Girl power comes from French cinema in this classic coming-of-age story; female centric and empowerment driven, Girlhood is centered around 16 year old Marieme and her struggles with peer pressure and self discovery. While the tale may be repetitive, director Céline Sciamma gives fresh visuals and dramatic flare to the film, which is captivating from the very start. Set in the lower class suburbs of France, Girlhood is as much an emotional journey as it is a visual one, and a satisfying film from beginning to end.
First I might disclose that I do have a weak spot for movies dealing with female friendships. The friendship between Vic and Lady is especially touching, from Lady taking Vic on as a young shy protegé, to them bonding after Vic's victory in the fight she fought for Lady or for Lady's acceptance of Vic leaving. The scene where they are dancing all together or playing mini-golf reminds me of some of the few good scenes of The Bling Ring and perhaps The Spring Breakers, that unquestioning best friend kind of relationships that are never as strong as during your teenage years.
Girlhood, which, by the way, is not a female answer to Richard Linklater's Boyhood, is very performance driven and an actor's dream. Karidja Touré carries the film on her small shoulders, projecting various emotional moments with strength. One scene in particular is very special to the film; the four girls rent a hotel room and get all dressed up in formal wear to just hang out with each other and drink alcohol.
Visually, the film is difficult to watch because of the constant close-ups. They create a claustrophobic effect that renders directly Sciamma's desire to possess her characters. Her camera is glued to their skin, incessantly and pervily traveling up and down their bodies. Not every actors can do close up. but Karidja Touré can do it. and Not bad. so nice..
6.6/10·IMDb
92%·Rotten Tomatoes
3.5/4·Roger Ebert
85%·Metacritic
7.5/10 - Verdict
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