Teenage girls and failed father figures are at the center of Anne-Sophie Birot's coming-of-age drama, which takes a distinctly French look at teenage sexuality. While Gwen (Isild Le Besco) and Lise (Karen Alyx) have always looked forward to their summers together on the Brittany coast, this year Gwen particularly needs her friend, as her family is in such bad shape that her alcoholic fisherman father is forced to sell his boat. But Lise is far away dealing with the death of her estranged father, so Gwen is left alone to explore her budding sexuality with the local boys, a new direction which causes problems for the two friends when Lise suddenly shows up. While Girls Can't Swim has a frank approach to sexuality that would never pass muster in an American film (though not as in-your-face as Catherine Breillat's recent similarly-themed Fat Girl), the film occasionally transcends its subject matter thanks to heartbreakingly real performances by Le Besco and Alyx. A strong optional purchase. (D. Fienberg)
Girls Can't Swim
Wellspring, 98 min., in French w/English subtitles, not rated, VHS: $79.98, DVD: $24.98 Volume 17, Issue 6
Girls Can't Swim
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