French film review: La Belle Saison – AFFFF’16

‘La Belle Saison’, a French-Belgian award-winning film co-written and directed by Catherine Corsini, depicts the tumultuous and evocative love story of two women in the 1970s. This is our first French film review as part of the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival currently running in Australia #AFFFF16

Delphine, a young woman, born into a simple country life in Limousin, is searching for something more. She moves to Paris, where she is swept up by the exciting activities of a feminist group and by the charismatic Carole a Spanish teacher, who lives with her boyfriend. Despite this, the two women become inseparable and a passionate love affair ensues.

Two worlds collide

A family crisis interrupts their blissful Parisian paradise, and Delphine must return to the country. She is faced with reconciling her sexuality with the close-knit, working class community she has grown up in. Ultimately Delphine must choose between being true to herself, or true to the expectations of her family.

The incredible cinematography in ‘La Belle Saison’ successfully captures the luminous beauty of the French countryside, the vibrant Parisian streets, and the passionate love between Delphine and Carole.

Liberté d’expression

The skilful acting of Izïa Higlin and Cécile de France creates the necessary lightness and nuance in portraying this story of ill-fated lovers, who were victims of their time.

The film poster itself caused sparks when an elected member of the Front National, Phillippe de Beauregard, censored it in the municipality of Camaret-sur-Aigues. Showing that the work of the post 1968 minority rights movements must be continued today.

‘La Belle Saison’ is being featured throughout the Alliance Française French Film festival until 24 March, see the full schedule here.

Have you seen La Belle Saison? What did you think of it? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!