Ava

Draughtsman Without Contract

As zesty as its teen protagonist is spiteful, complex and enterprising

Dada Kubin

Absolutely wonderful film about the resilience and fantasy of young people on the verge of adulthood. Once again a film that shows that you can take common themes – last summer, sexual awakening etc. – and still give them a fresh look. “Ava” is told in adorably non-realistic style, almost like a fairy-tale, with beautiful pictures and imaginative sound design. And Noeé Abita is the perfect Ava.

Aaken

Teenage is a tough time, even more for 13 yo Ava who discovers during her summer holiday, that she will lose her sight. The young actors Noée Abita and Juan Cano are just perfect. Their naturalness, their youthful beauty are beautifully and sensitively captured by Lea Mysius. Radiant cinematography by Paul Guilhaume. (And I was saying to a friend that modern French cinema was usually not very striking visually...)

El Biffo

Just when I thought I had my fill of coming-of-age films, a delightful one like this comes along. But this is also a Love Movie, and I love that.

anarresti

This is a very surprising coming of age story. As if Lord of the Flies and The Blue Lagoon clashed in the bely of civilization. One idea of Agostinho da Silva comes to mind: that the true Good Savages are children. The coming of age is quite surprising since teen rage and outlawfulness never becomes nihilist, on the contrary. When it is directed at adults and "their" society, an idealism spurs: innocence.

saitosouta

îmbrățișat de către lumina soarelui în vară, imaginația unei fată indisciplinată se colorează în irizat, chiar dacă lumea ei o să fie vopsită în negru mai întunecat decât beznă. Acest film coming-of-age e despre o vară de neuitat a fatei. Capricios și temerar, în plus, asta câine draguț! // 夏の陽光に抱かれながら、少女の想像力は極彩色を帯びていく。例え彼女の世界が闇より暗い黒に染め上げられるとしても。今作は少女の忘れられない夏を追った青春映画だ。自由で大胆、そしてあの可愛い犬ったら！

MATTEO BITTANTI

Several films rolled into one: rebellious teenagers turn into Bonnie and Clyde (going blind) with magic realism aplenty and a touch of ballardianism.

DrFirestone

This is the rare case where a film manages to overcome a mediocre story and create something expressive, honest and emotional. It's a film about youth, self-discovery, love, desperation. But above all, it's a story of a romantic escape - go, live, with someone (both literally and figuratively). Beautifully shot with gorgeous colour processing, fantastic music and sound, great performances. Truly moving and memorable.