Blue is the Warmest Color’s reputation precedes it, for its graphic depiction of lesbian sex if not its Palme d’Or win earlier this year.

But step over the controversy, and what you’ll find is a very moving story about growing up and, as Freddie Mercury puts it, what a struggle it can be.

Calling this a “gay film” (as so many were quick to do with Brokeback Mountain) misses its point completely. Aided by two burningly intense performances, Kechiche cares not for the classifying nature of sexuality. Adèle and Emma are, simply, just in love.

As eyewateringly graphic as it is tearjerkingly beautiful, Blue is the Warmest Color is a very wordy love letter to the power of young romance.

RATING: 5/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Adèle Exarchopoulos, Léa Seydoux

DIRECTOR: Abdellatif Kechiche

WRITER: Abdellatif Kechiche, Ghalia Lacroix

SYNOPSIS: Adèle’s life is changed forever when she meets blue-haired, bohemian Arts student Emma.