Jeune & Jolie (Young and Beautiful) [DVD] [2013]

The film shows you how the world is working without love making money through a young girl’s life.

A young girl turns to prostitution to make easy money. The death of a client leads to the police and her mother becoming involved.

Jeune & Jolie was a bit of a frustrating film for me. I never particularly warmed to Isabelle as a character and most of the time I couldn't figure out why she was doing what she was doing. And by the end you get the message that if you're a girl who is young and beautiful enough, why not become an escort? Otherwise when you're old you'll regret being too shy to do it!The film for me would have been better if it had ended after the scene with Isabelle and Alex on the bridge.

This is tale about a young and beautiful girl, just turned 17, who decides to become a prostitute. It's a well-made film, superbly acted all round and directed in a manner that takes its subject-matter seriously, presenting the story in a seductively tasteful manner that captures a sense of tragedy. It's a French film - with English subtitles - predominantly set on location in Paris.On the eve of her 17th birthday, Isabelle (Marine Vacth) has sex for the first time, with a boy she's met on holiday. It's certainly not a sensual or romantic affair, and the experience leaves her feeling alienated from sex. Fascinated by this, and possibly in an effort to overcome it, Isabelle becomes a prostitute. She's attracted to the physical aspect of the encounter, as she's highly sexed, although she finds many of the clients unattractive and their demands distasteful. Yet, enjoying the thrill of such encounters, combined with the money she earns, Isabelle becomes caught-up in these goings-on. And, given her age and beauty, she's in great demand. Moving from one job to the next, prostitution starts to dominate her life. That is, until something happens - an unforeseen event - that forces Isabelle to rethink what she's doing. And when her family discover her secret, everything gets turned upside down.Marine Vacth offers an unforgettable performance. On the one hand, she's sweet, tender and vulnerable; yet on the other, she's in control, determined and self-motivated. There is an erotic dimension to this film, and the sex scenes are moderately explicit. Certainly Vacth is eye-catching. Yet this is more a film about a girl 'coming of age' - and deciding how to go about experiencing sex. In her quiet, introspective way, Isabelle is seeking her place in the world, trying to fit in, whilst doing so on her own terms.For all that's good about this film (which is a lot), I do think that the portrayal of prostitution is somewhat naïve. Isabelle lives a comfortable life, as part of a middle class family, and wants for nothing. Put simply, there's nothing motivating her to become a prostitute; that is, aside from a single disappointing sexual experience. As such, perhaps the film could have done more to present an explanation. It hints at such possibilities (e.g. divorced parents), but ultimately offers a narrative centred on Isabelle's choice to engage in self-degradation - without an explanation as to why.Nonetheless, for anyone who enjoys French films starring stunningly attractive young females, this is a worthwhile movie.

An excellent film, good story telling. I would class it as educational film for parents of teenagers.

GREAT FILM...

This has to be one of the most boring movies I have ever seen. I wish I hadn't purchased it. The story is very long winded. I watched the first 10 minutes and fast forwarded the rest stopping occasionally to see it if would spark my interest. It never did.If you want a movie to go to sleep to purchase it, or better still count sheep!!

I'm a big fan of French cinema, and have watched more good movies from across the channel than bad. I found this to be slow and tedious for the most part. It didn't live up to my expectations based on the description and other reviews.