Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the sweetest films to emerge from Europe in the 1990s, lain Berliner's Ma Vie en Rose is the story of an innocent little boy, Ludovic (played with non-cloying directness by Georges Du Fresne), who wants to be a girl. Convinced that he's the product of misplaced chromosomes (he imagines the mix-up in one of many delightful daydream sequences), he sets about righting the mistake by wearing dresses and high heels and experimenting with lipstick and makeup. The otherwise friendly suburban neighbourhood becomes horrified by the gender confusion, though tellingly the cruellest blows come not from the teasing classmates but intolerant adults: one scene recalls the torch-and-pitchfork angry villagers from a Frankenstein movie. Ludo tries hard to be butch but he can't deny his nature, especially when he meets a kindred spirit: a little girl who gladly trades her dress for his pants and shirt. This bittersweet mix of innocent fantasy and childhood cruelty has its moments of sadness and crushing misunderstandings but the overall tone is loving, filled with tenderness and culminating in acceptance and togetherness. As the family stumbles and struggles to come to terms with Ludo, they find something special within him, an innocent conviction so powerful and pure that it's infectious. Ludo may not grow up to become a girl as he hopes but his belief is so strong it's hard to deny him the possibility. This films reminds us that, to a child, anything is possible. --Sean Axmaker
Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the sweetest films to emerge from Europe in the 1990s, lain Berliner's Ma Vie en Rose is the story of an innocent little boy, Ludovic (played with non-cloying directness by Georges Du Fresne), who wants to be a girl. Convinced that he's the product of misplaced chromosomes (he imagines the mix-up in one of many delightful daydream sequences), he sets about righting the mistake by wearing dresses and high heels and experimenting with lipstick and makeup. The otherwise friendly suburban neighbourhood becomes horrified by the gender confusion, though tellingly the cruellest blows come not from the teasing classmates but intolerant adults: one scene recalls the torch-and-pitchfork angry villagers from a Frankenstein movie. Ludo tries hard to be butch but he can't deny his nature, especially when he meets a kindred spirit: a little girl who gladly trades her dress for his pants and shirt. This bittersweet mix of innocent fantasy and childhood cruelty has its moments of sadness and crushing misunderstandings but the overall tone is loving, filled with tenderness and culminating in acceptance and togetherness. As the family stumbles and struggles to come to terms with Ludo, they find something special within him, an innocent conviction so powerful and pure that it's infectious. Ludo may not grow up to become a girl as he hopes but his belief is so strong it's hard to deny him the possibility. This films reminds us that, to a child, anything is possible. --Sean Axmaker
Customer Reviews:
very good dvd quality - and a superb film.......2008-03-04
The Main menu audio volume on this DVD is too high - causing lots of "clipping" - but the quality of the video and audio in the film itself is perfect. The DVD-5 (single layer) disc uses anamorphic 16:9 to display the 1.85:1 original theatrical ratio and audio is Dolby 2.0 stereo. There is less than 10 minutes of extra features - so there's not likely to have been much gained anyway if it were a dual layer disc.
The English subtitles are fixed (not an optional feature) - but non-French speaking viewers will welcome the fact that they are very easy to read.
Ma Vie En Rose is one of my favourite films. Everything about it is first class - but especially its huge beautiful heart. I saw the film in cinematic release here in Brisbane first on my own - and then in company with my friend Philippa who had experienced first hand the reality of lifelong gender dysphoria. We both cried.
Too nany people (gay men included) judge transgenders as having made a decision as adults to change their gender identity - when very often the awareness has been there all their lives.
Ma Vie En Rose is not only a beautiful and engaging family drama - but a charming and empowering fantasy (based soundly in reality).
Every parent should see this film, so they can be prepared to accept and support their children, just as they.
Beautiful.......2007-09-05
Uncomfortable viewing at times but the beauty of unconditional love shines through.
This is well directed and scripted, albeit with a surreal ending. It is the story of a young boy who is confident of his own sexuality - he thinks he is a female. This suremindedness exposes the prejudices of family, friends and acqaintances creating a psychological and physical whiplash.
Wonderful.......2007-01-15
I adore this film.
It is beautiful, frustrating, powerful, funny and eloquent. The world of Pam can be appreciated by anyone with a love of the kitsch.
I find it intensely irritating when I come across this film categorised into 'Gay Interest' films. This is not a sexual film about being gay, straight, cross-dressing, transgender etc etc. It is a simple and wonderful film exploring a little boy's confusion about gender identity and acceptance, and having to cope with his family and the communtity's hostility and narrow-mindedness. This, I feel, can be appreciated by all. Georges du Fresne, who plays Ludovic, is simply fantastic and plays his character with pure devotion; an absolute gem.
I wouldn't call it a family film though, unless perhaps one has a child dealing with similar issues.
Great film!.......2006-12-09
Ma Vie En Rose is one of those films that has you laughing out loud at times!
It tells the story of 7 year old Ludovic who enjoys dressing up as a girl. His parents, school and neighbours are horrifed at his behaviour, and the film closely examines the feelings, attitudes and hypocrasy Ludovic finds himself battling - both on a personal level and as expressed by the wider community surrounding him.
There are some fantastic performances in this film - particularly by the children.
A must-see film for all the family!
original and well developed.......2006-07-22
I think that this film is most original and well developed. The subject is not so far-fetched. As well as treating Ludovic's difficulties with sympathy, the film also shows the hypocrisy and cruelty of society when faced with people who stray from the 'norm'.
The part of Ludovic is excellently portrayed and with charm. All the acting is excellent. The denouement is not perfect, I suppose, but in life denouements are rarely, if ever, perfect.
UK DVD:
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