Let The Girls Play

Let The Girls Play, also known as Comme des Garcons, is a fun-filled comedy sports drama that was impressively crafted by director Julien Hallard. With a stimulating cast including Max Boublil, Vanessa Guide, and Bruno Lochet, the film was released in 2018. The film adds to the narrative of challenging gender preconceptions, enlightenment, and the audacity to dream and strive for it. The movie takes its time to establish the setting and the characters, making it easy for the audience to relate to the characters and their struggles.

At the heart of this film is Max Boublil, who pulls off the role of Paul Coutard with panache. Paul is a charming and reckless sports journalist at “Le Champenois” newspaper. He is known for his ability to stir up trouble, and his latest act of defiance against his boss lands him with the task of organizing a women's football match.

Vanessa Guide, who plays Emmanuelle Bruno, adds a different dynamic to the movie. Emmanuelle is the secretary for the paper's formidable director and also is a part of the women's team. She is an independent and steadfast woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Bruno Lochet, on the other hand, successfully lends authenticity to his role as the resourceful and relentless Lethierry.

The plot of the movie unfolds in 1969. Coutard, the protagonist, is tasked with planning the annual fair at the newspaper. Instead of letting this punishment bring him down, he proposes to the ley management that they should host a women's football game. At that time, women's football was practically non-existent in France. The administrative team takes his audacious idea as a joke and approves it, not knowing that this little scheme is going to turn into a nationwide event and bring about significant change to the sports landscape of France.

Emmanuelle, the secretary, decides to help Paul in his undertaking. A group of women from various walks of life, who share a similar passion for the game but unfortunately could not pursue their interests, get on board. There are laughs, challenges, trials, and tribulations as the motley group navigates their way around social boundaries, gender biases, and personal journeys. This band of 'inappropriate' footballers is out to show the world what they're capable of, on and off the field, and it's quite the eventful journey.

The movie is deeply rooted in themes of broad societal change, gender equalities, and stereotypes and is anchored by the broad concept of acceptance. It highlights the systemic gender bias that existed in 1969 France, and how women sportspersons had not just to play their game but also were battling societal norms and prejudices.

Hallard succeeds in presenting a thought-provoking narrative, cleverly knitted with humour and emotional conflict. He illustrates the wisdom in equality and that transformation often starts with a small step, in this case, a soccer game. One of the significant triumphs of the film is its natural humour, which often situates itself in the interaction amongst the team members, making the audience chuckle frequently throughout the screening.

The film's cinematography powerfully amplifies the narrative in a style’s true to the period, painting it like a picturesque postcard from the past. The costumes and set design transport you straight into the late 60s. The attention to details, like the period-style signages and usual French cafes, make the movie visually captivating.

Let The Girls Play is certainly more than a sports movie. It is about challenging societal norms, rising against odds, solidarity and how sometimes rebellion mixed with perseverance could pave the way for change. It is a celebration of women empowerment. A movie whose irresistible charm lies in its blend of humour, emotional depth, feminism, and a generous sprinkling of sports, making it a treat to watch for all kinds of movie enthusiasts. Period-specific elements, a lively script, coupled with impressive performances makes 'Let The Girls Play' a truly enjoyable cinematic experience.