User Reviews

Troubled youth in France. This was made in 1994, but it has a low budget, early 1970s vibe and soundtrack. The male lead (Cyprian Fouquet) looks a lot like Keanu Reeves.

An early film from a much-praised director that has not been available in the U.S. until now -- and, after seeing it, I can see why. This meandering, pretentious exploration into the lives of lost youth in 1972 France tries the viewer's patience and ultimately ends up pointless and unsatisfying, much like many of the director's later and more celebrated works. Despite an appealing soundtrack and some inventive camera work, this largely directionless offering is otherwise little more than a strung-together series of incidents intercut with a number of music video-style montages. Yet another in a series of inconsequential, highly overrated films from a vastly overhyped director.

While I don't think this is the 91 that it is adorned with here on metacritic, I very much enjoyed Cold Water. The performances by the two main actors are terrific. There are a number of really excellent scenes that feel very real and genuine. The film is an amazingly honest portrayal of teenage angst, rebellion and ignorant imortality. The end is unfortunately predictable. There is one plot line that is built up to a point, but there is never a payoff to it. I kept wondering what happened to that plot line, even at the main story's tragic end. The music, the licensing of which delayed the film's release for more than 20 years, is absolutely great and is reminiscent of the early 70s the film is supposed to take place in (even though there is a scene in a location that could not have existed in the early 70s). I thoroughly enjoyed the film, warts and all.