First love. Teenage love. We all have experienced it even if it was not as sweet as the one the protagonists share. "Friends" could be considered an adaptation of the classic "The Blue Lagoon", originally from 1949, and its remakes from 1980 (the most popular one, with Brooke Shields) and 1999 (with a young Milla Jovovich). While "The Blue Lagoon" puts the two young lovers in a desert island, with no contact with civilization, "Friends" goes the opposite route and it is sure to ring much more true and be a more difficult movie with contemporary audiences. Paul and Michelle who, for different reasons, turn their backs on family and the adult world to end up living together in a small cottage in Southern France. Having only each other and their childhood innocence, their friendship slowly develops into much more as they struggle to sustain themselves, in this sweet coming of age story. This film even to this day is controversial since the actors are teenagers and they certainly look the ages that are stated in the movie (15 and 14 1/2). The movie does contains a hint of child molesting, nudity, depictions of teenage sex and teenage pregnancy. But the real controversy is not the subject matter but the fact that Paul and Michelle's love is presented as a natural and healthy relationship. While this worked fine for stranded lovers in another time and in a desert island, having them in a modern setting presents some very difficult moral issues. Laws prohibiting consenting sex between minors are in effect in almost all countries and lack of sexual education in teenagers is seen as one of the causes for the rise in unwanted teenage pregnancies and abortions. Is a movie like this one just child pornography or a slap in the face to make us face our own hypocrisy, regarding a modern society that does not cater to teenage parents and laws that clearly go against human nature and hormonal development but that are needed to prevent child abuse? Is hormonal development parallel to emotional growth? These are not easy questions and most of us will feel uncomfortable with them. As an artistic piece, this movie is really a forgotten and rough gem. The script progresses with extreme simplicity, albeit some sappiness, but never pulling any punches to state its message, although by today standards, it is somewhat slow. The photography is beautiful and it has scenes of great beauty. The acting of the two protagonists varies from really awful in some scenes to marvelously innocent and credible in others. Pop music, unlike most productions nowadays, is used tastefully and sometimes the lyrics speak the thoughts of the protagonists. Overall, this is a delightful piece, even if the moral values are not in concordance with your own.
47 Reviews
For some this love story between two teens may be uncomfortable in the way it is presented, but is well done for all that
vampire_hounddog20 October 2020
An orphaned 14 year-old (Anicée Alvina) arrives at her cousin's (Pascale Roberts) home in Paris having travelled from the South of France. Feeling alone, she soon meets a 15 year-old English boy (Sean Berg) who lives with neglectful businessman father (Ronald Lewis). They impulsively decide to run off to the South of France together and move in to her deceased father's cottage on the Carmargue near Arles where they grow up, fall in love and struggle to survive.
One thing is for sure is that this is a film that would not be made today, with the sexual attraction and the way it is depicted by director Lewis Gilbert that will be perceived as both natural and uncomfortable, with an almost disquieting voyeuristic handling of the relationship. For all this is it is a very charming and tender film with the beautiful landscapes of the Carmargue gorgeously shot by Andréas Winding and a sweet score by Elton John. Followed by a sequel: PAUL AND MICHELLE (1974).
One thing is for sure is that this is a film that would not be made today, with the sexual attraction and the way it is depicted by director Lewis Gilbert that will be perceived as both natural and uncomfortable, with an almost disquieting voyeuristic handling of the relationship. For all this is it is a very charming and tender film with the beautiful landscapes of the Carmargue gorgeously shot by Andréas Winding and a sweet score by Elton John. Followed by a sequel: PAUL AND MICHELLE (1974).
Why Did People Dump on this Movie
harrytrue9 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
With all the dreck out there, this is a gentle movie about young love. Yes, it's true that young love often makes more out of something than it deserves, but why aren't people down on "Romeo and Juliet"? Paul and Michelle are models of good behave compared to them.
Yes, they run away, and set up an ideal life, but this is a movie, not real life. Paul is more sexually interested than Michelle, who has been come onto in a bad way. Eventually, they have sex, but no one is forced into it. The movie does let kids know that sex can cause babies.
One thing, there is nudity in the movies. The camera does not focus on it, but it is there.
The ending of the movie has Paul in good chance of being found out. In "Paul and Michelle", they separate for a time. If you don't like the ending of a movie, think one up yourself. Alternative endings are not just for DVDs.
