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Review

Will (Jude Law) is a partner in an architectural firm, now in the middle of a project creating a unique urban environment. The company has just moved its headquarters to Kings Cross, a London neighborhood on the cusp of gentrification. But the old ways of the established residents are still in effect: a prostitute plies her trade on the other side of the parking lot, and the offices are burgled the night of the party celebrating the new digs. In fact, their state-of-the-art equipment merits repeated visits from the local gang of thieves.

Will’s 10-year relationship with Liv (Robin Wright Penn) has become strained and distant; Liv’s 13-year-old daughter Bea’s communication issues reflect Will and Liv’s troubles. Will’s nights at home are pierced by the eerie screeching of the fox in the back yard.

Will’s obsession in tracking down the marauding culprits and the lap top that contains his life leads him to Amira (Juliette Binoche), a Bosnian refuge trying to keep her 15-year-old son Miro from the clutches of his Fagin-esque uncle. She makes ends meet doing tailoring and repair work out of her apartment; she carries heavy memories of Sarajevo. Will and Amira find temporary respite together, but the outside world will not be denied.

Breaking and Entering is an adult treatment of universal, contemporary issues. Director Minghella’s intelligent script is well-served by the ensemble. Penn does well with a character that could easily have been one-note; Binoche imparts inner strength to Amira’s damaged fragility; and this is arguably Law’s most mature performance to date. The film speaks to wrenching changes, tragic loss, many kinds of theft and, when lucky, healing reconciliation.

 -- Ann Yarabinee