outsider in his own home. The break-ins become a catalyst for Will to re-evaluate his life and relationships.

Chasing the Thief

Determined to catch the culprit, Will stakes out his office. He eventually identifies Miro, a young Bosnian refugee, as the thief. Instead of reporting Miro to the police, Will becomes intrigued by the boy’s life and circumstances, leading him to Miro’s mother, Amira.

An Affair and Its Consequences

Will initiates a relationship with Amira, which further complicates his life. As he grows closer to Amira, his relationship with Liv deteriorates. The affair leads to a series of betrayals and difficult choices, impacting all involved.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Will (Jude Law): A landscape architect whose affair with a thief’s mother forces him to confront his strained relationship and re-evaluate his life.
• Liv (Robin Wright): Will’s longtime Swedish girlfriend who feels neglected and struggles to connect with Will amidst caring for her daughter.
• Amira (Juliette Binoche): A Bosnian refugee and single mother who becomes entangled in an affair with Will to protect her son.
• Miro (Rafi Gavron): A nimble teenage thief from Sarajevo who breaks into Will’s office to support his mother.
• Sandy (Martin Freeman): Will’s business partner who is involved in stakeouts and the burglary investigations.
• Oana (Vera Farmiga): A local prostitute who Will encounters during his stakeout, forming an unusual acquaintance.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Liv: “Some days the cup is empty and some days it’s 93% full.” – Liv says this line to Will describing the difficult life she leads as a single mother.
• Will Francis: “Love is no ordinary crime.” – This is the tagline of the movie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $930,469
• Worldwide Gross: $8,974,829

💥 Breaking and Entering Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Breaking and Entering’ when it first came out and being struck by how real the characters felt. The tension between Will and Liv was palpable, and I honestly felt like I was watching a real-life relationship struggle. Juliette Binoche’s performance was heartbreaking, and I found myself empathizing with her character’s desperate situation. The scene where Will confesses his affair in court was so powerful, the entire audience was silent. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s one that has stayed with me for its raw emotion and honesty.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about relationships and betrayal”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a European sensibility”
  • “Fans of Jude Law, Juliette Binoche, and Robin Wright”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Adultery”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Theft”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “Minghella crafts a nuanced portrait of disconnected lives in modern London, elevated by strong performances from Law and Binoche. Though the plot meanders, the film’s insightful observations on class and culture resonate deeply. It’s a thoughtful, character-driven drama that lingers in the mind.
• The Guardian: “While the film boasts excellent performances, particularly from Juliette Binoche, the narrative feels somewhat contrived. Minghella attempts to tackle complex social issues but the execution is uneven, resulting in a drama that is more thought-provoking than emotionally engaging.
• Empire Magazine: “Breaking and Entering is a slow-burn drama that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the search for connection. Jude Law delivers a mature performance, and the film’s atmospheric visuals capture the mood of London. A solid, if somewhat subdued, offering from Minghella.

Audience Reactions

Juliette Binoche’s portrayal of Amira was incredibly moving and authentic.: The performances were generally praised, especially Binoche’s and Wright Penn’s

The film offered a thought-provoking glimpse into the lives of immigrants in London.: The cinematography and atmosphere effectively captured London’s gritty realism.

Overall Consensus: A character-driven drama with strong performances and thought-provoking themes, though some find the plot contrived and the pacing slow.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was the last film directed by Anthony Minghella to be theatrically released before his death in 2008.”
• “The film explores themes of urban development and immigration in London’s King’s Cross area, where filming took place.”
• “Juliette Binoche, a French actress, learned Serbo-Croatian for her role as Amira, a Bosnian refugee.”

🖥️ How to Watch Breaking and Entering?

Currently, ‘Breaking and Entering’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential streaming options or broadcast schedules.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Breaking and Entering, you might like these similar films:

• Closer (2004): Deals with complex relationships and infidelity in modern London.
• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Another film directed by Anthony Minghella, starring Jude Law, exploring themes of identity and deception.
• Crash (2004): Explores the themes of race, class and social tensions in a city, similar to ‘Breaking and Entering’.
• Cache (Hidden) (2005): A French psychological thriller that deals with similar themes of guilt, responsibility, and the legacy of historical events on present-day relationships, as does Breaking and Entering.

🛒 Breaking and Entering Related Products

• Lonely Planet London (Travel Guide): Explore the vibrant cityscape of London, the location of the movie. Get recommendations on attractions, hidden gems, and cultural experiences.
• Architectural Drawing: From Conception to Realization: Learn the skills of architectural drawing. Explore design principles and techniques used in the movie.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bradt Travel Guide: Discover the cultural and historical background of Amira’s character in this travel guide to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Anxiety Relief Essential Oil Diffuser Set: Help your mind relax and reduce anxiety with this oil diffuser. Experience the benefits of aromatherapy to help you calm down.

🎧 Soundtrack

Breaking and Entering features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jal to Tokyo” – performed by Underworld
• “King’s Cross” – performed by Gabriel Yared

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jude Law & Binoche TIFF 2006 Breaking & Entering

Ever wondered what Jude Law and Juliette Binoche thought about ‘Breaking and Entering’ right after it came out? Check out this interview from the Toronto Film Festival – their insights are surprisingly insightful!

Movie Recap of Adultery

Struggling to fully grasp the complex themes of ‘Breaking and Entering’? This recap video breaks down the plot and dives into the underlying psychology – it’s a great way to enhance your understanding of the film. It’s all about the why!

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