Review of Ma vie en rose

I watched this movie in one of my classes, and I was really impressed by it. I didn't expect much to sympathize with a young boy who wants to dress in female clothing and take on womanly characteristics, but as the film went along I not only felt a sympathy but a connection to him. Anybody who's ever felt alienated, for any reason, should relate to Ludovic's character. Yet at the same time I related to the parents in the film too. It's easy for an audience to say, "Why are the parents being so hard on the kid?" But if I had a son who wanted to dress up like a girl, I wouldn't take it lightly at all. If this were an American movie, it would be treated like an after-school special. (SPOILERS AHEAD) If this were an American film, by the third act, all of Ludovic's peers would've embraced him with open arms, you'd hear some cheesy score and he'd make some "uplifting speech." As a matter of fact, there's a recent movie called "Bruno" (also listed as "The Dress Code") which has an identical plot to this movie, and it is given that corny, sentimental treatment.

"Ma Vie En Rose" is strictly character-driven. There's never a moment where Ludovic's peers treat him with a ton of respect--as it would be in real life. I've expressed it before and I'll express it again--kids and young people are cruel. Their number one goal in life is to torment the lives of others. I am a young person myself and I don't feel like I'm being a hypocrite when I say I'm not part of that majority. The film is also filled with humor. Some of the best movies are touching and powerful, while managing to be very funny at the same time. If you get your hands on this gem, it's a must-see!

My score: 9 (out of 10)