Chicos y Guillermo ¡A comer!

An excellent representation and framing of the idea of 'becoming who you are' that is referred to by many philosophers, especially Nietzsche. Guillaume shares an extraordinary insight into his own journey of becoming who you are, despite the tsunami of resistance from the external world, including family. While watching this film, one starts to gain insight into one's own experience of gaslighting by the world and that interrupts our personal growth. It is not easy to write, direct, and act without coming across as self-absorbed but Guillaume's approach and acting manages to make us feel part of his story, never alienating the viewer and making us want to learn more. It looks stunning, music is great, all supporting actors are fantastic. Brought a tear of joy to my eyes.

I went to the cinema, not expecting anything that I would rate higher than 5/10. I looked through a synopsis (that, as I later realised, didn't communicate either the spirit or the idea of the movie) and decided to take my chances.

"Comedy" - one of the mentioned genres - actually turned out to be a comedy (not always the case for me, as I am sure for many other people out there). Of course, there are scenes that make you smile, and there are those that don't quite reach your "amusement" nerve. Nevertheless, all in all I did find it entertaining.

Secondly, I loved the atmosphere of the movie. It was as though the author lets you in his private life, thoughts - into his head. It feels like you are walking along with him throughout his life, like an imaginary friend.

Finally, the idea (at least the one I've extracted for myself). It struck a nerve in me to be honest. I am thankful to this movie because it made me think about something we (at least I) ignore on the daily basis: how society shapes us according to its our own views, forcing its perception of truth on people who under so much pressure of seeming certainty of others (be it random strangers or even family) get confused and crumble, trying to become a person they are 'supposed to be'.

Thus, only where you discover your own truth, you become free, and those artificial conventions no longer hold any power over you.

I would definitely recommend this movie to my friends (and I have been doing it since I saw it :)).

Even if my review doesn't seem extremely appealing, give Guillaume a chance.

It's one thing to realize and another to realize it. You might be one step closer, but you still have to take that second step. Subtle and fine but there. The movie on the other hand is not subtle. Just look who's playing the mother (actor) and who's playing the son. You might not realize it straight away (yes there is that word again), but when you do it won't be a hidden message.

Having said that, the movie is entertaining, unless you have a fear/hate for that kind of thing. It is kind of operatic and while the signs are there, it takes more to go all the way. It's a road movie in the aspect that you go places (many different languages many different jokes about countries, mostly working). Yes there are clichés and as pointed out, the movie tells you upfront what it wants to do. You'll either like it or you won't

I enjoyed every minute of this unusual coming-of-age story. Guillaume is amusing to watch as the slightly naïve, effeminate son who thinks the world of his mother. His mother, a perpetually annoyed housewife, is equally engaging to watch. The film follows Guillaume's journey to self-discovery, from dance lessons in Spain, to boarding school in England, and even a luxurious spa in Bavaria. It is filled with hilarious moments and concludes on a heartwarming realization. Guillaume Gallienne is a wonderful revelation -- as the writer, director, and main character(s) in this film. If you are allergic to heavy drama, fear not, because this is mostly lighthearted and even during the few somber scenes, Guillaume finds a way to make the audience laugh.

This movie is so dear to my heart. I loved it the first time I saw it in the cinema and I still do now, three years later. It's such a heartwarming, feel-good comedy that I could watch endlessly! Maybe a little too simple if you ever expected a grand impressive performance, but that's what makes me love it. It doesn't try to be pretentious, on the contrary, it's genuine and eye opening on the main character/actor's sexuality (Galliene considers himself as bisexual). Now I only gave it 8 because objectively it's not worth a ten I think... But it's a movie from my country that I'm proud of :)