Tomboy

Tomboy

I found this film very sad. The acting was fantastic. I find it troubling when a person is not comfortable in their own body. There is so little help and it must be painful to be at odds with your self.
Laure lived in a very loving family. Everybody hugged and cared for one another. The parents were kind and loving. The younger sister Jeanne was absolutely adorable. Her curly hair and pert personality were so refreshing. She also proved a contrast to Laure. Laure dressed like a boy. She is a preteen girl. Her hair was short and she loved to play tough with the boys. The family had just moved to this house. It is summer time and school is fast approaching.
The family had just moved and was settling into their new environment. Laure encounters a group of young boys who liked to play aggressively together. They seemed to get along and had a lot of fun being together. Laure told them she was Mikhael. They soon accepted Mikhael because he seemed to fit in. Laure even stuffed some clay into her cut off bathing suit to make the appearance more real. When the boys urinate at the edge of the field, Mikhael runs into the woods for some privacy.
There was one girl in the group. Lise was sensitive and liked Mikhael. The two related so well together. They even shared a kiss and it was becoming a problem for Laure ( Mikhael)
A fight broke out and Mikhael hurt one of the boys. When the boy’s mother arrived to complain to Mikhael’s family there obviously was confusion. This appeared to be the first time the family was aware that Laure was masquerading as a boy.
When I analyzed the situation I found this part a little hard to accept. The child always wore boy’s clothes and looked like a boy. The parents were accepting so why wouldn’t they acknowledge the fact that Laure had an identity crisis. They could have been more help to her than just letting her play out her fantasy.
The story had a satisfying ending but that also raised questions. These complicated problems cannot be solved at a family meeting. They require professional help. I was pleased to see the family rallying around Laure and wanting to be empathetic.
The acting was unbelievable. The children were excellent in their roles. It must have been difficult to ask a young child to portray a girl wishing to be a boy. I also think there would have been more psychological problems showing up with the child. Laure was so caring for her younger sister.
The younger child looked to be about 5 years old and she was left alone on several occasions. That also did not ring true.
The film allowed me to see the pain experienced in a young child who wanted to be the other sex. It portrayed the difficulties Mikhael experienced with the boys and also with his /her friend Lisa.
This is a French film with subtitles.
Once again the TIFF Bell Lightbox has brought a controversial film. Apparently it won an award at the Berlin Film Festival. I applaud them.