Love Me If You Dare (2004)

"Teddies Aren't Usually Made of Tin ..."

It's a revealing moment when Sergei Nimov Nimovitch groans that "something is stabbing [him] in the back" and digs the carousel-tin out of the couch cushion. When he lovingly mutters that it's Sophie's "teddy" and she replies with the above line, we know that love (for Sophie) is not soft and gentle but hard and painful. And the "stabbing in the back" bit ... priceless.

Yann Samuell breaks "Jeux d'enfants" into four segments: "Game," "Set," "Match," and "Dares of Dares." The segments grow progressively darker when puckish pranks turn to sadistic challenges. These plotted, breathtaking moments become nearly impossible to watch ... and since the viewer is frequently aligned with the "victim," Sophie/Julien's surprise becomes her/his. But, (and here's the ingenuity of the piece) there really are no "victims," per se. Both Sophie and Julien are broken individuals (one the child of destitute Polish immigrants and the other contending with the death of his mother). Unlike most romances, they do not provide healing support for each other ... instead, they opt to hurt and humiliate the other. Nonetheless, in the end, the dynamic of their relationship becomes clear: what began as a portrait of mean-spirited dysfunction matures into "something else" ... many will find the actual conclusion shocking (though it shouldn't be), so I'll stop here.

The cinematography is a treat for viewers. Super-saturated colors allow for a playful read to otherwise tense scenes. Brilliant. Moreover, the casting is lovely. American viewers may note the boyish-charm of Noah Wyle in Guillaume Canet. And yes, for some, these characters may prove beyond comprehension; however, many may see shards of themselves in these two. Finally, the clever bookends (should) prepare the viewer for the conclusion ... smart move.

Yann Samuell's film is dark, hurtful, and potentially unsatisfying (depending on your idea of "romance"). With that said, the absolute brutality of this piece is why I feel compelled to recommend it. Bombarded by saccharine films like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, I'm ready for romantic films with a little more "bite." And, I assure you, Samell delivers. August 22, 2008

Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet with a modern twist

Jeux d'enfants is the story of the game of truth or dare - a metaphorical representation of the games people play in love. The games (jeux) begin when Julien and Sophie are children (enfants), but as they grow older they intensify and become more twisted and dangerous.

Although they are very much in love with each other, they let the game dictate their future, and the dare even goes as far as hurting and tricking each other.

The cinematography is fantastic and the director manages to capture the ravages of the undeclared and unconsummated love. A daring lesson of love handled the wrong way when it becomes poisonous on the protagonists. February 15, 2008

A love story with a dark twist and spice of life

This movie makes you want to pull off the mane of a mundane life and love living like crazy. The playful, love relationship between the two main characters is stricken with misunderstanding and confounded by their game of dare. The acting is solid and ending is unexpected. I like it. February 15, 2008

Wonderful

This was a wonderful love story. It drags you in by the young love of the two french children that follows them into their young adult-hood. Their conversations are witty and sarcastic but they catch your attention and you want to be there next to them while they are playing their "dare" game in the movie. The French audio and English subtitles might scare some away but once you start the movie you don't even think about it. January 24, 2008

Film Fantastique

An excellent film that depicts the struggle of two individuals as they try to become one. The only thing that unites them, but in turn separates them is their involvement in a series of dares. The film details their struggle to survive between two worlds: the euphoria of the game and the reality of the world around them. The film defies category in that it is a comedy, drama, romance and adventure. I highly recommend this film and you do not have to speak French to enjoy its splendor. This film is also a great conversational movie so watch it/share it with friends. The only question you must ask yourself is: are you game? January 2, 2008

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