Movie Review – I Don’t Want to Be a Man

Have you ever watched a silent movie?  You should!  Silent movies were almost completely abandoned after the invention of sound recorders, however, I doubt this was a good decision.  Silent films leave specific details to the viewers imagination, making not only filming one but also watching one a creative process.  However, since they have been left behind, they also now offer a sense of nostalgia to anyone adventurous enough to watch one.  For these reasons, watching a silent movie can be a surprisingly enjoyable experience.  Specifically, I recommend I Don’t Want to Be a Man.

Teenager Ossi, played by Ossi Oswalda, is tired of being a girl in what she views as a man’s world.  She is proud to be unruly until her new guardian, Dr. Kersten who is played by Curt Goetz, shows up to teach her how to be a lady.  Frustrated by his strict teachings she decides to break free by impersonating a man.  As she goes about exploring her new freedoms, she is surprised by new rules and restrictions as well.

This film is a social commentary about gender roles and stereotypes but it maintains a light and comical air.  As I watched I was increasingly surprised by the bold decisions director and writer Ernst Lubitsch made with the plot line.  He and co-writer Hanns Kraly created a story that was ahead of it’s time.  For 1918 German film writers, they took big risks that go far beyond dressing a girl as a boy!  Luckily it paid off for them and the film was a big hit and continues to shock and please audiences today.

I really loved almost every aspect of this movie.  The clever writing of a fun period piece always makes for a good show.  In fact, just watching the characters dramatize every move to mime emotion without words is enough to make you laugh to fall out of your seat.  Especially when a teenager is involved!  I did not hesitate to give this movie four bright, gold stars!  Catch it on Netflix before it’s too late to see if you agree.

Movie Review – Tomboy

We tend to think that life is sweet and innocent for children. That they have not yet had to face any issues of real consequence.  However, in the years preceding adolescence many things change for us that we aren’t yet equipped to understand.  Most of us deal with these changes with the help of friends or family, but gender identity issues complicate matters and leave some of us to fend for ourselves.  Tomboy is a perfect portrayal of this, showing one girl’s struggle to be a boy.

Laure, played by Zoe Heran, has just been moved to a new town and everything seems picture perfect.  She has a loving family, she’s made friends with all the kids in the neighborhood, and she even has a little love interest.  There is only one problem, she’s told everyone she’s Mickael and she’s quickly learning it’s harder to be a boy than she thought.

I was very impressed with this film, written and directed by Celine Sciamma.  It’s a beautiful, minimalist film that draws us into Laure’s mind and makes us feel.  We are excited and scared for her, sharing her happiness and her pain.  We know the worst is coming but we hope for the best.  I was especially struck by the level of maturity that was evident in the performances of these young actors and actresses.  Zoe created subtle nuances of character that really brought Mickael to life.

The ending felt a bit abrupt and left me with several frustrating questions, however, I have no other complaints with this film.  I enjoyed watching it very much and would gladly watch it again.  Therefore, I give this beautiful drama a rating of four and a half stars.  S’amuser!