Anyone else feel completely transported by "The Party" (La Boum)?
Okay, so I just rewatched "The Party" (1980), and I'm once again completely smitten. As someone who devours international cinema, especially anything coming out of France, this film just hits different. It's so simple, just a young girl, Vic, dealing with the usual teenage angst of moving, new school, first crushes... all compounded by her parents going through a divorce. It feels incredibly universal, even though it's so distinctly Parisian. I mean, who hasn't felt awkward at a party? I'm especially curious about how other people interpreted Pénélope Fontanet's performance as Vic. She manages to capture that perfect blend of vulnerability and budding independence that defines adolescence. And Mathieu, her instant crush... the slow dance scene (you know the one!) is iconic! It still gives me butterflies. But I think what really resonated with me this time around was the portrayal of the parents. Their issues felt so real and messy. Not demonizing either one, just showing them as flawed people trying to navigate a difficult situation. That's what good cinema is all about, right? Did anyone else find the subplot with Vic's great-grandmother and her romance a little... random? I get that it's supposed to be a counterpoint to Vic's own experiences, showing love and relationships at different stages of life, but sometimes it felt a little shoehorned in. Still, the film's charm more than makes up for any minor flaws, IMO. So, I'm wondering what you all think? Especially those of you who are also fans of French New Wave or just coming-of-age stories in general. What specific moments stood out to you? And does anyone know why the director is uncredited? I tried looking it up but couldn't find anything!
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