this mystery romance is a hybrid creature, split between truth and fiction, idealism and cynicism, and unfolding along a river where there are many stories, where everything is in constant flux, and where even love may be just another myth.

Its twists and turns are so abrupt, its dramatic structure so elusive, that it requires a sort of roadmap to highlight its ironies and allusions, the realities implied by its calculated evasions.

The showy jump cuts and off-kilter close-ups belie an extremely well edited, even supple, piece of work.

…is a classic of the best kind of international art-house cinema, with a simple hook and a lyrical, cheerfully evasive feel that any true romantic can enjoy….