Indie Gems: Breathe (Respire)

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Let me tell you something about Regina George Sarah.

Charlie (Joséphine Japy) is your average French teenager. Somewhat shy, just going about her existence. Her parents fight and are going through a separate so she can be a bit melancholy at times. When a new girl, Sarah (Lou de Laâge) shows up at school. She and Charlie form a fast friendship that ends up getting more intense than either girl, especially Charlie expected. 

This is Mélanie Laurent's second outing as a director, but the first that I've seen. She captures the lives of these two teenagers well. The friendship between these two girls is complicated to say the least. It felt very real to me. How mean and dependent teen girls can be. There was always a part or two I felt like I could relate with. 

The film certainly didn't end where I thought it would either, and that's what makes it stand out from others in this genre. It's beautifully shot and the two leads are perfectly cast. Sure, I could've done without some of the scenes of Sarah just standing there, smoking, but I can't argue the nice imagery that came with it.

Grade: A-

Memorable Quote: "No more sulking." - Sarah (Lou de Laâge)

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 11, 2016 at 8:50 AM

    I just saw this yesterday. As I reflect on it, I like it more than I did yesterday...but I'll just say that the last 30 minutes is so drastically better than the first hour that I almost wish it had been a short film instead of a feature.

    Those last 30 minutes, though...DAYAM!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMarch 11, 2016 at 3:09 PM

      The ending was SO strong. It reminded me of Phoenix in that way, it was good throughout but the ending just knocked it out of the park.

      Delete
  2. s.March 11, 2016 at 11:42 AM

    YEY! So glad you finally saw it and liked it! These two girls were mesmerizing, especially Japy. And that ending was incredible

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMarch 11, 2016 at 3:09 PM

      They were, you could've have cast that film better.

      Delete
  3. BirgitMarch 11, 2016 at 12:42 PM

    I have not heard from this but I bet it must resonate with many teen girls for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamMarch 11, 2016 at 3:09 PM

      It's a lovely film, though I'm not sure if I'd say it was for teens.

      Delete

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