Written & Directed By: Agnes Varda
Cinematography: Charlie Van Damme
Editor: Joele Van Effenterre
Cast: Therese Liotard, Valerie Mairesse, Robert Dadies, Ali Rafie, Gisele Halimi, Nicole Clement
The intertwined lives of two women in 1970s France, set against the progress of the women's movement in which Agnes Varda was involved. Pomme and Suzanne meet when Pomme helps Suzanne obtain an abortion after a third pregnancy which she cannot afford. They lose contact but meet again ten years later. Pomme has become an unconventional singer, Suzanne a serious community worker - despite the contrast they remain friends and share in the various dramas of each others' lives, in the process affirming their different female identities.
This is the third film by Agnes Varda that I have seen and wasn’t a plan. Though thankful that I have seen her work. as none of her films were ever at the top of my list to watch, but I am glad to have seen each of them by the end. I am impressed by how they make the audience feel.
This one is pretty epic as it feels like a film on which the Bette Midler-Barbara Hershey movie Beaches might’ve been based as this film observes the friendship between two women over 10 years. From their introduction to one another in their 20s, they reach a certain point of maturity.
The difference is that this film is not only about femininity but also and large part about women’s rights, especially when it comes to their bodies and abortion as that act which was illegal Only a few years before this film was made in Paris, which is the way the friendship starts.
We see both characters through their, many romances and trials and tribulations. as well as they’re changing attitudes and interests.
While they have mini adventures, the film does feel epic, even if it seems to stray only in a few places.
Watching the film, it has come along at the right time as its issues are now coming under threat here in the United States, which makes it feel more relevant than ever. Especially Agnes Varda had to admit that she had one as a sign of protest and rebellion was very brave of her. Showing support and solidarity.
This film shows the future that existed because of this act, not because it was an inconvenience. There’s a film that shows the many hardships that the friends go through, but also their endurance, their happiness, and a kind of joy that is rare, and threw it all their friendship, survives and strives, even though they’re not together all the time they encourage each other and inform one another.
Though more common at the time it just reminds the viewer of how few modern films, explore the depth, nature, and strength of friendships.
Not to mention as the title goes, it does have quite a few music sequences, not musical sequences as some are show sing, intentional stage productions, and other scenes just involve the character singing at a protest or showing off the writing of a new song.
It’s a bit long, but after a while, you barely notice as it goes by so fast that it feels more like a book as it hasn’t enriched quality, time, life, and hope.
The film manages to be political and heavy-handed on one end, but an effective character piece. Where you are enchanted by the characters and their actions as well as their fates
Grade: B+
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