Coming from the semi-autobiographical novel by bestselling author Marguerite Duras and directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, The Lover (L’amant) special edition Blu-ray and DVD release of the 1993 Oscar-nominated and Cesar Award-winning film has hit the streets on its 30th anniversary.

The movie follows a fifteen-year-old French girl, played by Jane March. She returns to Saigon in 1930, where she attends an all-girls boarding school. On her way, a handsome and wealthy Chinese man, played by Tony Leung Ka Kai, of a respectable family, offers her a lift in his shiny black limo.

A passionate affair begins against her family’s disgust. The man becomes alienated from his family because they have selected his bride already. Against the conventions of society, the lustful pair continue their passionate affair, intensifying the attraction with the illicit nature of their rendezvous.

It starts with groping in the limo’s backseat and grows to nightly undertakings at his bachelor pad. Interestingly, the names of the young girl and wealthy man are never said. Slowly and eventually, their relationship disintegrates, and the man slides down into an opium-induced haze and unreturned love.

Many tastefully lit sex scenes allow little room for imagination, including Annaud’s skilled camera work, lingering delicately on the flesh. The paedophiliac situation sidesteps the moral nuances while using sensitivity. Today, the industry may frown even more profound on the issue.

March, a newcomer at the filming, comes across as photogenic and sultry. The character seems detached but amused.

Annaud’s brilliant direction takes in the vibrant scenery to divert from the senseless and gratuitous romantic scenes.

The release includes special features: Special collector’s media book packaging, Two-disc set, Original trailer.

Thank you, Empire, for more information about the production.