Watch Chicks

At the heart of teenagerhood, there are those moments of longing for more. For the titular trio of teenage girls in Chicks (2009), it's the need to break free from the boredom of the suburbs and experience life in the big city. Their desire to leave their cozy yet uneventful existence results in a beautiful and heart-warming coming-of-age story.

Directed by Sophie Letourneur, the film is a light-hearted exploration of finding oneself, friendship and what it means to grow up. The story follows six days in the lives of the trio, Louise (Sarah-Jane Sauvegrain), Mao (Eulalie Juster) and Emma (Mahault Mollaret). Louise, who feels frustrated with her life at home, convinces her two best friends to help her search for their childhood friend, Aurore.

Thus, the three girls head to Paris, leaving their small town behind. Mao is vivacious and has moved away from her family's blue-collar background. She's an aspiring artist with a passion for people-watching, and she's always on the lookout for something to inspire her next work. Emma, on the other hand, is quiet and shy, the owner of a collection of classic records by '80s French groups. She's also secretly in love with Louise, but she keeps her emotions hidden.

With a naturalistic approach to filmmaking, Letourneur creates a sense of reality that allows the audience to relate to the characters almost instantly. The film moves at a gentle pace, methodically following the girls as they wander through the city. They walk down the historic Rue Montorgueil in search of Aurore's apartment. Along the way, they stop in a café to have breakfast, buy panties from a nearby store, play with dogs, and go dancing.

In the city, the trio encounter a range of Parisians, who instill a sense of opulence, sophistication and, in a way, cynicism. There's Philippe, a flirtatious waiter who captures the attention of the girls. They also come across a young couple in love, who share a laugh with the trio. And then there's the eccentric DJ boyfriend of Aurore, who eventually helps the girls reunite with their friend.

The characters in Chicks are multi-dimensional and refreshing in their portrayal. They have positive and excellent qualities, such as intelligence, wit, and humor, as well as flaws that never get in the way of the audience's enjoyment of their company. They have frank conversations, openly discussing their experiences while sharing their thoughts on the world. This is where the film excels, in its ability to present its characters as the equivalent of audience avatars.

The cinematography of Chicks is one of its strengths. The film captures the vibrancy and charm of Paris through its vivid imagery. The use of handheld camera work gives the film a naturalistic and documentary-like feel. The scenes of the girls walking through the crowds of the city or cycling through the streets deliver a delightful sense of freedom and youth that is infectious.

The film's soundtrack is an essential element of its charm. A mash-up of classic French pop songs from the '80s puts the audience in the heart of Paris. The music is not just a background component but becomes a notable part of the storytelling. Each song marks a scene with its own rhythms.

In conclusion, Chicks is a lighthearted, coming-of-age film that captures a moment in adolescence that we all relate to. It presents an inspiring tale of friendship, adventure, and self-discovery that speaks universal truths. Through its engaging characters and the beauty of Paris, it gives us a glimpse of hope and optimism that only youth can offer. Overall, a delightful ode to teenage dreams and lasting memories.