French Flick

Young love is a familiar subject in film, but Abdellatif Kechiche’s Blue is the Warmest Color is unique and rare. It captures the delicious intensity of first love, the spontaneity, the uninhibited giving, the rawness, and, yes, the eroticism. It also encapsulates the devastating effects of love lost, and the poignant pain that can plague memory and emotion later in life. The film features prominent French actress Lea Seydoux as the blue-haired Emma, but the storyline actually revolves around her lover, Adele, played by silver screen newbie Adele Exarchopoulos. At 179 minutes, the film covers immense ground and is a vibrant, compelling watch. It screens tonight at 9 and Sunday night at 7:30 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets are $9. (McConnell)