Movie Review: Big Girls Don't Cry

Two thumbs up!

I don't know how this movie got on our Blockbuster queue. We didn't recognize the director or any of the lead actresses. The only connection was one of the minor characters was also a minor character in Run Lola Run.

The basic premise is two girlfriends becoming teenagers. There's a wonderful combination of little girl activities and sentiments, which give way to more and more adult themes. The characters are richly drawn and compelling.

Why would a guy want to see this movie?

First off, the girls are really hot, and spend a lot of time either having sex or trying to have sex (there's plenty of skin, even though there is no actual nudity). But beyond that, the film is really well done and compelling, no matter what your interests are. I wouldn't watch it with the guys and a case of beer, but I'd definitely watch it with my significant other or maybe as part of a movie party.

What makes this film so good? First off, the acting is excellent. These are very demanding roles for young actresses and they are real and convincing throughout.

The directing, cinematography, and editing are also excellent. The movie moves along at a crisp pace, and manages to never get bogged down in melodrama. The shots all have depth and energy. This isn't an arthouse picture, but it should still be watched by any aspiring director. The camera angles add meaning to each scene. The director is technically brilliant in an understated way, like an Olympic high-diver who makes it look easy.

The music is also good, as is the dialogue and plot. Movie scripts aren't written by teenage girls; they're written by movie professionals in their 30's, 40's, or 50's, and this is often painfully obvious. Not so in this movie. In fact, a lot is communicated without dialogue. This was probably helped by the fact that Maria von Heland both wrote and directed. A classic writer's maxim is "show, don't tell," and von Heland does this. There's no need to make the character say "I'm upset," if you can see the anguish on her face.

Meanwhile the plot is compelling. Yelena & I watched this late at night before going to bed. At 2 am I suggested to her that we turn it off and watch the rest in the morning; she insisted we finish it immediately because she was so drawn in. (To be honest, I didn't need much convincing either.) It's not standard Hollywood drivel about boys and obnoxious parents. It certainly starts out that way, but quickly strays into dangerous adult territory.

The movie also ends well. The girls have grown up. You can already see them acting with greater depth and maturity. They still maintain a playful spark, but in the manner of an optimistic adult, not a naive child.

Lest you think I've given away the whole plot so you don't need to watch it, think again. The movie is way more complex; I've left out anything that could be considered a true spoiler. Watch it and be impressed.

J

(Now back to studying; I have 5 hours to memorize 505 flash cards.)