Watch Graduate First

Graduate First is a 1978 French drama film directed by Maurice Pialat. The movie revolves around three high school students, Daniel, Veronique and Antoine, struggling to adapt to life after graduation. Daniel (Philippe Marlaud) is an intellectual, ambitious and restless student, longing to move beyond the monotonous life of his family's working-class background. His obsession with books and philosophy and his nonchalant attitude toward schoolwork often puts him at odds with his teachers and classmates. He dreams of attending university and pursuing a career in literature, but his economic situation and the pressure of his parents to get a job force him to abandon his aspirations.

Veronique (Sabine Haudepin) is a shy, introverted girl who is stuck in her mundane life at home. Her domineering mother (Annick Alane) has high expectations of her, but Veronique feels ignored and unloved. She finds solace in her relationship with Daniel, who encourages her to explore her passions and dreams. However, her fragile emotional state and the lack of support from her family make it difficult for her to break free from her situation.

Antoine (Christophe Odent) is a rebellious and aggressive student, who arrives at school late, engages in fights and seems indifferent to his future. Despite his delinquent behavior, he manages to charm Veronique, who sees a vulnerable and sensitive side of him. However, as their relationship progresses, Antoine's instability and violent tendencies become more apparent.

Graduate First portrays the lives of these three teenagers with honesty, empathy and authenticity. Pialat's direction and the naturalistic performances of the cast create a sense of intimacy and realism, capturing the rawness and complexity of their emotions and experiences. The movie also delves into the themes of social class, alienation, identity and youth culture.

One of the strengths of the movie is its depiction of the tensions and conflicts between the students and the teachers. The teachers, who represent the establishment and authority, often fail to connect with their students and are more concerned with discipline and conformity than with their personal development. The students, on the other hand, rebel against the rigid and oppressive system and seek to find their own path, often leading to challenging relationships with their teachers.

Another aspect of the film that stands out is its exploration of the dynamics of love, desire and sexuality among teenagers. The relationships between Daniel, Veronique and Antoine are portrayed with complexity and nuance, highlighting the power dynamics, vulnerabilities, and ambivalent feelings that characterize young love. The movie also addresses the issue of unwanted pregnancy, which adds an element of tension and drama to the plot.

In conclusion, Graduate First is a poignant and timeless coming-of-age film that captures the beauty, pain, and complexity of youth. Its exploration of the challenges and dilemmas faced by teenagers, as well as its nuanced portrayal of their relationships and emotions, make it a powerful and memorable cinematic experience.

Graduate First is a 1979 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.