Falconeer Review of What Every Frenchwoman Wants

What Every Frenchwoman Wants (1986)

Beautifully filmed coming of age tale

[7/10 · 26 December 2012]

"Exploits of A Young Don Juan" is very unique, in that it's a softcore erotic film where the main character is a boy instead of a girl/woman. When the men must leave the picturesque Italian countryside to fight in WW1, 16 year old Roger is left behind, with a house full of lonely women! The film takes place in a beautiful old mansion, and the sets and period costumes are all top notch. Truly this is a gorgeous looking production. The character Roger is cute and likable enough, and there are many silly, light moments. Especially towards the films conclusion, when it is discovered that he has unwittingly impregnated all the women in the house, including some servants! Don Juan, (AKA The Initiation) could have used a bit more serious, dramatic moments, but it seems like the director was going for something light and sweet. The film is a success, and I'm surprised it isn't well-known. As it stands this is an extremely rare title, almost impossible to find. While not as graphic as films like "Emmanuelle" there is a bit of nudity and a lot of sexual innuendo. But never for a moment does it become sleazy, or low-brow entertainment. This reminded me of an American film, "A Night In the Life of Jimmy Reardon," starring River Phoenix, also from 1987. It is worth tracking down.