One of the most controversial and beautiful films of the year comes from France, where famed director Abdellatif Kechiche explores the very personal lives of two women and their intimate struggles with their relationship and each other.

Previous to it’s theatrical release, Blue is the Warmest Color found itself at the center of media scandal; a 151 minute run time, a 10 minute lesbian sex scene and other graphic moments were seen as exploitive, however, it’s these boundary-pushing moments that make the film not just another movie, but an artful epic.

Adèle (Adèle Exarchopoulos) and Emma (Léa Seydoux) are high school students, at a time when self-discovery is at its’ peak. The two cross paths (literally) as Adèle is on her way to school and it only takes one glance for her to become smitten with Emma, the blue-haired pixie. A night out with friends brings Adèle to a gay bar, and it’s here where she runs into Emma again, but this time it’s different. Emma is already in a relationship with another woman and does not come on to Adèle at first; the two begin a friendship as innocent as Adèle herself. The sexual tension builds in their friendship, until one afternoon at the park, Adèle, who has no previous experience with gay relationships, can no longer hold back her feelings and kisses Emma gently on the lips. This is the beginning of their torrid relationship.

…the camera is not invasive, but rather floating alongside the characters through each scene and observing them in their most intimate moments.

At Sundance, the film was praised for its incredible filmmaking and cast, but quickly became noted for its 10-minute sex scene. This scene has been widely critiqued by journalists and audience members for being borderline pornographic and distasteful. While the scene is longer than necessary, the reason why it is in the film should not be overlooked; it is the first time Adèle and Emma consummate their relationship. The scene is not “sexy,” nor does it strive to be; its purpose is to show Adèle’s innocence and absolute love for the person she believes to be her soul mate, regardless of gender. This is the perfect example demonstrating the difference between “having sex” and “love-making.”

As far as Abdellatif’s directing style, he is known for rigidness and perfection; shooting over 100 takes of the same scene until he is completely satisfied. This approach most likely makes for a rough time on set, however, it’s translation onto the big screen is nothing short of perfection. In Blue is the Warmest Color, he approaches the project in a documentarian style of filmmaking; the camera is not invasive, but rather floating alongside the characters through each scene and observing them in their most intimate moments.

Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos have been praised for their performances as Emma and Adèle; there’s no doubt this film will launch their careers into more mainstream films. I was completely blown away by their dedication to the characters; as invasive as the film was, Seydoux and Exarchopoulos were not afraid to commit 100%.

You don’t have to be gay or French to appreciate the magnitude of a film like Blue is the Warmest Color. At its’ core, it’s a film about coming of age and falling for your first love. The biggest disappointment would be if the drama surrounding the film overshadows its brilliance. Blue is the Warmest Color is a complete success for Abdellatif and I predict we’ll be hearing more about the film come awards season.