Review of Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013) by Harrison W — 27 Jul 2015

It is to not only filmmaker, Abdellatif Kechiche's credit that this seemingly simple story but to his actors, Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos that this film.

Works despite a running time of close to three hours. But work it does.

Adele is just entering adulthood when she meets the green-haired proud dyke, Emma. This is a beautiful, bold and highly erotic study of sexuality and love.

The sexuality goes well past the restrictions of the American R-Rating. But it is essential that the sex and sensuality be graphically depicted. At it's core this is a story of obsession, passion and love which is almost too closely attached to sex. As the two young women grow into full adulthood, each wants more and different things. It is not even entirely clear if Adele is "lesbian" as we seem to want to apply it. She loves Emma and all of the pleasure she gives her. But despite her protestations, it seems that something is missing for both women.

Beautifully shot and exceptionally well acted. The film is about realistic as any film can hope to be. Nothing happens beyond the realm of the banal.

The two lovers come to a point in their relationship that all of us have experienced in our 20's -- straight or gay. Sometimes what we think is "love" is something altogether different. Or is it?

The film offers a restraint romanticism. It is tinged with bittersweet nostalgia and humanity.

Since the film's release both actors have expressed concerns that Abdel Kechiche manipulated and exploited them. I suppose this is possible, but it smells more like fear of taking ownership of full-on sexual performances. Nothing ever "feels" uncomfortable or exploitive.

This is a beautiful film about human need and the changes that come with growing into our individual selves.