Yes, they run away, and set up an ideal life, but this is a movie, not real life. Paul is more sexually interested than Michelle, who has been come onto in a bad way. Eventually, they have sex, but no one is forced into it. The movie does let kids know that sex can cause babies.
One thing, there is nudity in the movies. The camera does not focus on it, but it is there.
The ending of the movie has Paul in good chance of being found out. In "Paul and Michelle", they separate for a time. If you don't like the ending of a movie, think one up yourself. Alternative endings are not just for DVDs.
An Unforgettable Movie....for some reason
desertheat6020 May 2004
I first saw this movie my freshman year in college. I still consider those times quite magical, and this movie fits into that profile. The young female lead was exquisite, growing quickly from an innocent-looking child intoto a young beauty. A host of movies from that era blended music, cinematography, and dialogue in a way that has become basically a lost art. Friends uses a near-classical score from Elton John with scenes of the French countryside that display like a series of paintings.
Even the somewhat-sappy dialogue fits into the culture of that era, spoken poetically by the 2 leads. The movie is truly eye-and-ear candy to be enjoyed. The subject is almost heart-breaking, as 2 youngsters try to capture happiness with methods they don't quite understand. This kind of romance has disappeared from the screen, substituted by a sort of head-banging cinematic relationship with sex and love.
I recently listened to cuts from the soundtrack on Elton John's "Rare Masters" CD. It brought back all the reasons I really cherished this movie. Hearing the voices of the leads within one cut let me once again relive the sights and sounds of an era that embraced life, love, and romance.
Even the somewhat-sappy dialogue fits into the culture of that era, spoken poetically by the 2 leads. The movie is truly eye-and-ear candy to be enjoyed. The subject is almost heart-breaking, as 2 youngsters try to capture happiness with methods they don't quite understand. This kind of romance has disappeared from the screen, substituted by a sort of head-banging cinematic relationship with sex and love.
I recently listened to cuts from the soundtrack on Elton John's "Rare Masters" CD. It brought back all the reasons I really cherished this movie. Hearing the voices of the leads within one cut let me once again relive the sights and sounds of an era that embraced life, love, and romance.
It has been a while...
patgauldin27 July 2006
I haven't seen this movie since it came out at a drive in theater, and I have been searching for it since. At the time I was 12 and the story excited me; and NOW, the ending eludes me. It was young love that engrossed me the most, not to mention John's vocals and Taupin's lyrics. The story (at the time) hit home to my psyche. I am a lover of sentimental movies and this still hangs in my head after 35 years- it is that good. Place yourself at adolescent age and let your fantasies run. If this movie didn't excite your curiosity, then you were just too old. I look forward to seeing it again (even at my age)! If nostalgia is in your venue, I'm sure this is an interesting movie to see. It's innocence is simply astounding and it's simplicity is so easy and enjoyable.
It will break your heart
mbarton-518 March 2005
First of all - I'm not one to go all sappy over movies. I saw Friends in the 70's when it was first released. I was about 17 years old at the time. Even now, at age 50, I still can remember some of the scenes. The movie is sweet and sad and may actually be too tame for teenagers today but I loved it. The story is about innocence, the purity of young love and the determination of 2 young people to make a better life for themselves then they had at home. At the time it was pretty risky to have a movie about a couple of young runaways who successfully setup house and have a baby on their own. I'm not surprised the movie and Elton John's soundtrack are almost unknown today. The music is beautiful. It was unforgettable.
A nice stroll down memory lane
statman12211 January 2020
I was 15 when this came out in theaters. How times have changed. They can't even show this in America now, thanks to the lib-tards. Nice score by Elton John; in 1971 nobody in this country knew that he was the queen of England.
Sweet, sentimental and calming.
Flints18 May 1999
If this movie were in production today it would probably have the christian right-wingers screaming 'child porn'. It is far from a great film, in fact it is rather pedestrian. However, if you have an imagination and a fond remembrance of youth and first love I recommend it.
The controversial love story
Jigglypoof17 September 1999
When I first saw this film on video in a department store... it intrigued me. Considering the fact that I thought I was in love and I was the same age as the youths in this film at the time (although I realize they are now old enough to be my parents), plus the soundtrack being written by Elton John & Bernie Taupin just before they "made it big" here in North America... I figured I had nothing to lose in buying it. I was not disappointed.
