This is a beautifully crafted film, touching and evocative, that gives us an insight into the world as seen through the eyes of a four-year old.

Young Ponette had just lost her mother in a car accident, and for such a young child, it was a devastating blow. When her aunt trys to comfort her by telling her the story of Jesus who resurrected and appeared to the disciples, Ponette equated it to the hope that her mother too will come and visit her. Too young to fully comprehend the notion of death, she harbours genuine hope that her mother will indeed come to her. And so she waits for the mother. Day and night, she sits and waits, refusing to play with cousins Mathiaz and Delphine, just waiting and hoping.

Although the premise of the film may not sound promising, as it centers around a child, but director Jacques Doillon has done great work and has weaved a masterpiece with this film. The film is never slow or monotonous, as we see and feel for Ponette in all her innocence as she hopes to see her mother again. It is indeed a relieved joy to see the world with child-like simplicity and trust.

Perhaps it is a reminder to adults of their childhood days, when we could make-believe certain things. Children, young as they are, do not fully understand or comprehend the complexities in life and perhaps that is why this movie is superb. Director Jacques Doillon has managed to capture the innocence of children, be they at play, or teasing one another, or in their make-believe world. It also shows us (and reminds us) that some children can be mean sometimes, and that they can be kind too.

So what happens in the end? Does Ponette learn to grow up and accept that the mother will not be coming? Watch this movie and see for yourself. You will love it, I certainly did!