L’Amour ouf: a one-two punch of love at first sight
L’Amour ouf, Gilles Lellouche’s new film starring Adèle Exarchopoulos and François Civil, is in theaters now. The editorial team loved this unclassifiable film and its violent love story. Go for it, you won’t regret it.
In his new film, L’Amour Ouf, Gilles Lellouche takes us back to the 80s, to the heart of northern France. Jackie and Clotaire, two teenagers from different backgrounds, meet at school and on the docks. Their love quickly blossoms, uniting two souls at odds with the world around them. Despite the obstacles life throws in their path, their passion remains unbroken. This captivating story resonates with those who experienced the struggles of youth, and Lellouche has captured the essence of that era.
A project matured with patience
Lellouche had Neville Thompson’s book in his hands 17 years ago. But he took time to adapt it. According to Lellouche, that time helped him refine his approach. “I wasn’t ready; I had to go through a number of stages before tackling this very ambitious project. And what takes the longest is the writing. I’m a very slow person in that respect”, he confides. This long process also enabled him to invent scenes and situations that enriched the original work. The director refers to a strong personal connection with the story: “This love story resonated with periods of my adolescence and young adulthood. I’ve always been attracted by stories of thwarted love, by the class struggle that emanates from loving someone who, a priori, isn’t right for you.”
Unclassifiable
The director describes his film as a fusion of several genres, a challenge to cinematic clichés. Rather than limiting himself to a single style, he offers us a blend of romantic comedy and thriller, while tackling universal themes such as family and friendship love. “I wanted to upset the rogue films that often don’t show these nuances,” he explains. As a result, L’Amour Ouf becomes a celebration of the different facets of love, while incorporating a dynamic of hot and cold, violence and tenderness.
The film is also a portrait of adulthood in the making, a reflection of modern life. Lellouche evokes a certain nostalgia, inspired by works such as Martin Eden and Coppola films like Rusty James and Outsiders. The choice of actors is highly relevant. François Civil and Adèle Exarchopoulos are outstanding. As for Mallory Wanecque and Malik Frikah, they’re real revelations we’ll love to see again.
L’Amour Ouf is an exploration of the struggles, desires and dreams of two young lovers fighting for their place in a world that is beyond them. With a deft blend of emotion, nostalgia and music, Gilles Lellouche delivers a superb, moving film. This love story, at once sweet and violent, set against a backdrop of raw ’80s rap, is a must-see for the big screen.
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