The renowned Chinese director Edward Yang once had a character say in his film Yi Yi (A One and a Two...): "Since the invention of cinema, human life has been extended at least threefold." I couldn’t agree more. Cinema is like a mirror—within just a few hours, it takes you into another world, where time and space are reshaped. You witness how different people lead different lives, and you get to experience a completely different existence. It is also a dream-making machine fueled by imagination: everything possible or impossible in reality can come to life on screen, and all whims and fancies find their release here. A good film broadens one’s worldview and outlook on life, expands horizons, offers insights, and guides us to better understand and appreciate life. As the weather turns cooler, why not spend your vacation at home enjoying some excellent films?

The Hedgehog (Le Hérisson)

This French film about reading and friendship tells the story of an 11-year-old girl, her apartment’s concierge, and a newly arrived Japanese neighbor.
Paloma is the youngest daughter of a member of parliament. With a camera in hand, she observes the world with a maturity far beyond her years. Born into wealth and comfort, she seems to live the "perfect life" in others’ eyes, yet she abhors this predetermined path and plans to take her own life on her 12th birthday. For her, life’s value lies not in its length, but in whether the things one does before death are meaningful. So she intends to make a film before gently and painlessly leaving this hypocritical and indifferent world.
Paloma repeatedly emphasizes in the film that this decision is not impulsive, but carefully considered. On the surface, she is driven by a dislike for a life that can be seen to its end—but more importantly, she sees no glimmer of hope in her parents’ lives. Her father, a seemingly successful social elite, secretly hides cigarette butts under the doormat, a vulgar habit. Her mother, who appears to care for her plants by watering them daily, never gives a second thought to who might be splashed by her watering can on the sidewalk. Her older sister, who tries to carve a different path from their mother, ends up being neurotic. None of her family members truly cares about others.
Paloma recognizes the emptiness and apathy in her family’s lives early on. To her, such an existence is like that of goldfish in a tank—materially abundant but spiritually impoverished. Unwilling to become a goldfish with a predetermined fate, Paloma presses on with her suicide plan.
It is at this moment that Paloma meets a new neighbor, an elderly Japanese man. Their chance encounter in the elevator leads to a casual conversation about the building’s concierge, and with a knowing smile, they share a mutual realization: the concierge is an "elegant hedgehog."
Renée, the 54-year-old widowed concierge, is overweight and plain-looking. She meticulously maintains an image of being crude and bad-tempered, but behind closed doors, she has built a rich inner world filled with a wall of books and vinyl records. Unlike the wealthy residents who pass her by daily yet fail to recognize her when she dresses differently, Renée possesses something those seemingly privileged people lack—keen sensitivity.
She always captures the essence of life perfectly: she cares for the homeless, takes in the "homeless" Paloma, recognizes the literary origin of the Japanese man’s cat’s name, and is deeply moved by the accidental romantic coincidences in life. Despite her modest material circumstances, her sharp awareness allows her to truly feel her own existence and care for others. To Paloma, this is the true meaning of elegance. Drawn to Renée, Paloma transforms from an observer to a participant, eager to truly connect with Renée’s life.
The film carries a subtle tone of sorrow. Perhaps you will also be touched by Renée’s way of life, reflect on Paloma’s perspectives, resonate with their souls, and gain a new understanding of life’s meaning. As the line goes: "What matters is not death, but what we were doing when we died." To feel deeply and love sincerely is the best answer to life.