Film Review: ‘Blue is the Warmest Color’ Expands a True Coupling

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

CHICAGO – Deliberate and passionate relationships – with all the initial upbeat highs and subsequent heart-breaking lows – may never get as deep a treatment as the winner of the Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or, the challenging and expressive “Blue is the Warmest Color.”

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Focusing on a same sex couple, Adéle and Emma, the film journeys through the development of their love and the breakdown that follows. There is something so poignant about their youth and discovery, when two people find those keys of freedom that unlock each other. There is graphic “NC-17” sexual content in the film, but it’s never exploitative – depending on internal definitions – and it does exist to make a point about biological imperative and emotional connection. The more intended path regarding the duo’s pairing is about the feelings that intersect and conflict during their relationship, and it’s continuously fascinating throughout an important time in their development. What is learned and what is discarded become the building blocks for that crazy little thing called life.

The story begins with the 15 year old Adéle (Adéle Exarchopoulos) going through the regular rituals of high school, including hooking up with a hunky boy suitor. After an awkward loss of virginity, Adéle finds she doesn’t really like her boyfriend, and feels more desire for girls. After some experimentation, she becomes entranced with a blue-haired lass named Emma (Léa Seydoux).

Their relationship reaches a red-hot intensity, including an exploratory and fulfilled sexual life together. The years go by, and they move in together, but a slow disconnect starts to unravel the attachment. Adéle seems also to like men, and this discovery causes irrational anger in Emma. Despite Adéle’s pleading to repair the damage, the dissolution of their life together engineers the next phase for both of them.

“Blue is the Warmest Color” continues its limited release in Chicago on November 1st. See local listings for theater locations and show times. Featuring Adéle Exarchopoulos, Léa Seydoux, Salim Kechiouche and Benjamin Siksou. Screenplay adapted by Abdellatif Kechiche and Ghalia Lacroix. Directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. Rated “NC-17” (as a reminder, no one under 17 allowed).

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of ”Blue is the Warmest Color”

Léa Seydoux, Adéle Exarchopoulos
Emma (Léa Seydoux) and Adéle (Adéle Exarchopoulos) Begin Their Relationship in ‘Blue is the Warmest Color’
Photo credit: Sundance Selects

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of ”Blue is the Warmest Color”

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