So far, I have shown it to many guys I have dated since, and to my current boyfriend... obviously, they didn't find it as lovely as I do... preferring to call it a "chick" movie... but I still laugh and cry. This film was vastly overlooked. It's good to see it's available to rent at one of the local video stores around here so that other people can share the magic.
So maybe it's a bit far fetched... but it gives you a lighthearted sense of innocence... and a renewed faith in love.
So far, I have shown it to many guys I have dated since, and to my current boyfriend... obviously, they didn't find it as lovely as I do... preferring to call it a "chick" movie... but I still laugh and cry. This film was vastly overlooked. It's good to see it's available to rent at one of the local video stores around here so that other people can share the magic.
So maybe it's a bit far fetched... but it gives you a lighthearted sense of innocence... and a renewed faith in love.
Beautiful, if flawed
blake-heuser1 January 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I was in my mid teens when I saw this movie, and I was struck by the beauty of the young stars as well as the loving cinematography and the simple sweetness of the story. It amazes me to learn that Alvina has recently died, that Bury apparently has not worked in the film business for almost 30 years, and that both would be in their 50s.
The Elton John soundtrack is amazingly beautiful and supports the air of protected innocence the characters experience in seclusion. I have seen the movie poster, billing it as "Deux Enfants Quis'Aiment," which apparently means something like "Two Children Who Like Each Other"--the English language distributors were wise to abbreviate the title!
Paul, the ignored 15-year-old son of an English businessman living in Paris, meets Michelle, an orphan, at the zoo. The two take what they intend as a day-long holiday to Michelle's late father's rural cottage, but end up staying there for a year, isolated from the outside world. They fall in love, Michelle gets pregnant, and they have the baby alone at home. After the baby's birth, the police come to Paul's work place and take him away.
"Blue Lagoon" comes to mind as another film that almost captures the theme of innocence protected in an isolated paradise. So sad that "Friends" has never been released on DVD.
The Elton John soundtrack is amazingly beautiful and supports the air of protected innocence the characters experience in seclusion. I have seen the movie poster, billing it as "Deux Enfants Quis'Aiment," which apparently means something like "Two Children Who Like Each Other"--the English language distributors were wise to abbreviate the title!
Paul, the ignored 15-year-old son of an English businessman living in Paris, meets Michelle, an orphan, at the zoo. The two take what they intend as a day-long holiday to Michelle's late father's rural cottage, but end up staying there for a year, isolated from the outside world. They fall in love, Michelle gets pregnant, and they have the baby alone at home. After the baby's birth, the police come to Paul's work place and take him away.
"Blue Lagoon" comes to mind as another film that almost captures the theme of innocence protected in an isolated paradise. So sad that "Friends" has never been released on DVD.
A beautiful summary of romantic love from the 60's
santiagoz2727 April 2007
Well.....I wouldn't want to lecture anybody but I do feel the urge to say some things I consider important about this BEAUTIFUL film. I saw it for the first time in 1976 (I was 14) and then one more time a year later. That was it. The rest of it was the pink LP of Elton John's soundtrack getting the music and the story deeper and deeper inside my heart. How deep? A week ago my cousin gave me a VHS copy as a present. (No DVD's yet). Boy....was I surprised!! Poets have always sustained that deep childhood and adolescent experiences of beauty, love, God, idealist pursuits, stay with you forever. Since they occur mostly at the heart's level (no intellect yet!), they define your soul's contours like a sculptor would do with a stone. If sometimes we didn't tend to forget how right they are perhaps we would do better in understanding the meaning of every minute, of every decision, of every turning point of our lives.
So, I confess I feel nostalgia. But the fascinating part of this is watching the film again, and through this trip back in time, enriching that understanding of why we, people from the 60's, grew up as we did. The spirit of those times is all here: a Genesis created far from the official world of consuming and economic success, make love not war, the beautiful pop ballads, the poetry of the lyrics, a totally romantic view of adolescent rebellion with the awakening of sexuality carefully wrapped in tender and chaste love, these two lonely spirits still full of childhood innocence growing together as they learn mutual commitment and turning into "adults".
I showed the film to a group of school youngsters and they abounded with such simplistic and cynical comments regarding it as naïve and foolish. Guys, be serious!! Cinema is an art and as art it reflects not only human emotions but historical moments. And this is exactly what "Friends" does in a masterly way. It reflects an idyllic idea of rebellion and new beginning we all dreamt about when we were 15. I'm now a musician and I feel some of us, artists for that matter, still dream about it!! How else could we live? That's "Friends", that's "Brother Sun Sister Moon", that's "Hair". Those were the times, still alien to AIDS, alien to explicit and vulgar texts in pop songs with no melody, to pornography presented as "sexuality", to this barbaric new "world order" growing after September 11th.
