Wild Reeds

Set against the backdrop of the last days of the French-Algerian war and amidst the lush landscapes of Southern France, Wild Reeds is a true gay cinema classic - a coming-of-age saga looking at the sexual awakening of four teenagers. The quartet discover sensual delights while grappling with inner-conflict and political differences. Sensitive Francois (Gael Morel) and feminist-communist Maite (Elodie Bouchez) are in a somewhat stunted relationship, bonding over a mutual love for movies and rock'n'roll. However when Francois meets Serge (Stephane Rideau), a handsome muscular youth from the local farming community, he comes to acknowledge his latent homosexuality, while Maite is seduced by Henri (Frederic Gorny), a teenage exile whose political stance is in complete opposition to hers. A powerful take on adolescent sexuality and social turmoil, Andre Techine's Wild Reeds is a poignant, moving and life affirming expression of teenage angst and triumph.