neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Girls Can't Swim
	Anne-Sophie Birot Isild Le Besco, Karen Alyx, Pascale Bussières, Pascal Elso, Marie Rivière 2000		Tragedy born of unmet expectations, thwarted affections and simmering anger is the essence of "Girls Can't Swim," a sad but wise French coming-of-age drama directed and co-written by Anne-Sophie Birot. A deep friendship between two girls is renewed every summer on the Brittany coast when Lise (Karen Alyx) comes from Paris with her family and gets together with local kid Gwen (Isild Le Besco). When they're apart, they long for the companionship they share during the vacation months. But upon turning 15, they find that their rapport is undermined by difficulties in their respective homes and the changing needs and wants brought on by the passing years. This particular summer, their growing sexuality starts to drive a wedge between them, as Gwen explores her attraction to various boys in town and Lise begins to realize the true depth of her feelings for Gwen. For a candid study of youthful exploration and the ties that bind and tear, plunge into "Girls Can't Swim."