What a heart warming experience to see Paul and Michelle again, timidly and tenderly exploring the new fantasies of their romantic world. What a trip back to the very core of our hearts: to Paris, to Elton John at his best, to that urban scenario surrounded by 2 CV Citroëns and the VW Beetles. What a fresh air from the peaceful cottage in Camargue, surrounded by fishing ponds and wild horses. They made us who we are, as did Serrat in Spain, Brel in France, Peter Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Luther King, the Beatles, the early Bee Gees, Belafonte's Spirituals, Gandhi, the Gospel of Elvis.
People still hoping: get this picture. Start with innocence and grow from there. You'll find out what it's all about. And from there you'll have a solid and more truthful foundation; some ideals to look for in life, a way to handle personal and world affairs. We need so much of this today! Give yourselves the chance and maybe someday the time of cynics will end. (I have an extra VHS copy)
Santiago Zuleta. Bogotá, Colombia.
So, I confess I feel nostalgia. But the fascinating part of this is watching the film again, and through this trip back in time, enriching that understanding of why we, people from the 60's, grew up as we did. The spirit of those times is all here: a Genesis created far from the official world of consuming and economic success, make love not war, the beautiful pop ballads, the poetry of the lyrics, a totally romantic view of adolescent rebellion with the awakening of sexuality carefully wrapped in tender and chaste love, these two lonely spirits still full of childhood innocence growing together as they learn mutual commitment and turning into "adults".
I showed the film to a group of school youngsters and they abounded with such simplistic and cynical comments regarding it as naïve and foolish. Guys, be serious!! Cinema is an art and as art it reflects not only human emotions but historical moments. And this is exactly what "Friends" does in a masterly way. It reflects an idyllic idea of rebellion and new beginning we all dreamt about when we were 15. I'm now a musician and I feel some of us, artists for that matter, still dream about it!! How else could we live? That's "Friends", that's "Brother Sun Sister Moon", that's "Hair". Those were the times, still alien to AIDS, alien to explicit and vulgar texts in pop songs with no melody, to pornography presented as "sexuality", to this barbaric new "world order" growing after September 11th.
What a heart warming experience to see Paul and Michelle again, timidly and tenderly exploring the new fantasies of their romantic world. What a trip back to the very core of our hearts: to Paris, to Elton John at his best, to that urban scenario surrounded by 2 CV Citroëns and the VW Beetles. What a fresh air from the peaceful cottage in Camargue, surrounded by fishing ponds and wild horses. They made us who we are, as did Serrat in Spain, Brel in France, Peter Paul and Mary, Joan Baez, Luther King, the Beatles, the early Bee Gees, Belafonte's Spirituals, Gandhi, the Gospel of Elvis.
People still hoping: get this picture. Start with innocence and grow from there. You'll find out what it's all about. And from there you'll have a solid and more truthful foundation; some ideals to look for in life, a way to handle personal and world affairs. We need so much of this today! Give yourselves the chance and maybe someday the time of cynics will end. (I have an extra VHS copy)
Santiago Zuleta. Bogotá, Colombia.
memories of watching this
jeffcotec31 January 2006
I've just been setting up a rental list on amazon, and remembered this film Id seen about a million years ago. All I seem to get in the search engines is "friends" - the TV series. This site was the first one and I couldn't believe it when it was actually the film I was looking for!!I remember watching this on an old black and white t.v.one afternoon whilst off sick, and terrified my mum would come home and catch me watching it. I can hardly remember any of it, but wasn't it about 2 young kids who got together then had baby?!!I have to try and buy this now!! I'm giving it a six but it could be more, is it in french??does anyone else remember seeing it on t.v. I know I was only about 10 years old. I do remember my sister coming in and being mortified.Having read the review though, was it a brother helping his sister out when she became pregnant? Is this going to be one of those films you vaguely remember; buy it for a silly amount then realise it was a run of the mill afternoon movie? we shall see..
a story of simple innocence
pauls-room27 May 2005
Perhaps the most concerning thing about this film is the way many reviewers only see it as controversial, because it deals with young love. Also the ideals it sets out are how we would like to see the world, but are often prevented from doing so.
