Wild Reeds (Les Roseaux Sauvages)

Released 1994
Stars Elodie Bouchez, Gael Morel, Stephane Rideau, Frederic Gorny, Michele Moretti, Jacques Nolot
Directed by Andre Techine

Francois (Gael Morel) is uncertain of his sexuality, and his confusion is complicated by inexperience. Maite (Elodie Bouchez) is his best friend, but they keep at arm's length from each other. His secret is that he is attracted to Serge (Stephane Rideau), a boarding school veteran who thinks nothing of it when they do have sex, but is not homosexual and doesn't want any deeper involvement with Francois. Serge, in fact, is attracted to Maite. And Francois is tormented by his feelings, staring in his mirror and calling himself names.

All of this perhaps sounds more steamy than it is. Director Andre Techine, who says the story is based on his own memories, wants to show his characters in the middle of political and personal upheaval, and the character of the Communist teacher is important because she brings her feelings about the Algerian war into the classroom, causing her students to question government policy at the same time they question their own values.

"Wild Reeds"" is one of the most honored of recent French films; it won the Cesar, France's equivalent of the Oscar, as the best film of 1994, defeating "Queen Margot" and "Red." I have a suspicion it resonates more deeply for the French than it can for us, because the period of the Algerian war resonates in their emotions the way Vietnam would for us. Some of the political undertones may go astray, but the emotional center of the film is touching and honest.

Summary from Roger Ebert

I think it's difficult for an American audience to understand the nuances of the political conflict in this film. At least it was for me, and that made it difficult for me to appreciate the interpersonal conflicts. Still, the relationships between the adolescents are sharply realized, and this is a good film for anyone who wants to watch young people come into their own. --Bill Alward, January 16, 2002