Its a very multilayered film. It looks rough and row, however, its just a directing trick, mostly because its about kids, and young actors. However, its a complex social drama, where the most important stuff are on the margins of the script, yet quite visible.
Its about the troubled, tenage poor kids from the typical suburb blocks of flats whose life looks very simple, although at the same time full of hardships, and difficult situations: lack of money, conflicts with other kids, fathers in prison, etc. There is a lot of anxiety and aggression in their dialogues, although only in the end of film we see the pressure they live under, and race and class struggle that exist in French society. All the jovial representations of the class differences from Marivoux' play, used in the film, get quite a rustic, hyper realistic and graphic shape in the actual context of the kids' lives. What is in background of the story is a bit unspoken social and ethnic background of the girl, Lydia, who is blond, while everyone else is clearly of African or Asian ethnic origin. Lydia might not even be a "European" French, she could be a Muslim too, just her white skin, light hair and eyes, imply certain "trouble" for possible love plot in the film. For some reason, she is different, and often called names by other jealous girls or guys. On the other hand, she also seems quite aware of her distinction. The irony of the fim is that they are all French, just they have not been treated like ones.
So the kids in the film are even half-supportive of Lydia and Krimo's potential dating, since they all grew up together, so they still dont apply racial and class distinctions. They do try to see it as an ordinary coupling, and give it a romantic dimension. However, the harsh reality of their lives will come between them. Krimmo himself is a depressed and almost mute guy who desperately tries to be with Lydia. In the end we suspect that its not even love what drives him, but more like some kind of desperate move, desire for escape, wish to bring a difference in his life, with a clear expectation that he would be either turned down by Lydia, or exposed to some other trouble. Krimmo is suspiciously lifeless, which is explained by his father being in jail. However, he is obviously depressed kid, with desperate idea of reaching something extraordinary in his life, which will always stay out of his hands.
All female roles in this film are outstanding. Script and directing are very efficient, in spite of long scenes of disputes and conflicts. Kechiche is apparently very good at getting the maximum from his actors. This is highly recommended film.
Its about the troubled, tenage poor kids from the typical suburb blocks of flats whose life looks very simple, although at the same time full of hardships, and difficult situations: lack of money, conflicts with other kids, fathers in prison, etc. There is a lot of anxiety and aggression in their dialogues, although only in the end of film we see the pressure they live under, and race and class struggle that exist in French society. All the jovial representations of the class differences from Marivoux' play, used in the film, get quite a rustic, hyper realistic and graphic shape in the actual context of the kids' lives. What is in background of the story is a bit unspoken social and ethnic background of the girl, Lydia, who is blond, while everyone else is clearly of African or Asian ethnic origin. Lydia might not even be a "European" French, she could be a Muslim too, just her white skin, light hair and eyes, imply certain "trouble" for possible love plot in the film. For some reason, she is different, and often called names by other jealous girls or guys. On the other hand, she also seems quite aware of her distinction. The irony of the fim is that they are all French, just they have not been treated like ones.
So the kids in the film are even half-supportive of Lydia and Krimo's potential dating, since they all grew up together, so they still dont apply racial and class distinctions. They do try to see it as an ordinary coupling, and give it a romantic dimension. However, the harsh reality of their lives will come between them. Krimmo himself is a depressed and almost mute guy who desperately tries to be with Lydia. In the end we suspect that its not even love what drives him, but more like some kind of desperate move, desire for escape, wish to bring a difference in his life, with a clear expectation that he would be either turned down by Lydia, or exposed to some other trouble. Krimmo is suspiciously lifeless, which is explained by his father being in jail. However, he is obviously depressed kid, with desperate idea of reaching something extraordinary in his life, which will always stay out of his hands.
All female roles in this film are outstanding. Script and directing are very efficient, in spite of long scenes of disputes and conflicts. Kechiche is apparently very good at getting the maximum from his actors. This is highly recommended film.