Radley Metzger's most acclaimed film is a melancholy tale of a woman wandering through the landscape of her memory to relive the joys and sorrows of the first love of her adolescence. We flash back on the young Therese (Essy Persson), who has grown up as the only person in her single mother's life, but due to her mother's abrupt marriage she has now been banished from the family home to a finishing school. Feeling abandoned, Therese becomes friends with the vivacious and lively Isabelle (Anna Gaël), but their relationship grows past friendship to love, and together they taste the forbidden fruit of sex. Based on the autobiographical novel Le Batarde by Violette Leduc, Metzger's handsome black-and-white film (elegantly shot by Hans Jura) is constructed as a prismatic set of flashbacks, constructed not in chronological order but rather along thematic lines, intercut with the adult Therese revisiting the ghosts of her past in the now-deserted school. The tasteful restraint of the first half gives way to discreet sexual explorations and finally nudity, which may be troubling to some viewers in light of the age of the characters (who are played by adults), but Metzger never exploits the situation. The poignant scenes have a tenderness and raw emotion that captures the mix of excitement, fear, and confusion of adolescence, and ultimately the film becomes about the tragedy of loss that continues to haunt the adult Therese. --Sean Axmaker
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: An old film but a goodie! Comment: I saw this movie a few years ago for the first time. It's now part of my film library. Such a provocative film for 1968. This film was way before it's time. I strongly recommend this film if you enjoy Lesbian films with a plot. The film is extremely erotic with the dialog alone. You'll get your fill of nudity too. Very well done. Customer Rating: Summary: A touching, truly special adult movie Comment: I was really surprised by this movie. I expected a cheesy 1960's adult movie. But this movie is truly something special. It is a tender, touching and yes, sexy movie about first love. The acting is superb, especially by heartbreakingly beautiful Essy Persson. The editing, photography and direction is superb. A wonderful movie that reminds one not only of the beauty of love,but also its pain and heartbreak. Customer Rating: Summary: A sensitive portrayal of first love Comment: This movie is one of the most sensitive handlings of first love. The acting is so well done you suffer along with the characters as they awaken to their mutual feelings. The narration is beautiful and the scenes tasteful but erotic. Customer Rating: Summary: Great movie - sloppy presentation! Comment: Radley Metzger at his best! This is a haunting and deeply moving tale about love, sexuality and adolescence. Camerawork and editing are superb. And Essy Persson as Therese is just marvellous. The real downside is the presentation of this movie. The DVD is widescreen (slighly cropped, i think) but the picture is too soft. This is a shame because this beautiful movie deserves a first class presentation! Customer Rating: Summary: Therese and Isabelle Comment: This movie is one of the most sensual and touching movies about first love between two girls. When I first picked up the video, I did not expect more than light entertainment. After all, what can you expect from a 1960's movie depicting such a taboo subject! But I was pleasantly surprised. The setting is classic: an all girl school! You are a witness to an all encompassing first romance and erotic relationship of two young girls. Without hesitation, they both follow their hearts exploring each other. I expected them to be caught at any moment during their carefree adventures... The black & white cinematography gives this movie great character. Switching from young girl to reminiscing woman makes 'Therese and Isabelle' interesting and captivating. I recommend this video to all sensual people!
