La vallée (1972)

La vallée (1972) is a French film directed by Barbet Schroeder. It tells the story of a young woman, Valerie, who travels to the remote mountain valley of Oaxaca in search of adventure and self-discovery. The film is known for its exploration of sexual themes, particularly in its depiction of Valerie’s journey of sexual awakening.

The film opens with Valerie’s arrival in the valley, where she is immediately drawn to the local culture and its inhabitants. She soon meets a young man named Rolf, with whom she begins a passionate affair. The two explore the valley together, and their relationship quickly becomes sexual. The film portrays their relationship in a frank and honest way, showing both the joys and difficulties of their physical intimacy.

The film also explores the theme of sexual repression, as Valerie struggles to reconcile her newfound desires with the expectations of her family and society. As she begins to explore her sexuality, she is met with resistance from those around her. This is particularly evident in the scene where Valerie’s father discovers her and Rolf in bed together. The scene is a powerful exploration of the tension between Valerie’s desire for freedom and her father’s expectations of her.

Overall, La vallée (1972) is a powerful exploration of sexual awakening and repression. The film’s frank and honest portrayal of Valerie’s journey of sexual exploration is both captivating and thought-provoking. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human sexuality.