Review: Grand Sons (B+)

Grand Sons (2004)
Directed by Ilan Duran Cohen
Starring Reine Ferrato, Guillaume Quatravaux, Jean-Phillipe Set
MPAA: UR
Grade: B+

Review by Sebastian Francis Kennedy

Every once in a while an independent film comes along that draws you in and keeps your interest all the way through. Grand Sons is one of those movies. Better than expected, Grand Sons is a fine film that will hopefully pick up a larger audience as word spreads.

Grand Sons tells the story of Guillaume, a young man that has recently lost his mother. His mother actually abandoned him at a young age, and Guillame's grandmother has been taking care of him. However, he has stayed in touch with his mom. Guillaume's grandmother truly loves her grandson. But Guilliame is still coming to grips with the loss of his mother, and he is bitter and a bit confused. He can be a tad mean to his grandmother and he is a soul at unrest.

Guillaume's grandmother treats him as if he is her own son, and although he allows this (and appreciates this) he still is having a tough time dealing with the situation. Guilliame is gay and has a lover that his grandmother accepts and genuinely likes. She truly wants her grandson to be happy, but she sees the emotional pain he is in. The relationships in Grand Sons are real, touching and very compelling.

Grand Sons is an excellent little film that is well acted and directed. The film won the Horizons Award at the Venice International Film Festival and it deserves even more recognition. Highly recommended.