The French Kissers. Directed by Riad Sattouf.The general impression one gets of French boys (and girls) is that they are sexy and sophisticated. You would think that hanging out, having sex and generally being cool is second nature to them.That is, until
The French Kissers. Directed by Riad Sattouf.
The general impression one gets of French boys (and girls) is that they are sexy and sophisticated. You would think that hanging out, having sex and generally being cool is second nature to them.
That is, until one encounters Herve. He probably knows that sex and all that stuff should be second nature to him but it isn’t. He wants to be “un beaux gosse” – a cool dude, but it’s just not working.
The French Kissers (Les Beaux Gosses) went through a strange name change when released on the English speaking market, as the literal translation would give a better sense of this film, which is about young men coming to terms with sex and sexuality.
The film was in the French Film Festival earlier on in the year and now with general release should be seen by every teenager and their parents. Actually, it is probably best if they go on separate nights.
With its universal themes of sexual awakening and gaucheness it achieves what dozens of Hollywood teen flicks try to do but in a much more sympathetic and intelligent way.
Director Riad Sattouf has previously written comic books for teens in which he deals with real issues such as male circumcision and virginity. This film which blends humour with a genuine understanding of teenage angst is a superbly realised study of the average teenager.
The film is set in France’s western city of Rennes with Herve, played by Vincent Lacoste, living at home with his solo, interfering mother (Noemie Lvovsky). They live in a desperate housing estate which is under the flight path of passing jets - which results in an unexpected ending to the film.
He struggles with his school work and his friends but mainly he just can’t understand about sex or his fascination with all things sexual. He and his friend Camel (Anthony Song) haven’t yet mastered the art of being cool even if they are able to deal single handedly their sexual arousal.
For some strange reason Aurore, one of the cool girls at school latches onto Herve and they begin a steamy relationship full of tenderness and embarrassment with all the problems, such as premature ejaculation which are the hallmarks first sexual encounters.
The film is a comedy but is able to deal with the realities of life in a sympathetic way with the children being exposed to the suicide of a teacher and the mortification of parents having affairs.
There is a good cast of young actors along with some bigger European stars. In addition to Noemie Lvovsky there are appearances by Emmanuelle Devos as the suiciding teacher, Irene Jacob as Aurore’s mother, as well as Sattouf himself starring in a pornographic movie.
