Arrête avec tes mensonges

A successful French writer reluctantly accepts an invitation to pay an official visit to a small town where he spent his youth and where he fell in love for the first time. The more sour he looks about the whole experience, the more we understand that his love story back then was an unhappy one, and little by little we are given more details about what happened and why. This gradual narration travels back and forth in time and reveals very personal secrets of the characters, and before long we are introduced to what it all revolves around: shame. We are slowly shown how it presents itself inside and outside of a person, how it eats, erodes a person unmistakably destroying their entire life. We are also reminded that shame is an internal feeling but caused by external factors, which gives a lot of food for thought in the context of this film.

A wonderful screen adaptation of a novel. A delicate yet confident description of shame and its horrible consequences. Therapeutic. Eye-opening. Heart-warming.

"Lie With Me" presents to us a moving tale of first love, secret love and lost love.

On the other hand we also get to see a story about finding out the true character and personality of the ones close to you and also about being honest and candid to yourself. At the core of this picture stands the beautiful and complex acting performance of Guillaume de Tonquedec as the shy and introverted writer Stéphane, who has been and still is openly gay. As a parallel to his character serves Thomas - his first lover - who was in contrast to Stéphane the "popular kid" at their high school but was ashamed of being attracted to a man and as we learn throughout the film - was still ashamed to his dying day. Eventhough this dynamic might seem as a cliche (the "shy character gets secrestly together with the extroverted one") "Lie With Me" provides an interesting take on this genre with its use of queer characters and the fact that Thomas is struggling with his sexual orientation mostly because of himself and his own inner fights (not because of what people around him would think).

I must also mention the simple yet effective way the script was constructed in and also the splendid soft and charming music score.

I agree the English translation (subtitles) are not perfect and are not as good as the book. The French dialogue is actually better. That said, as someone who played one of those roles in real life, and as someone with far too many friends from that era/generation who also played out one of those roles in their lives, this movie is poignant, painful, and sad, as well as happy, hopeful and healing. I think it is an awesome movie that made me laugh and cry as I could so easily draw parallels to my own life. I highly recommend it to guys who grew up in that time, as well as to younger guys who may not understand what many of us went through back then.

For any gay man who married a woman, or woman who married a gay man (feel free to swap out genders as applicable), this movie could help understanding. It's emotional and beautifully acted and directed.

Obviously, this movie means a lot to me and I truly love it. It is very near the top (if not THE top) of my list of all time favorite movies, and I cannot wait until it is available for purchase in the US so I can add it to my permanent collection!

Please see this movie and enjoy it!

It's hard to eplain why this movie works. The theme is hardly original as is the plot, but the way this is told is just magnificent, and the acting is brilliant all across the board.

It takes a certain kind of restraint from a filmmaker to tell a small story so tenderly and moving without going for gut punching tearjerking moments. But that is exacty what is on display here. The feelings are real, the emotions run deep, but the actors deliver it all delicate and beautiful.

The 'older' cast is wonderful, the 'son of' is great to look at but the joy of teenage love in the flashbacks and the actors portraying it make this movie a triumph.

This review does NOT contain spoilers.

I was able to see this beautiful film at the Alliance Française French Film Festival in Australia. Based on the book "Arrête avec tes Mensonges," it was exceptional in so many ways. It was one of those films that leave the audience lingering afterwards to discuss it with complete strangers. For me it was the best film in the entire film festival.

The film was magical on so many levels, from the first scene to the last. The storyline, scenery, set locations, dialogue, acting, film editing, and striking soundtrack all worked together to create something very special. The performance from every actor was impressive. Two actors in particular stood out. Guilaine Londez, delivered a perfect performance in the finest detail. The real stunner was Victor Belmondo who lit up every scene he was in. His performance was tender, human and flawless. An amazing actor.

This movie explores the special significance of first love, coming of age, and the memories they create that last a lifetime. It was also a wonderful example of how we relate to another person who was unknown to us yet deeply loved the same person that we ourselves have loved. The common ground that two people have when they have both independently loved a third is thoughtfully explored.

If you love beautiful and deeply meaningful movies - this one should not be missed. It is really something special. Regardless of who or what you are, this film will stir up emotions you had forgotten you even had. I highly recommend this rare and special film.