Rote Küsse

A marvelous film that examines maturing youth within the context of political activism. The movie focuses on the emotional turmoil of teenage Nadia as she begins to develop adult emotions. While I'm sure some may concentrate on her sexual awakening, what is far more intriguing is her movement from her family's values and an understanding of her place in the world as part of a political system to an introspective person, who ironically matures by becoming less sure of herself. As she sheds family apron strings and the blanket of political ideology she becomes vulnerable and in acknowledging this becomes a women.

This is a great movie. I saw it in the theater when it first came out. I have not seen the film since 1985 when it first came out, but I have often thought about it. I was very young when I saw it and it made me think about the period in France after WWII in which they became enamoured with Stalin (hence the title Red Kiss). I recall some of the conflicts integral to the storyline dealt with a young French women's wrestling of the "rosy" ideals of Stalinism and coming to terms with the evidence of his atrocities.

It's crazy that there is no DVD out yet after all this time. If this came out on DVD, I'd buy a copy for each of my friends for Xmas. It won the prize at the Berlin film festival for crying out loud. I know its out on VHS and the Amazon sells it, but I don't really use VHS anymore.

As a girl of 16, I first saw this film, and now, 14 years later, it still makes me laugh and suffer with Nadia. I guess teenage feelings, (not only romantic, but even personal problems with parents and ideologies) have never been shown in such an understanding way before or after Rouge Baiser. The form of characterization in small replies such as "I do not love the cemetary. It is just a hideaway. I do love the movies" should help any future cineast to identify with the heroine and change from mainstream teenage films to teenage films with higher demands.

I had to sit up until 4 in the morning to watch this film but it was worth it. The kind of political film that most Western filmmakers don't dare to make, "Rouge Baiser" tells the story of a young Polish girl in 1950s Paris, caught between the obligations of family and the lure of powerful politics in the shape of the Communist Party. Nadia is first attracted by the charms of a photographer who pulls her from a street mêlée, but his influence is soon supplanted by that of the Party, leading to painful emotional clashes between Nadia and her mother.

It's a minor work, in truth, but it has stayed with me due mainly to the heartfelt work put in by Charlotte Valandrey in the lead role. Only 16 at the time, her compelling portrayal of Nadia is vulnerable and strong, beautiful and awkward - all you can ask from an actress acting out the complex passage into adulthood at such a sensitive time. Aside from her brilliant performance, Lambert Wilson is excellent as the enigmatic Stéphane, and Véra Belmont demonstrates superior skill in both the direction and the writing.

"Rouge Baiser" is a largely undiscovered gem, a film of rare craft and passion, with a feel for the dangers of its period and a genuine understanding of human urges both personal and political. It would be well worth seeking out.