Water Lilies

France

Quiet, intelligent treatment of adolescent female sexuality. We follow three 15 yo girls as they muddle through a confusing period in their lives...a time of inchoate desires, shifting alliances, unrequited loves and experimentation. The nexus is a girls' synchronized swim team...a smart choice by the writer since the near-nudity exacerbates their desires.

Almost no adults appear on screen and very few boys. The focus on these characters is intense and revealing. Their individual personalities are clearly drawn. Red herrings are used to surprise us...and them.

This kind of film would never get made here. Not enough "action." Just real life.

6