Tomboy

[Beate]

Well, I just found the film very weird, it didn’t feel very real. For example the parents come across as very loving but leave a 6 year old home alone to go shopping with the older child? The kids play football, Truth or Dare and go swimming together as if it’s the 70s – also, no child seems to possess a mobile phone or computer which surely is the norm these days. And I still can’t get over the mother’s reaction. She just took it at face value that her child had been the aggressor and didn’t even ask for their side of the story – and neither of the kids volunteered it either. Then she humiliates her child terribly in front of all her friends but that’s ok because she only has her best interest at heart? How does she know it’s her best interest? Shouldn’t she at least have asked Laure why she pretended to be a boy? If there are genuine gender issues, forcing someone to be something they don’t want to be can be very damaging. I am sorry, but the whole story felt kind of fake and unrealistic, with an abrupt ending that told us nothing. Typical arthouse really. I often like French films a lot but this one was just not cutting it for me.

[hopeprince]

Well, I just found the film very weird, it didn’t feel very real. For example the parents come across as very loving but leave a 6 year old home alone to go shopping with the older child? The kids play football, Truth or Dare and go swimming together as if it’s the 70s – also, no child seems to possess a mobile phone or computer which surely is the norm these days. And I still can’t get over the mother’s reaction. She just took it at face value that her child had been the aggressor and didn’t even ask for their side of the story – and neither of the kids volunteered it either. Then she humiliates her child terribly in front of all her friends but that’s ok because she only has her best interest at heart? How does she know it’s her best interest? Shouldn’t she at least have asked Laure why she pretended to be a boy? If there are genuine gender issues, forcing someone to be something they don’t want to be can be very damaging. I am sorry, but the whole story felt kind of fake and unrealistic, with an abrupt ending that told us nothing. Typical arthouse really. I often like French films a lot but this one was just not cutting it for me.

I felt the same, even when the dad came to see her. He didn't ask the questions we were waiting for to be answered.

[jeanelle]

I thought it was set in the 80's but I might have just dreamt that.

[Beate]

I am pretty sure the Dad had a laptop in that scene in the living room?

[jeanelle]

Yes, I dreamt it.

[Beate]

It would explain a lot though if it was set in the 80s.

[rowansm]

I agree with Beate, I also thought that the younger sister was far more intelligent and wittier than any 6 year old in the real world would be!

[David]

I agree with Beate, I also thought that the younger sister was far more intelligent and wittier than any 6 year old in the real world would be!

Don't agree with that!

[Beate]

Hey, she can agree with whoever/whatever she wants!

[David]

And so can I Sorry if I sounded a little blunt. But I personally found the young sister really believable and true to life. Also in terms of the lack of mobiles I guess they were only primary school age so certainly not a compulsory accessory when they're so young (although I'm sure plenty of kids do). But one thing I agree with is that it seems unlikely the parents would be ok for the younger sister to go out and play on her own. She was too little.