Thanks Bruno, your English is great. I appreciate it must be challenging to express yourself in a second language--hell, I have enough trouble expressing myself in English and it's my first language
I have to admit to a bit of silliness. I go on hunts for new films, and usually make lists like tree diagrams. That is, if I see a film I like, I search for related films, and recommendations by others that have seen the films--much the same as anyone else does, I guess. But somehow FA got onto a list with films such as Baise-moi and the like, and so I thought the title referred to some sort of quest to fuck a girl named Amal
Consequently the film got lumped in with others I was in no hurry to see. Wasn't until I saw The Quiet that I stumbled on a little bit of the story of FA, and that made me very eager to hunt the film down and finally watch it. It was a very pleasant surprise to discover such a sweet, delicate, and tactful film. I am used to being beaten over the head by Lars with his dogme films, and in fact, the only dogme film I've seen that I rate highly is Festen. Rather a meandering way of saying I've learnt my lesson not to dismiss a film based on it's perceived associations.
And as for the film, yes, I agree it is superbly crafted. The fact of two teenage girls falling in love is not the linchpin of the film. I am not smitten by the film because it fulfills a fantasy (although, to be fair, it does fulfill a few that come to mind
) , for indeed there are precisely two kisses in the film. What attracts me is how vulnerable everyone in the film is, and how genuine all the characters are. Sounds cheap and generic, but it is a damn difficult task to find films where the actors are this human. The film also sets up a perfect equilibrium between drama and comedy. Someone once said there can be no successful drama without comedy, and this film demonstrates that with the lightest of touches. When comparing most other films with FA suddenly they seem awfully contrived. I cannot think of a single event in FA that is contrived, the movie progresses so organically it seems to somehow transcend the normal barriers of a fictional film. It's more real than real, you know. More affecting than if it were a true documentary. I got that same feeling from watching Bresson's Mouchette, which will forever be my number one film. Anyway, this film is just so full of poignant and beautiful moments I am at a loss to understand how anyone could dislike it.
Snaps, thanks for the recommendations. I've seen Let the Right One In. Enjoyed it, though I would not call it a favourite. I'll check out Ginger Snaps when I get the chance. Incidentally, I had the chance to see Water Lilies (Naissance des Pieuvres) just recently (I am a big fan of Adele Haenel) and to be honest wasn't too impressed with it. I'd like to say I liked it, but on the whole I found it to be too forced and empty. The film had potential, that's for sure. I just don't think the story was handled the right way. As for similar films I can recommend, that is difficult. I don't think there is anything truly similar to FA. You might have a look at Sister My Sister if you get the chance, which is really a beautiful film. You should watch a few Bergman films sometime. I started with Through A Glass Darkly and that was THE film that forever changed the way I thought about cinema. I consider Persona, Cries and Whispers, Fanny and Alexander, and TAGD to be his masterpieces. Wild Strawberries is also very good. Seventh Seal is also fantastic if you enjoy more theatrical performances. Maybe we should start a topic for recommending films? I will get cracking on my new screenplay FA 2
As for mama Agnes, I noticed in the photo of her reunion with Alex she still looks just as cute and adorable as she did when she was 16. She has not aged at all it seems!
Thanks, Agnes&Elin, for the youtube links. They will bring me some relief.