Blue is the Warmest Color* is a very good film. It is a heartbreaking coming of age story about a young woman who finds her soul mate, and what happens after that. It's a beautiful film, and it features great performances by two young actresses. It's a film that I strongly recommend, although one of those that might be a bit awkward to watch with your family during the holidays.
Assuming you can find it near you. It's a three hour long film in French with English subtitles, so that's already two strikes against it. On top of that, it's rated NC-17, which means some theater chains won't even consider showing it.
OK, here is where I discuss the elephant in the room.
In the middle of the film is an explicit sex scene that goes on for about ten minutes, which is the biggest reason for its NC-17 rating. I don't consider myself a prude (I number Boogie Nights and South Park: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut among my favorite movies), but there's a difference between the use of nudity and sex in a film, and something that feels exploitative and excessive. I get that their physical relationship is a big part of their attraction to each other, but after a few minutes you reach a point of diminishing returns. Beyond that, it becomes something more akin to pornography.
Apparently, the director has been involved in an ongoing spat with the two stars of the film, as well as the author of the graphic novel that was the source material. In fact, it kind of sounds like the film's success may have been in spite of, and not because of, the director. Yes, I'm aware that Hitchcock, Kubrick, Chaplin, etc... could be raging jerks when they wanted to be. Some of the greatest films have been made in less than ideal conditions for the actors involved. However, there is a very fine line between being a perfectionist genius and a psychotic butthole, and it appears this guy might be on the wrong side.
All controversy aside, this is a worthwhile film to watch. Even without the explicit scenes, it can be painful to watch, but beautiful as well. Without giving too much away, the film could almost work as an "origin story" for Edna Krabappel from The Simpsons. If she were French.
Verdict: Strong Recommendation, but if you are looking for a movie to watch with relatives, particularly your parents or great aunt Mildred, pick Frozen, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, or Philomena instead.
* AKA La Vie d'Adele. Not sure why the title is different in English, perhaps The Life of Adele was considered too boring.
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