2009 March 17
Score: 7 out of 10
Title: Water Lillies (French with English subtitles) Naissance des pieuvres
Starring: PAuline Acquart, Louise Blachere, Adele Haenel
Written and Directed by: Celine Sciamma
I have tried to give only an abstract without telling the story. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. We have seen enough of coming off age movies in US with the list including American Pie or Superbad . Mean Girls by Tina Fey explored the dynamics between adolescent females in a college setting. But this little French movie is very ambitious in its desire to explore sexuality of teenage girls. With the backdrop of synchronized swimming classes and competitions this movie plumbs the depths of the psychology of young girls who are stepping into adult hood.
There are 3 girls who have all given fantastic performances. Especially I liked the understated and mysterious portrayal of Floraine by Adele Haenel. But the central role if any could be the girl called Marie who lives with her fat friend Anne. (played by Pauline Acquart and Louise Blachere) I am amazed how much of hidden emotions the young girls can bring to their roles. Pauline and Adele both show their characters even in the way they walk. The movie is funny at times and most of the times sad. Not because of any earthly tragedy but more for the state of mind of teenage girls - how burdened they must be to have to go through all those issues - being popular in the school, wanting boys to notice them even pretending to be an easy-girl while in reality she is anything but. Another impressive thing about the movie is how nuanced its characters are - just as we are crystallizing an opinion about a character we see a more subtle twist which questions our belief - not from a gotcha style - but more for what any human would have done. I am talking of pretenses and exploiting fellow humans - while being completely oblivious to the hurt that is being caused. The swimming pool scenes are like a breath of fresh air.
It is a simple movie with complex emotions. Well directed and Well acted.
I will give it 7 out of 10.
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