New French films in London: 'Les Combattants' (Love at First Fight) ★★★★★
Of all the new French films in London, Les Combattants (Love at First Fight) puts a twist on the everyday romantic comedy.
Still from Les Combattants
French romantic comedy 2015
From director Thomas Cailley, this new French film in cinemas, Les Combattants (cheesily dubbed Love at First Fight on its US release) tells the story of two young people searching for ways to live in modern day France.
Cannes 2015 Director's Fortnight winner
Combining elements of a traditional film romantic comedy with the likes of The Hunger Games, Les Combattants opens to a physical fight between the two protagonists during a school wrestling match. The army has come to recruit teens over the summer, and it's apocalypse-wary Madeleine's dream to join in order to learn the survival skills for what she perceives as looming global disaster.
Les Combattants: romance film review
As Arnauld, recently bereaved of his father, works with his brother at the family carpentry business, the fortunes of the two leads consistently intertwine over the course of the summer holidays, culminating as the pair head out to army camp together.
What follows is a moving and evocative depiction of love set in extreme circumstances. Reality and ideals overlay, creating an interesting tension that is brought to a billowing explosion at the end of the film.
London film release
The cast are at once impressive, versatile and believable, with performances from lead newcomers Adèle Haenel and Kévin Azaïs marking what is no doubt the start of promising careers for each. A strong supporting cast adds to the film and relationships both between the young lovers and the family members well observed. Whilst at points the film's subject rings a tad naive, in all Les Combattants is subtle, well wrought and absorbing, with a comic edge that softens the story.
Les Combattants will be in UK cinemas from 19 June.
From director Thomas Cailley, this new French film in cinemas, Les Combattants (cheesily dubbed Love at First Fight on its US release) tells the story of two young people searching for ways to live in modern day France.
Cannes 2015 Director's Fortnight winner
Combining elements of a traditional film romantic comedy with the likes of The Hunger Games, Les Combattants opens to a physical fight between the two protagonists during a school wrestling match. The army has come to recruit teens over the summer, and it's apocalypse-wary Madeleine's dream to join in order to learn the survival skills for what she perceives as looming global disaster.
Les Combattants: romance film review
As Arnauld, recently bereaved of his father, works with his brother at the family carpentry business, the fortunes of the two leads consistently intertwine over the course of the summer holidays, culminating as the pair head out to army camp together.
What follows is a moving and evocative depiction of love set in extreme circumstances. Reality and ideals overlay, creating an interesting tension that is brought to a billowing explosion at the end of the film.
London film release
The cast are at once impressive, versatile and believable, with performances from lead newcomers Adèle Haenel and Kévin Azaïs marking what is no doubt the start of promising careers for each. A strong supporting cast adds to the film and relationships both between the young lovers and the family members well observed. Whilst at points the film's subject rings a tad naive, in all Les Combattants is subtle, well wrought and absorbing, with a comic edge that softens the story.
Les Combattants will be in UK cinemas from 19 June.
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| What | New French films in London: 'Les Combattants' (Love at First Fight) |
| Where | Various Locations | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Leicester Square (underground) |
| When |
19 Jun 15 – 19 Aug 15, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Price | £determined by cinema |
| Website | Click here to go to the film's IMDB page |