Wild Reeds Movie Review 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.

Distribution

Wellspring Media, A Division of Genius Products, Inc., 2230 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90904, Phone: (310)453-1222, Fax: (310)453-0074, URL: http://www.wellspring.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 110 minutes.
Originally from French.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Coming of Age, Gays, Period Piece: 1960s, Politics, School Daze

Screenplay

Gilles Taurand, Olivier Massart, Andre Techine

Cast

Gael Morel, Stephane Rideau, Elodie Bouchez, Frederic Gorny, Michele Moretti

Cinematography

Jeanne Lapoirie

Director

Andre Techine

Music

Chubby Checker

Producer

Alain Sarde, Georges Benayoun, Jean-Jacques Albert, Strand Releasing

Awards

Cesar 1995: Director (Techine), Film, Writing; L.A. Film Critics 1995: Foreign Film; Natl. Soc. Film Critics 1995: Foreign Film.