This is a part of an ongoing project in which I watch one movie from a different country every week.
PLOT: Ludovic (Georges Du Fresne), a seven-year-old transgender girl, comes out to her family and neighborhood. While her parents insist that she wear boys clothing and play sports, Ludovic dresses in pink skirts and falls in love with the son of her father’s ultra-conservative boss.
MEMORABLE MOMENT: Ludovic goes over to to play with Jérôme (Julien Rivière), a local neighborhood boy and the son of Ludovic’s father’s boss. While exploring the house, Ludovic wanders into a girl’s bedroom. Jérôme says that his sister is “away.” Later, Jérôme’s mother catches the boys putting on a pretend wedding in which Ludovic is wearing one of her daughter’s dresses. It’s only then that the audience learns what really happened to the sister.
WHO IS THIS MOVIE FOR?: Obviously, anyone interested in films with LGBTQ themes should check it out. However, I’d also recommend Ma Vie en Rose (My Life in Pink) for anyone who just wants a funny, moving coming of age story.
I would especially recommend this movie for parents who want to expose their kids to stories with transgender characters. Ma Vie en Rose isn’t necessarily a children’s movie, but it might help kids understand what their friends and loved ones are experiencing. The film would be especially important for kids who are themselves transgender. Don’t let the R rating discourage you. There are some “Thematic Moments” (SPOILER: a child attempts suicide) and a bit of swearing, but most PG-13 blockbusters are more unsettling than this film.
According to Wikipedia there are many who disagree with the film’s R rating, believing that it was a result of transphobia. Ma Vie en Rose came out over twenty years ago. Even if the film had been released in 2018 it would have still been met with controversy. It must have been considered particularly progressive by 1997 standards (unless Belgium is more accepting than the United States)
WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?: Netflix DVD. It is also available to rent ($3.99) or buy ($12.99) on Amazon.
RUNTIME: 88 Minutes
DIRECTOR: Alain Berliner
