Leolo (DVD, 2005)

In this tragicomic film, a 12 year-old French-Canadian youth delves into the world of imagination and creative writing as his wacky family members each slip into mental illness and institutionalisation. Along the way he explores the existential and the sexual, amid the squalor of his Montreal slum. The film is wonderfully shot and written, using the "eye of the hurricane" POV (our protagonist is in the midst of it all, looking about to make sense of things). This film is also created in a way in which it could be taking place today, or in the 1930s, or at any point in between. The viewer wants the film to end with our young friend becoming a great writer (rescue), or running away toward better things (escape); but the ending won't be disclosed here.

This colour video comes in widescreen, in French with subtitles. It makes a great addition to one's collection of foreign or coming-of-age films, and is highly recommended. It contains some bathroom and sexual themes without frontal nudity and is appropriate for adults -- and young people 12+ with an adult.

Tags: coming-of-age, mental illness, poverty, French-Canada, sexual awakening, family dysfunction, creative writing, art-as-escape

A bit special movie, a bit odd, but it has a plot, but it can take a while to know what the story is all about...hihih...nice scenes thou, and also very touching some scenes.

Beautiful movie. A very nice combination of drama, humor and poetry. A great performance of the actors, the music is wonderful and very suggest.