À ma soeur! (2001)

"À ma soeur!" (2001), also known as "Fat Girl" in some English-speaking regions, is a French drama film written and directed by Catherine Breillat. Here's a comprehensive review based on the web results provided: Plot and Themes: The movie centers on two sisters, Anaïs (Anaïs Reboux) and Elena (Roxane Mesquida), during a family holiday. It explores themes of adolescence, sibling rivalry, sexual awakening, and the harsh realities of growing up. Elena, the older, attractive sister, engages in a sexual relationship with an Italian student, Fernando, while Anaïs, who is overweight, observes her sister's experiences with a mix of envy and curiosity. The narrative delves into the complexities of sisterhood, the loss of innocence, and the destructive potential of sexual desire. Critical Reception: Positives: The film is lauded for its unflinching look at teenage sexuality, with critics like Roger Ebert noting the film's ability to surprise with its narrative choices, emphasizing the director's control over her art. The performances, particularly by the young actresses, have been praised for their authenticity and depth, capturing the emotional turmoil of adolescence. Visually, the film is appreciated for its straightforward, almost documentary-like approach, which lends credibility to the raw emotional states portrayed. The ending, while controversial, is often cited as a bold narrative decision that resonates with the film's themes of innocence lost to violence and misunderstanding. Negatives: Some reviewers criticized the film's ending as gratuitous or not fitting naturally with the story's build-up, accusing it of being a narrative cop-out or an attempt to shock for shock's sake. The explicitness of certain scenes has also drawn criticism, with some viewing it as unnecessary or exploitative rather than insightful. The pacing in the film's second half has been noted as meandering, which might dilute the tension established earlier. Cinematic Techniques and Style: Breillat's direction is described as unfussy yet piercing, employing long takes to allow the audience to witness the unfolding drama in a way that feels voyeuristic yet intimate. The choice of long shots during pivotal scenes, like the sexual encounters, underscores the observer's role, particularly through Anaïs's eyes, highlighting themes of voyeurism and detachment. Performances: Anaïs Reboux and Roxane Mesquida are frequently highlighted for their compelling portrayals of the sisters, with Reboux's performance as Anaïs being especially noted for its emotional depth and complexity. Awards and Recognition: The film won the Manfred Salzgeber Award at the 51st Berlin International Film Festival and the France Culture Award at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, indicating its impact within the film community for its bold narrative and thematic exploration. Cultural Impact and Controversy: "À ma soeur!" has sparked debates around censorship, especially regarding its depiction of young sexuality and violence, leading to cuts in some regions for home video release. The film's approach to these subjects has made it both a subject of admiration for its raw honesty and criticism for its perceived nihilism. Conclusion: "À ma soeur!" is a polarizing yet powerful film that offers a stark, unromanticized view of adolescence and sisterly dynamics. Its controversial ending and explicit content serve to underscore the film's message about the harsh realities of sexual awakening and the complexities of familial bonds. While not universally loved, it's respected for its courage in narrative and thematic exploration.