detritusmaximus * * * some spoilers * * * Not sure what this oddball film's message was supposed to be, other than for parents to tell their own kid, "Don't you try it!".The notion that Laure could actually fool Lisa--a girl her own age-- into believing she was a boy for so long was difficult to swallow, given her obvious femininity: smooth complexion, body language, soft spoken voice, etc., not to mention her lack of an Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence)--the first feature to look for when identifying a male impersonator.Laure's initial hesitancy to horse around and play games with the neighbourhood boys seemed to confuse Lisa at first yet not enough to arouse serious suspicion.Another clue which none of the boys caught onto was the fact that Laure and Lisa never wore socks under their sneakers while every boy except one did. Indeed, how many film viewers even noticed that giveaway?I have no idea how frequently such deliberate impersonation by children actually occurs throughout the world, but it's a risky endeavour that could end badly and even tragically under the wrong circumstances. At least Laure's parents reacted appropriately, which is more than can be said for many of today's messed-up parents who, incredibly, even attempt to burden their newborn children with totally unacceptable names which, thankfully, most responsible governments refuse to permit nor register on their birth certificates.

skyhar24601 I find it interesting that there's not much room for mediocrity here. I see many 7-to-10 star reviews, but the two negative reviewers pulled out the one-star click as though this film were bottom-of-the-barrel. Even if I wasn't interested in the subject matter (which I am) or interested in watching people make an intelligent movie on a frugal budget (which I am), I think I'd be inclined to give the cast and crew the benefit of the doubt. There has been a prolonged and intelligent discussion on several websites as to this film's strengths and weaknesses, with concerns about the movie's direction conversed about thoughtfully and cogently. At any rate, potential viewers ought not be scared off by the inconsideration afforded this movie by a couple of reviewers. If anything, read those one-star reviews more thoroughly than the rest and note the spirit in which they were written, and also the lack of analysis. Then go watch TOMBOY if you haven't already. I'm an older guy who you'd think would be off watching science-fiction, action, or documentaries about 1970's rock bands. But TOMBOY caught my eye and certainly moved my heart and soul.

zorinant 10 year Laure and her family move into a new apartment, while there Laure is mistaken for a boy. Laure decides to remain with this mistake as she assumes the role of Mikhael.This french film from 2011 is very interesting, as well as a very sweet coming of age film. It is very rare to see films that deals with trans sexuality in children, but this film pulls it off very well. This is mainly due to the main actress Zoe Heran, who plays Laure/Mikhael, her performance is so daring and brave,and I seriously hope that she has a bright future as an actress. The children actors and actresses are pretty good as they don't seem to be acting as they just seem to be acting natural. The relationship that Laure has with her neighbor Lisa is very sweet and innocent,it is a real center point to what makes this film work.It's a strong and heartbreaking French film. If this was any other age group it wouldn't have worked so well. The age factor really does makes a difference; as well as a daring script and lead actress. A must watch for French film lovers.

[email protected] I debated with myself for months before buying this film, but I love the film 'Ma Vie En Rose', about a little boy who wants to be a little girl, so I was curious to see how the story of a little girl who wants to be a little boy might be handled. I suppose therefore, maybe I bought this film as an academic companion piece to 'Ma Vie En Rose'.In either case, the scenario had to be handled sensitively and proficiently by the actors and directors concerned, to avoid their efforts descending into puerile comedic farce. Fortunately, in both cases, this has not happened.Celine Sciamma's debut as a Director, 'Water Lilies'', was an almost claustrophobically tense dance of adolescent first love, lust, and friendship. This piece, however, retains the freedom and breathtaking joyousness of childhood, without seeking to mask the truth for the sake of an adult's eyes.Zoe Heran is perfectly cast as Laure, the ten year old girl who slips into the persona of Michael without a backward glance when she and her family move to a new neighbourhood. She is to be commended for her bravery in taking on this role, as it cannot be easy for a child to be told that they would do well playing the opposite sex. Casting Zoe Heran's real life friends in the film was a masterstroke, as their presence on screen gives the film a fly-on-the-wall feel that just helps to extend the naturally joyous feel of childhood to the viewer.Inevitably, any serious film collector or fan thinking of buying this film may seek comparisons between Laure and characters such as Saga (Melinda Kinnaman) in 'My Life As A Dog. Don't. This film is very much in the neo-realist tradition of modern European cinema and, as such, the situation in which Laure finds herself is very naturalistic.I should not have prevaricated over buying this film. Watch it, and enjoy your own childhood all over again!