Amelie wasn't the only strong film to come out of France last year. Although Fat Girl is an entirely different kind of movie, it is powerful nonetheless. It is also completely bold and unblinking in it's execution.

Anais (Anais Reboux) is a typcial twelve year old who is constantly ridiculed because of her weight problem. Elena (Roxane Mesquida) is her attractive fifteen year old sister, a young woman coming to terms with her sexuality. While these two siblings do have fights, they also have an incredible bond. That bond is put to the test when Elena develops a fixation on a young Italian man (Libero de Rienzo).

There is a lot going on in Fat Girl. It isn't merely a story about obesity. While this certainly is one of aspect of the movie, it is hardly the focus. This film deals with themes of alienation, insecurity, sisterly love and sexuality in a very intimate and realistic manner.

Both Reboux and Mesquida are extremely powerful and gutsy in the leads. These young woman give it their all in turns that are both extremely emotional and physical. Reboux is a revelation as Anais. I don't know how old this actress is but she is more than effective. She is both strong and completely heartbreaking as a young girl who's been so verbally abused, that her outlook on life has become slightly obscured. Mesquida is also effective as her snotty and flirty sister. Just like all teenagers, she's trying to find her way. And while she thinks she has all the answers, she soon realizes that even she can be hurt.

Director/screenwriter Catherine Breillat has created an honest and sometimes brutal look at growing up. This isn't your everyday coming of age story, however. Fat Girl is very explicit, featuring a fair share of nudity and sexual situations. Much of it is very uncomfortable to watch, particularly the ending which is both shocking and completely unexpected. I wont soon forget it. Fat Girl is a sad and cold film that changed direction just when I thought I figured out where it was going. It's provocative and quite fearless in it's approach. And while I wouldn't recommend this film to everyone, I found it to be devastating and effective.