De Cabeça Erguida

One hates that universal truths are that, universal as seen in Standing Tall, a French tale of anguish & possible redemption of a youth in revolt. Seemingly Dardennesque (Jean & Luc, filmmakers who chronicle the working class of Belgium), we enter the dismaying world of a particular Parisian malcontent who begs for a hug or smack sometimes in the expanse of the same instance. With a supporting turn as a sympathetic judge from France's national treasure Catherine Deneuve, the plight of this teen plays across her weathered features as we wonder if he'll ever get his act together.