Le Péril jeune, a look back at a classic French film
French cinema has always had a flair for telling the stories of youth, for plunging us into the sometimes tumultuous world of youth with finesse and authenticity. In this article, we take a look at one of these landmark films, Le Péril jeune, released in 1995, which, with its lead actors Romain Duris, Vincent Elbaz, Nicolas Koretzky, Julien Lambroschini and Joachim Lombard, captured the very essence of youth in the 70s.
Originally directed by the very talented Cédric Klapisch, the film made a lasting impression when it was released. The synopsis, in itself, demonstrates the extent to which the narrative is rooted in a certain social reality: "A few young men meet up again several years after leaving high school. They attend the birth of their best friend's girlfriend, who died of an overdose a week earlier. It's an opportunity for them to confront their memories."
Le Péril jeune is a title that sounds like an oxymoron. The word "peril" seems contradictory to our idea of "youth". Yet this oxymoron encourages us to understand that youth can be both a vibrant and dangerous time.
The performance of the actors, particularly Romain Duris, is often cited as one of the film's strong points. His natural acting and on-screen charisma set the film apart when it was released. However, all the main actors make their own contribution, creating an overall dynamic that breathes life into the story.
The imaginative and poignant screenplay is written by Cédric Klapisch himself. A remarkable French director, Klapisch is known for his propensity to explore human dynamics and relationships in depth. His infinite attention to detail and flair for telling universal stories are reflected in all his work, and Le Péril jeune is no exception.
With its dose of nostalgia, its moving sharing of a youth confronted with harsh realities, Le Péril jeune offers an intense and insightful social reflection on the difficulties of growing up, coping with loss and uncertainty, but also on solidarity and unfailing friendship.
Although the film was released in 1995, its timelessness and universal exploration of youth make Le Péril jeune still relevant today, continuing to question, touch and illuminate in its own way the often chaotic journey to adulthood.
By way of conclusion, let us recall this quotation from the film, which sums up its essence: "We should live our lives upside down... Start by dying, that eliminates the trauma that follows you all your life..."
A group of young men meet again several years after leaving high school. They attend the birth of their best friend's girlfriend, who died of an overdose a week earlier. It's a chance for them to confront their memories.
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Dates and Opening Time
From August 14th, 2023 to August 29th, 2023
Average duration
1 h
41 min
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