Get past all this and you have a simple story of a boy and girl, who become friends and develop into lovers; but mostly outside of society's rules. While they pay lip service to certain conventions, they don't allow the rules to control their daily lives. The need for money requires the boy to get a job, but beyond this they live an idealistic existence in the beautiful surroundings of the Camargue.
If you don't get a warm feeling while watching this film, then you have a cynicism that will spoil any innocent storyline. This may not be the Hollywood blockbuster that makes a lot of money, but it's one of those films whose story is very relevant at any time.
Get past all this and you have a simple story of a boy and girl, who become friends and develop into lovers; but mostly outside of society's rules. While they pay lip service to certain conventions, they don't allow the rules to control their daily lives. The need for money requires the boy to get a job, but beyond this they live an idealistic existence in the beautiful surroundings of the Camargue.
If you don't get a warm feeling while watching this film, then you have a cynicism that will spoil any innocent storyline. This may not be the Hollywood blockbuster that makes a lot of money, but it's one of those films whose story is very relevant at any time.
Moving and nostalgic love story
hjt152 February 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not a huge Elton fan but in this case, the soundtrack really helped transport me in time to this sweet love story set in the Camargue, France in the early 1970's. It's hard to imagine now that this would have been a hugely controversial movie when it was released about two underage runaways who set up house in a remote area and learn about love and life. It just shows that love and a strong bond between two people can conquer all. Or at least it could back then before tax and electricity bills blah blah. So if you're prepared to suspend reality for a few hours and just feel hopeful for these two young lovers then you will enjoy this sweet, simple and beautiful film as much as I did. Incidentally, I went to the Camargue about 5 years ago and it remains unchanged in it's charm so for me this was a nice reminder too that there are places that exist on this earth which are unruined and rustic.
Well photographed, excellent Elton John music
hollywoodshack23 September 2020
So many reviews have stolen my thunder as to why I like this film. I always like the Elton John music that sticks with me and the excellent scenic photography when Paul and Michelle run through a wild slough area to hug after a bitter argument. It surprised me that the actress playing Michelle was over 17 according to her biography, thus kind of a rebuttal to critics who considered it exploitive underage sex. What I like about the film is what it is not. It is not violent, cruel or insensitive. It is not some kind of mechanically constructed video game fantasy spinoff. It is not a teenage sex comedy with 50 bathroom jokes. It is unlike what American cinema churns out today. Yet reviewers of the time thoroughly trashed this film.
Untypical film from Lewis Gilbert
malcolmgsw12 December 2020
Normally noted for action and gritty crime films this is a complete contrast to them.It is a rather quaint if unlikely love story between 2 young teenagers.It is all very elgaic.However it is rather difficult to suspend disbelief at their continuing lack of discovery.
Awesome!
Pookyiscute13 February 2005
I loved this movie! OH MY GOSH! This movie rocked so hard! I found it amongst some old tapes and didn't know what it was and after having read the back of the cover to see what the summer had to say about it (Which btw, mentioned the fact that Elton John covered the soundtrack for the film more times than it mentioned what the film was actually about.), I thought it sounded interesting, and I was even more interested in seeing it because it was an older film.
"What controversy?" I thought to myself as I put the tape in the player, I was curious I get. And my expectations were certainly met. I loved it! I guess it is a really girly kind of movie, but it was so sweet and adorable! It was a beautiful romance, although at times the directing reminded me of the camera work in 'The Graduate', which I thought at the time of seeing it the director must have been on acid with some of the close ups they did.
OK, so it wasn't entirely conceivable for these two kids to run off and live on their own...but it could happen...in a fantasy...
But, the ending just sincerely ticked me off! I was so mad with how they ended it...it sort of leaves you hanging, and I suppose they may address what actually happens to them in the sequel...but at the same time, I'm almost hesitant to see that, since sequels are almost never as good as the first.
I totally recommend this movie to anyone sixteen and over! It's an awesome movie...Awesome!
"What controversy?" I thought to myself as I put the tape in the player, I was curious I get. And my expectations were certainly met. I loved it! I guess it is a really girly kind of movie, but it was so sweet and adorable! It was a beautiful romance, although at times the directing reminded me of the camera work in 'The Graduate', which I thought at the time of seeing it the director must have been on acid with some of the close ups they did.
OK, so it wasn't entirely conceivable for these two kids to run off and live on their own...but it could happen...in a fantasy...
But, the ending just sincerely ticked me off! I was so mad with how they ended it...it sort of leaves you hanging, and I suppose they may address what actually happens to them in the sequel...but at the same time, I'm almost hesitant to see that, since sequels are almost never as good as the first.
I totally recommend this movie to anyone sixteen and over! It's an awesome movie...Awesome!
my wife and I saw this movie as kids
eviltimes12 November 2006
Warning: Spoilers
My wife and I saw this when we were 17. The only good thing my father ever did (get us in). This is "our movie" and the music is "our songs". Michelle's song is "our" song. Yeah, nowadays, it's a crime to show naked children on the screen, but we were screwing at 16, why not these kids? The movie is- rich boy impregnates poor girl, then rich dad steals him away from her at the end, after she gives birth under impoverished conditions. She is left alone with child. It is a love story and a "growing up" story. The music is fantastic, and the story is one any person could relate to. May be someday this will be released on DVD.
memories
jeffandsarah-123 March 2005
Well what do you know, I was painting my house today and an Elton john song came on the radio, which immediately took me back to this movie which i saw in 1971. So long ago and so far away. Ten years later i hitched hiked through the country side of France, and i sure would have been keen to see Michelle. The film is probably not very sophisticated by todays standards, more's the pity, but it seemed rather racy back then. A few years later a sequel was made with Michelle living in a high rise in Paris and Paul coming back to meet her, just like life they had moved on, the film was very downbeat. Still the original was fab, and if you can get a copy go rent it, just remember to give it its' due and treat it gently. I note Americans can be rather prudish, so take note, contains scenes and themes possibly upsetting to middle America.
Two teenagers run away to live in the Carmargue and become parents.
PaulMichael11 December 2003
This is a love story of chance and simple purity. There is nothing shocking about this film for love can blossom completely between two teenagers of 14 and 15, and while the law might state otherwise, emotions develop naturally. Two listless teenagers unhappy with their home lives, meet by chance in Paris and develop a casual friendship. One is an English boy (Sean Bury) studying in France and from a rich family. The other is a young girl (Anicée Alvina) whose parents are both dead and has been taken in by her cousin. On a sudden impulse the boy and girl run off to Arles where the girl's father owned a small house nearby. With just each other, the beautiful scenery of the Carmargue, and a growing love between them, they make a new life for themselves. Their simulated marriage ceremony, achieved by following an actual wedding in the local church, shows their acceptance of some of the rules of society. It is just the unencumbered innocence of youth that puts them apart from the adults. Soon a baby is born to them, with the boy acting as midwife without any outside help. Everything is idyllic until the police finally locate the boy's whereabouts.....
Outstanding timepiece.
ScannerWA6 March 2008
Most of these reviews are dead on, so I'll cut to a different chase and answer a couple of questions I've seen on here.
While the characters seem and look young (hence the controversy), the actor/actress themselves were 17 and 18 at the time and so obviously over the 16 barrier. Here in the USA, that's still somewhat controversial but the simplicity and innocence of the film does much to offset it.
I'm sorry not to have seen more by Sean; in this movie at least his expressions are demonstrative and obvious; you know exactly what the character is feeling whether he's angry, afraid, or confused. Anicee had a healthy career, who's life was cut unfortunately short by cancer in late 2006. She was a beautiful and talented actress.
VHS tapes of FRIENDS can be found at Amazon.com occasionally, but usually for a significant price; I've seen it as low as $60 or so and as high as $152 (as of this comment, there were two for that price). The sequel video PAUL & MICHELLE is not quite as pricey and can be obtained (when available) on Amazon for between $16 and $70 on average.
While the characters seem and look young (hence the controversy), the actor/actress themselves were 17 and 18 at the time and so obviously over the 16 barrier. Here in the USA, that's still somewhat controversial but the simplicity and innocence of the film does much to offset it.
I'm sorry not to have seen more by Sean; in this movie at least his expressions are demonstrative and obvious; you know exactly what the character is feeling whether he's angry, afraid, or confused. Anicee had a healthy career, who's life was cut unfortunately short by cancer in late 2006. She was a beautiful and talented actress.
