Lou! Journal Infime
Quirky French subtitled film about growing up has profanity.
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Based on 1 review
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Lou! Journal Infime
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Lou! Journal Infime is a quirky, stylized, heartfelt French movie with subtitles based on a French comic about the relationship between a creative 12-year-old girl, her single mom, their life in Paris, and the boy crushes they each nurse individually. It has some casual profanity, including "f--k" and its variations and "s--t" in a few instances, sexual suggestiveness (implied sex between adult characters) and teen kissing, and a brief scene where the mom is tipsy and offers beer to a minor (he refuses). Overall it has strongly positive and sweet messages about navigating friendship, girlhood, and crushes. Perfect for fans of Amelie or Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.
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What's the Story?
Lou (Lola Lasseron) is a sweet, creative, quirky 12-year-old girl nursing her first serious crush on Tristan, whom she carefully (and secretly) photographically documents with scientific zeal from her rooftop balcony across the street. Mom (Ludivine Sagnier) is a reclusive single writer who hasn't quite gotten around to writing. Lou is worried about her mother, until she develops a crush of her own on the new neighbor and they suddenly find themselves dealing with very similar love lives.
Is It Any Good?
This is a highly stylized movie that leaves no quirky stone unturned. Sets are drenched in bold colors and filled with flea market bric-a-brac: vintage computers, clocks, cameras, mannequins. But the issues at the film's core are decidedly both modern and universal: first crushes, falling back into love, making and keeping friends, and navigating a city.
Casual profanity and some very European tween maturity make this better for older kids familiar with the worlds of Amelie or the like, but this will be a hit with creative teen journaling types who've just hit full boy-crazy mode.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about subtitled films. Do you like them? Why, or why not?
Do you think French living is as glamorous and sophisticated as movies make it out to be? Why, or why not?
Is the relationship between Lou and her mom realistic? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 8, 2014
- Cast: Lola Lasseron, Ludivine Sagnier
- Director: Julien Neel
- Studio: Studio Canal
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models
- Run time: 104 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Amelie
Thoughtful, charming, whimsical film has mature moments.
-
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Teen romcom is believable but on the edgy side.
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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Clever, entertaining fantasy romance for gaming-era teens.
For kids who love travel
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