Tomboy

Recommended for me to watch by a friend, this 2011 French film was written and directed by 32 year old Celine Sciamma. This is only her 2nd film and it is making quite the buzz; similar to her first entitled: Water Lilies. Both films deal with pre-adolescent and adolescents and the potential difficulties faced with sexuality and identity.

Beautiful cinematography, heavy subject matter and very little dialogue is how this film reveals it's delicate story. Enormously interesting and a bit disturbing at moments, the audience is gripped by each dramatic turn of events. Nominated and winner of several awards including multiple gay/lesbian awards, it is unique for exposing the predicaments through the eyes of a ten year old child.

It raises questions to parents and perhaps what would be the right way or loving way to manage or deal with similar situations. Would you allow your child to act out on their feelings, discuss with them, or hinder them from expressing what they may or may not be feeling? I thought that young actress Zoe Heran who stars and plays the main character 'Mikael/Laure' did a marvelous job at expressing confusion as well as easily adapting a male persona. I also loved Malonn Levana whom was the youngest but the most observant and receptive to the entire affair.

This is the perfect example how poignant a film can be, by keeping it simple despite it's 'larger than life' post and depth. Less is more and the viewers can fill in the gaps.