I first saw this film on LA television around 1965. Every Saturday night KHJ channel 9 would air foreign films. At first it was difficult to pay attention, specifically because of its stark realism of the day-to-day existence of a British, school girl(Tushingham). But, that aspect is what probably increased my interest. It was as if I were eavesdropping on humanity. I wish that more American films would deal with sexuality as maturely. Instead, sex is either used to exploit the viewers senses or used to propagandize certain sexual behavior.
This film revolves around the life of a high-school girl, her mother, and a homosexual. As the film evolves, we realize that who they are sexually is not as important as who they are as human beings. And, this is what makes this film a wonderful experience; in each character something more primal than sexuality is divulged: the need for belonging. As Jo stands gazing at the sparkler while children at play dance around her, humanity shines, dazzling in the glow of her beautifully somber eyes.
This film revolves around the life of a high-school girl, her mother, and a homosexual. As the film evolves, we realize that who they are sexually is not as important as who they are as human beings. And, this is what makes this film a wonderful experience; in each character something more primal than sexuality is divulged: the need for belonging. As Jo stands gazing at the sparkler while children at play dance around her, humanity shines, dazzling in the glow of her beautifully somber eyes.