Wild Reeds

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Wild Reeds ★★★ Les Roseaux Sauvages 1994

Emotional coming of age tale set in 1962 (at the end of the French war in Algeria) and focusing on three classmates at a French boarding school. Sensitive Francois (Morel) is just coming to the realization that he likes boys, particularly working-class Serge (Rideau) who's attracted to Francois's confidante Maite (Bouchez). The provocateur is Algerian-born Henri (Gorny), a bitter political militant who enjoys his battles with classmates and teachers alike. Politics and youthful passions are forced into crises. French historical/political context may prove a barrier. French with subtitles. 110m/C VHS, DVD . FR Gael Morel, Stephane Rideau, Elodie Bouchez, Frederic Gorny, Michele Moretti; D: Andre Techine; W: Gilles Taurand, Olivier Massart, Andre Techine; C: Jeanne Lapoirie; M: Chubby Checker. Cesar ‘95: Director (Techine), Film, Writing; L.A. Film Critics ‘95: Foreign Film; Natl. Soc. Film Critics ‘95: Foreign Film.

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