The 2013 French-Belgian romance drama film Blue is the Warmest Color was co-written, co-produced, and directed by Abdellatif Kechiche and is based on the 2010 graphic novel of the same name by Julie Maroh. The film centers around Adèle, a high school student who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair. It was released to critical acclaim, earning the Palme d’Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and numerous accolades for its two actresses, Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos.
Themes and Symbolism in Blue is the Warmest Color
The movie explores themes of personal identity, emotional and physical intimacy, and social class. Adèle’s journey is emblematic of growing up and the struggle to find one’s identity in the world. The color blue is often used to represent the sky, the sea and other natural phenomena, but in this film it symbolizes the intensity of Emma and Adèle’s relationship.
Critical Reception and Awards
Blue is the Warmest Color was met with critical acclaim, winning numerous awards. It made history as the first LGBT-themed film to win the Palme d’Or. Both Seydoux and Exarchopoulos won the César Award for Best Actress for their performances, making Exarchopoulos the youngest actress ever to receive the honor. The film received four Independent Spirit Award nominations, including Best International Film, and was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Blue is the Warmest Color is a powerful exploration of love and self-discovery and is widely hailed as one of the most influential queer films of all time. It will continue to be admired and studied for years to come.
