Brief Crossing (2001)

What starts as a chance meeting between a 30-something English woman Alice (Sarah Pratt) and a 16 year-old French boy (Gilles Guillan) quickly develops into much more on an overnight ferry ride. As the conversation progresses, it is clear that although the two have virtually nothing in common, the sexual tension is evident. When they finally act on their growing attraction, a surprise twist is thrown in that will leave you wondering who really seduced who.

Must-see French cinema: Breillat's erotic 'Brève Traversée.'

"All true artists are hated. Only conformists are ever adored."--Catherine Breillat.

Catherine Breillat (1948) is a Paris-based filmmaker and writer who is best known for her explicit depictions of sexuality in mainstream films. In a reversal of conventional sexual roles, Brief Encounter (Brève Traversée) (2001) tells the coming-of-age story of a 16-year-old French boy, Thomas (Gilles Guillan), who is deceptively seduced by a 30-something English woman, Alice (Sarah Pratt), on an overnight ferry ride. The two meet while ordering dinner, and then engage in eye contact and intimate conversation as a form of foreplay before eventually falling into Alice's twin bed together. The resulting sexual scene is highly erotic even by French standards. Their brief fling occurs at sea, symbolically "beyond the law" of conventional social mores, and is meant to depict a once-in-a-lifetime connection (somewhat reminiscent of the film, Before Sunrise). The film's final scene involves an unexpected twist that is more revealing than the sexual act itself. Although some viewers might be offended by the frank sexuality and statutory rape issue, Brief Crossing is my favorite Breillat film and is highly recommended.

G. Merritt September 1, 2007

Simple Review

Good movie with a twist. The twist leaves it up to the viewer of who seduce who in this movie. May 26, 2007

INTERESTING BUT A BIT SLOW AT TIMES.

I BOUGHT ABOUT 20 FORIEGN FILMS ONE DAY WITH THE INTENT OF DIVING IN AND EXPOSING MYSELF TO SOMETHING I HAD IGNORED ALL MY LIFE. SO FAR, I'VE EITHER MADE POOR CHOICES OR THESE FORIEGN FILMS ARENT FOR ME. THIS ONE, I DID LIKE BECAUSE ITS THE SORT OF THING THAT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU. NO PART OF THIS WAS IN ANY WAY FAR FETCHED OR UNBELIEVEABLE. I WILL SAY THAT IT IS A BIT SLOW THOUGH- SOME SCENES DRAG ON LONGER THAN THEY NEED TO WHICH MAKES IT A TAD BORING IN PLACES. IF YOU'RE LIKE ME AND ARE THINKING ABOUT TRYING FOREIGN FILMS- THIS MIGHT BE A LOW OCTANE GOOD FIRST CHOICE- BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME OUT THERE THAT ARE VERY HARD TO WATCH, VIOLENT,PORNOGRAPGHIC, AND SHOWING LIFES NEGATIVES.THIS ONE IS NOT. January 5, 2007

Erotic, but left me cold

The youngsters (sixteen y/o male and thirty y/o female) are highly desirable and the gradual seduction interesting; you will want to watch this art house movie for the sexy scenes. The initial attraction, flirtation and tactical maneuvering between a very young man and an older woman are covered here quite competently.

Be warned, like most French movies having anything to do with adults and sex, everybody smokes, and their philosophy is deeply cynical materialism or even nihilism. They have zero values and zero aspirations and should be medicated on Prozac but aren't.

I kept wondering what is the real story here. There doesn't seem to be one. It is merely an indulgence in titillation; and within those limitations this film is no better than so many others. It did not move me or make me feel anything in particular. The ending, which I will not reveal, per request, reminded me too much of personal experiences. September 1, 2005

Clever Revearsal

Again Catherine Breillat delivers a real life look at a middle aged women's desire. The film has great dialogue and as usual a signature Breillat ending. December 31, 2004

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