Masculin Féminin (1966)

In the heart of urban France, the tale of young Paul unfolds, a twenty-one-year-old fresh from fulfilling his obligatory military service. As he steps into the arena of adulthood, he finds himself amidst a series of vignettes reflecting the pulsating youth culture around him. His path intertwines with the vibrant and ambitious Madeleine, an aspiring pop singer with a taste for the contemporary, a sharp contrast to Paul's penchant for baroque music and literature. Drawn together by circumstance and a burgeoning affection, Paul moves in with Madeleine and her roommates Elisabeth and Catherine, navigating the complexities of their relationships and the uncertain future that lies ahead. Paul's perspective on life and love is continually shaped and reshaped by the world around him, echoed by the distant drumbeats of the Vietnam War, and his new role at a public opinion polling firm, where he absorbs the diverse viewpoints of his contemporaries. As Madeleine's career as a pop singer begins to ascend, Paul grapples with feelings of isolation, adrift in the sea of social and emotional politics of 'the children of Marx and Coca Cola', as his comrades are wryly dubbed. Caught between his traditional leanings and the rapidly changing societal norms, Paul's journey is a poignant exploration of youthful uncertainty, ambition, and the quest for understanding in a world defined by constant flux. His story, woven into the vibrant tapestry of urban youth culture, stands as both a mirror and a beacon, illuminating the triumphs and trials of a new generation.

Masculin Féminin is a drama movie featuring Jean-Pierre Léaud.

Masculin Féminin is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max and Max Amazon Channel.