Student, 19, looking. - DVD

Film: That her studies are not exactly cheap, the 19-year-old Laura (Déborah François) was aware from the outset. But that tuition fees, costs for books, rent and utilities are so high that she can not even afford something to eat, that makes her then but very much to create. So much so that she decides to take unusual ways to get money. She answers a personal ad in which a 50-year-old man named Joe (Alain Cauchi) is looking for a young student for tender moments - for 100 euros an hour. With the promise that she can determine how far she is willing to go, Laura agrees to meet Joe - setting off a cycle that will earn her the money she needs but threatens to break her spiritually.

Student, 19, Seeking. is based on the factual novel My Expensive Study by Laura D., who describes her descent into prostitution and how, despite many humiliating and painful experiences, she found her way out. With her openness, Laura D. has caused an enormous stir in her native France, and the book has also sparked heated discussions in other countries. The fact that a young woman, just because she does not come from a wealthy family, has to prostitute herself in order to get an education may sound like an isolated case. But in France alone, it is estimated that 40,000 female and male students share Laura D.'s fate.

Like the book, the film infuriates, shocks and inspires discussion. Although the intensity of the book is not quite reached, but especially the extremely strong play of Déborah François ensures that the film version also remains long in the memory. On the one hand, it becomes understandable why Laura follows the temptation to quickly earn a few hundred euros, even if she is disgusted by her clients and is constantly humiliated and even downright raped. But the César winner also makes her fear, her physical and emotional aversion downright palpable. This becomes particularly clear when Laura meets the charming Benjamin (Mathieu Demy) and finds a certain security with him, which catches her at a crucial moment.

It is to Emmanuelle Bercot's production's credit that she succeeded in depriving the film of any form of eroticism, despite the sex scenes and the many moments in which Déborah François shows herself naked in front of the camera. It would have been fatal to portray these moments in even a slightly embellished and sensual way, but Bercot and her leading actress skirt this dangerous cliff with flying colors. Especially the humiliations Laura suffers at the hands of Joe, who conceals them with his superficially charming and fatherly manner, are magnificently directed and acted, and that's precisely why they're so hard to watch.

Student, 19, Seeking. is truly not a pleasure, not an easy feel-good movie, but an intense drama that demands a lot from the viewer, even if there are also a few small lengths here and there. For those who like to deal with more controversial topics and are not afraid of heavy fare, this drama can be recommended. Worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: Since only a data-reduced press sample was available for the test, no information can be given about the final picture and sound quality at this point.

Extras: Unfortunately, the bonus material could not be tested. Announced is a featurette about the casting of Déborah François.

Conclusion: Student, 19, looking for. is a stirring drama that can inspire with a courageous and extremely strong performance by Déborah François. Not light fare, but a thoroughly watchable piece of French cinema. Despite a few scenes that aren't easy to take, the film is thoroughly recommendable overall!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp