Review of Water Lilies (2007) by Mike B — 25 Dec 2008

Immediately after watching this film, I felt it necessary to read some reviews. I found this film a bit confusing, but then, perhaps confusion was the point. What did it all mean? Why did these young girls act the way they acted? In not seeing the why's and wherefores, I read some reviews.

Some felt that this film bordered on child pornography. To me, however, there was nothing really erotic about this film, at all. Of course these adolescent girls were beautiful, but they were not erotic. Perhaps this was the point. I mean, although sex loomed just ahead of them, their motive force was not erotic. It seemed that a natural desire to become adult and find their places in an adult world drove them. They swam in life's pool,and they didn't want to fall behind. How they kept-up, how they succeeded or not, differed slightly, how their differences helped and hurt them, how they helped or hurt each other, these were the central issues in this film. One young girl was pursued by men. The other two were ignored. This upset the balance. How could they swim together?

Other reviews highlighted the differences between this french film and hollywood coming of age stories. There was no snappy dialog. This girls were not tiny Katherine Hepburns. They were quiet, shy, silly, and confused. Their reasoning was foolish and unrealistic. One girl wanted have her hymen broken so she could be a woman. She thought it was necessary or she would be "in trouble." Another longed for her own body to become a woman's body and found what she wanted for herself in her friend. Another wanted her silly, childhood friendship to be duplicated, but with a boy instead. They couldn't understand these strange creatures who jumped about like monkeys with their speedos over their faces. No, This is not a hollywood film.

I feel that there is truth to be found in this charming story. Perhaps I can understand what young girls go through better now. I liked these three girls. They had caring moments for each other. They were foolish and careless, but they had the capacity for friendship and humor. They were brave and strong. So despite their faults and errors, in the end, I could only wish them well.