Sunday, Oct 16, 2011 5:30 PM
Gender identity is explored in this humorous, heartfelt story of a girl who just wants to be a boy. Ten-year-old Laure and her family move into a suburban Paris apartment during the summer. Laure, a tomboy who cuts her hair short and wears boys clothing, explores the neighborhood and quickly meets Lisa, but introduces herself as Michael. Soon Michael meets up with other kids and becomes part of the circle of friends - playing soccer shirtless, running though the forest or swimming in a lake (where a well placed piece of modeling clay help in her ruse). The innocence of her being a boy takes a more mature turn when Lisa falls in puppy love with her…and Michael responds. A tender, captivating story made all the more amazing by the naturalistic and totally believable performance of Zoe Heran as Michael/Laure.
Dir. Celine Sciamma, 2010, France, 84 mins. in French with English subtitles