Jailbird opens with the scene of a woman receiving a physical examination as part of the intake process at a prison. The woman, Mathilde, helped her husband break out of jail, but in a cruel twist of fate finds herself locked up. A former literature teacher, Mathilde is now just a number: Prisoner 383205-B. Her previous, relatively privileged life lies in stark contrast to the one she must now lead in the penitentiary, where she struggles with the routine but also some unexpected surprises. Mathilde keeps hoping that someday she'll hear from her husband, but word ever comes. Comforted only by thoughts of her son, her future is anything but certain. Jailbird made headlines during its production when Sophie Marceau, extremely talented and incredibly beautiful French actress, signed on for the lead role. Well-known for her innocent image, her portrayal of an intellectual who has been thrown into atrocious conditions and an untenable system serves as a turning point in her career and is worthy of praise. The director Audrey Estrougo's mise-en-scène is confident enough to attract the Critics' and the audience's attention. (RHEE Soue-won)