L’enfant sauvage Malony (Rod Paradot) is 16 and completely out of control. His mother, who is not much older than he, has a substance problem, and his father died when he was four. With no guidance or help to control his emotions, the world has heaped a lot on Malony, and wild pubescent emotions aren’t helping anything.

But the French judicial system is sympathetic to Malony’s plight. They know that trying Malony as an adult is not only unconscionable but meaningless. Locking Malony up and throwing away the key will not solve the issue, nor will subjecting him to a world that is unkind and indifferent. No, Malony must be reformed. He must be shown compassion, and he must learn a trade. Malony must become a participant in society.

Judge Blaque (played by the always amazing and understanding Catherine Deneuve) understands Malony’s case all too well. She assigns Yann (Benoît Magimel) as Malony’s parole officer. Yann is a successful graduate of Blaque’s program, and he knows the good it can do. He also knows how difficult it is, and when Malony lashes out in frustration and pain, Yann’s face resonates with decades of similar anguish.

Standing Tall (La tête haute) captures that anguish and frustration with surprising honesty. Those surrounding Malony are calm, compassionate, and above all, they are patient. Malony’s anger is real, and their understanding is noble. The ending may feel contrived, maybe unbelievable, but it is fully earned.

Standing Tall (2015)
Directed by Emmanuelle Bercot
Written by Emmanuelle Bercot, Marcia Romano
Produced by François Kraus, Denis Pineau-Valencienne
Starring: Catherine Deneuve, Rod Paradot, Benoît Magimel, Sara Forestier
Cohen Media Group, Rated R, Running time 120 minutes, Premiered May 13, 2015 at the Cannes Film Festival

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The above blurb first appeared in the pages of Boulder Weekly Vol. 23, No. 31, “BIFF returns with an impressive lineup.”