Maman est chez le coiffeur

This was a very good surprise movie. I saw it at Cineqest, a film festival Northern California, walking in blindly without knowing much about it. From the title "My Mother is at the Hairdresser's" I was expecting a light comedy. Though there are comic moments in the film, the movie really is a coming of age film. Set in the early 70's, in an idyllic setting, the film deals many issues that all families deal with, marriage problems, education, prejudice, isolation, but also is able to look at the bright side of life, young love, community bonding, etc., and looks at them in a very honest way.

The real find is Marianne Fortier, who plays the eldest daughter Elise. We see the film mostly through her eyes, and feel deep sympathy for her as she deals with a family breaking apart, a younger brother, whom she loves, being taken away. We see her cry very deep tears, yet hear her laughter throughout this wonderful film.

I'm really becoming quite fond of French Canadian cinema.This film, like so many others are filled with wonderful scenes of people being in nature, modern life being lived in very beautiful, natural settings. I'm reminded of many wonderful films, The Decline of the American Empire and The Barbarian Invasions, Seducing Dr. Lewis, Strangers in Good Company...and the quintissential Canadian film My Uncle Antoine. This film will enfold you, as all great films do, in its embrace and remind you of what it is to be human.