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Review

A precious Belgian film about a little boy who wants to be a little girl, Ma Vie en Rose is a fantastic story about being true to one's self. Ludovic (du Fresne) delights in wearing dresses and makeup, even at inopportune moments like his family's "welcome to the neighborhood" party. While his antics are dismissed as a childish phase, Ludo knows better. He firmly believes that not only was he meant to be a girl, but that his classmate (and his father's boss' son) will marry him. An embarrassment to his family, Ludo perseveres with his desires, unwavered by shame, until his family is torn asunder from the stress his behavior has caused. While there are several painful scenes of Ludo being harassed, rejected, and ridiculed (his aunt is supportive), Ludo's courage is inspirational. He forces his family to accept him, rather than change for their sake (though he tries). Director Berliner's unusual film is extremely enjoyable not just for its central concept, but also for its incredibly fluid camerawork and candy-colored set design. Ludo's fantasy world comes amazingly to life as his fairy godmother guides him down the path of self-acceptance and eventual happiness. The film's tricky finale is extremely satisfying, and despite the potential despair, Berliner takes an almost comic approach to its subject throughout. Ma Vie En Rose is a tenderhearted, remarkably affecting film. (French with English subtitles)