Nitro Video Rating:
PURCHASE THE DVD: Fat Girl (2001)

I admire movies that try to be realistic and bring out the sordid side of people, and I also admire directors who, in this politically correct world, aren't afraid of being provocative and even controversial. Even so, this 2001 French drama, especially at the end, is nothing but a gigantic punch in the gut, leaving you with nothing but a feeling of hopelessness and despair. It's directed by Catherine Breillat, who also did Romance, another provocative and controversial French film.

A 12 year old, having fought being overweight all her life, must also fight the sibling competition of her beautiful 15 year old sister (played by then 20 year old Roxane Mesquida). The sister is a flirt, and becomes involved with an older boy intent on taking her virginity. As he makes nightly visits to the bedroom the sisters share, the 12 year old must endure the sounds of sexual advances as she pretends to be asleep.

The film raised a lot of controversy at the time because of some fairly explicit scenes, but perhaps most shocking is the ending, completely unexpected and producing a major tragedy. While I'm not sorry I watched this film, I can't say I liked it, because basically this film serves up everything not to like.