When I entered the title, I couldn't believe that "Oui, Mais..." hadn't received ten stars. I was recently at a French Film festival where I had the privilege of seeing this masterpiece, and I loved it! It shows therapy in a positive light, as less of a last resort, and rather as a way to prevent problems before they start by seeking within yourself for solutions. It reveals many bad habits of blame and self pity we have, and how they we can unintentionally hurt our relations with others. It also carries a positive message of the ability of an individual to take their lives into their own hands and turn it in their favor. Don't get me wrong, "oui, mais.." isn't just about life lessons. It's an enthralling, beautiful film that is also insightful. In today's commercial hollywood, a film this good and this meaningful is a rare find. The protagonist, Egalantine, is a highschool girl who is at a important point in her life. She faces sexual pressure from her boyfriend, responsibility and guilt from her mother (who is in an unhappy marriage), as well as self-induced stress. The movie is about her quest for balance and meaning in her life as she enters adulthood, and Yves Lavandier does an excellent job! By the end, Egalantine has gained self-esteem, has experienced sex as a beautiful, precious experience, and has washed her hands of her mother's personal problems. It was a very satisfying ending, as the audience felt as if they had been tackling the obstacles with Egalantine. I definitely came out of the movie feeling victorious. Overall, an excellent film! Go see it if you are able! And if any American film people are reading this, please consider bringing "oui, mais..." to the american market. I know my friends will love it just as much as I did!