VHS tapes of FRIENDS can be found at Amazon.com occasionally, but usually for a significant price; I've seen it as low as $60 or so and as high as $152 (as of this comment, there were two for that price). The sequel video PAUL & MICHELLE is not quite as pricey and can be obtained (when available) on Amazon for between $16 and $70 on average.
great memories from when I was 16, 1971.
twill989829 August 2014
I saw this movie when it just came out in 1971 ... went to local TCU the college theater that has since been torn down....was with first girlfriend...she 14 , me 16.... same ages as the kids in the movie. Saw Elton John that year in Fort Worth. for some reason yesterday I woke up with this movie stuck in my mind....today Aug. 29, 2014...43 years after....was sad to see Avicee had passed away...the girl I was with, both our first time...we were as naive as the kids in the movie...I last saw her in 1972.....the movie, Elton John, Anacee,and Dee the girl I was with all left memories I will never forget. The actors, the music, the young love plot all hit the nail on the head for 1971..obtimissim Man had just walked on the moon, Woodstock, we in love and with love were going to change the world.
Great movie for the times
richielouispaulm30 June 2012
I saw the movie "Friends" in the spring of 1971 in Indianapolis. A local radio station gave away free tickets ( I think) and thought what the hell. The early seventies in Indy were kind of like the late sixties on the west coast so we were kind of going thru our hippie/love stage which was more a state of mind than anything else. Anyway the movie was appropriate for the times and I was pleasantly surprised how it just seemed to feel right at the time. Have not seen it since but can remember it like it was yesterday...that was more than 41 years ago!! Hopefully it will show up on the tube on some oldies station late a night and make me feel young again. A great low-budget movie that was right for the time. The title song and soundtrack was Elton John at his best!!!
Could almost be watched with the sound off
heckles6 July 1999
I'm rather astonished that this film is still available in the United States, where by decree of our Congress individuals under eighteen are not allowed to be shown having sex. Or for that matter, even permitted to have sexual thoughts.
That being said, you'll like this film, if you can ignore the highly sappy plot and just enjoy the two young stars and the travelogue-like images of South of France. If you had a first love as sweet as Paul or Michelle (I know, 'sweet' is a rare breed these days)you'll particularly smile.
That being said, you'll like this film, if you can ignore the highly sappy plot and just enjoy the two young stars and the travelogue-like images of South of France. If you had a first love as sweet as Paul or Michelle (I know, 'sweet' is a rare breed these days)you'll particularly smile.
Still remember this film from 20 years ago
mybah10 July 2003
I can barely even remember what DECADE I saw this film. It was when I was a teenager, I think (I'm 37 now). I started watching it as a late night movie sometime in the mid to early 80s, and so much of it has stayed with me ever since. Seeing other comments, I had NO idea it was shown at theatres, or that anyone else even new it existed. I don't think I've even mentioned the movie to anyone else.
But half a lifetime later, I still remember much of the movie that I watched late at night so long ago. I think the innocence of the charactors, their situation, their mutual affection over a long period of time, left a long term imprint for reasons I don't quite understand. Maybe it is because I was a teenager at the time I saw it, and it touched me somehow..... I really don't know! I also REALLY wanted to know what was going to happen when the after the end of the film happened. Oh, the agony!!
I've not seen it before, or since, but I would love to. I keep a casual look out for it, but I now doubt it will been shown and it seems to have faded into oblivion. But I'd proberbly miss it in the TV guide even if it DID show up. Pssttt!!!
Reading the reviews here has renewed my interest. If anyone knows of its availability in Australia, by all means email me and let me know.
Oh, and Sean Bury... nice to see you make an appearance on the comments here. I've had a look at your movie history and noticed your last appearance in a James Bond film. What are you up to these day? Oh, and do YOU have a copy of the film? CHEERS!!!
But half a lifetime later, I still remember much of the movie that I watched late at night so long ago. I think the innocence of the charactors, their situation, their mutual affection over a long period of time, left a long term imprint for reasons I don't quite understand. Maybe it is because I was a teenager at the time I saw it, and it touched me somehow..... I really don't know! I also REALLY wanted to know what was going to happen when the after the end of the film happened. Oh, the agony!!
I've not seen it before, or since, but I would love to. I keep a casual look out for it, but I now doubt it will been shown and it seems to have faded into oblivion. But I'd proberbly miss it in the TV guide even if it DID show up. Pssttt!!!
Reading the reviews here has renewed my interest. If anyone knows of its availability in Australia, by all means email me and let me know.
Oh, and Sean Bury... nice to see you make an appearance on the comments here. I've had a look at your movie history and noticed your last appearance in a James Bond film. What are you up to these day? Oh, and do YOU have a copy of the film? CHEERS!!!
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