Unlike American counterparts "Kids" or "Dangerous Minds," this highly intelligent comedy (which cleaned up at this year's Césars) doesn't seek to shock or inspire, but merely documents teen moodiness in all its tedious unpredictability.
83
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
Beautifully observed tale of high-school kids in the projects outside Paris.
A graceful and sympathetic look at how the lives of teenagers intersect with a work of literature.
75
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
The vérité fascinates, even if the artifice is obvious.
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
New York PostV.A. Musetto
A work of drama, it's more realistic than any TV reality show.
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
Kechiche's film is bursting with life: Shot entirely on location using surprisingly long takes, all of it feels surprising authentic, even as these young kids attempt to spout dialogue that's nearly 300 years old.
60
The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck
The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck
It is a provocative and potentially rich premise, to be sure, but the execution here is somewhat lacking.
50
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
New York Daily NewsJack Mathews
The play within the movie is much more entertaining.