Les Beaux Gosses: the French-American cake?
When it hit theaters in June 2009, The beautiful children disrupts the codes of teenage comedy. Far from glamorous stereotypes or idealized stories, Riad Sattouf’s film delves into the raw, embarrassing and often hilarious world of adolescence. Through the character of Hervé, an ordinary and complex schoolboy, the director describes with rare accuracy the first emotions of love, relationships between friends and parental misunderstandings.
Hervé, played by Vincent Lacoste in his very first rolehe is a teenager like many others: he dreams of seducing girls but comes up against his insecurity and clumsiness. His daily life is punctuated by lessons, school discussions with his best friend Camel and his desperate attempts to understand the mysteries of love.
This important role launched the career of Vincent Lacoste (who thought this role would ruin his life), today an essential actor of French cinema and a regular collaborator of Riad Sattouf.
The film’s caustic humor is based on incisive, often crude, but always authentic dialogue. Incredible situations, like failed flirting sessions or arguments between guys, capture a universal moment in life where everything seems tragic and ridiculous. Everything is served by a refined staging, which leaves room for the emotions and absurdity of everyday life.
But beyond the humor, The beautiful children it touches a sensitive chord. Riad Sattouf, with his careful observer’s eye, sheds light on the anxieties and dreams of adolescents. The film, animated by a disarming sincerity, offers a faithful portrait of this often misunderstood transition period.
A generational cult film
Upon his release, The beautiful children achieved resounding success. With more than 900,000 admissions in France, the film is quickly establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon. This success goes beyond cinema: it becomes a generational reference for many young people who recognize themselves in the adventures of Hervé and Camel. The press unanimously praises Riad Sattouf’s ability to capture the essence of adolescence with humor and humanity.
The film was selected for the Directors’ Fortnight at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, an important recognition for a teen comedy. The following year, The beautiful children wins César for best first filmrecognizing the talent of Riad Sattouf, who reveals himself to be a new and unique voice in the panorama of French cinema.
Since its release, The beautiful children it has never stopped seducing. The film has influenced numerous works that deal with adolescence, while remaining an essential reference for those who discovered it upon its release. His uninhibited humor and realism continue to resonate with today’s youth, thanks in particular to his presence on platforms such as Netflix.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
