Watch French Postcards

French Postcards is a light-hearted coming-of-age film that takes place in the French countryside during the summer of 1975. The story revolves around a group of American students who are studying abroad in France for a semester. Their idyllic summer is filled with love, laughter, and significant life lessons, as they experience the joys and complexities of a foreign culture.

The film's protagonist, Joel, is a shy and reserved student who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is initially overwhelmed by the frenzy of student life in France, but he soon finds comfort and companionship in the form of his fellow American classmates. Among them are Laura, a free-spirited artist who captures his attention, and Alex, a headstrong leader who inspires him to take risks and explore new things.

The movie does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of youth and adventure. The students spend their days exploring the French countryside, visiting charming villages, and indulging in a carefree summer of drinking, dancing, and romancing. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air, as the students take in the vibrant culture and beautiful scenery that surrounds them.

Despite the film's lighthearted tone, it also delves into some more complex themes. Joel, for example, is struggling with his own identity and expressing himself artistically. The film explores the creative process, as Joel learns to embrace his artistic side and find his own unique voice. There are also discussions about sex and sexuality, as the characters navigate their own desires and relationships.

One of the standout performances in the film is Blanche Baker, who plays Laura, the charismatic artist who steals Joel's heart. Baker brings a natural warmth and zest for life to the role, making Laura a memorable and compelling character. Her character's bohemian spirit and unconventional lifestyle provide a nice contrast to Joel's more reserved demeanor, and the two characters create an intriguing dynamic onscreen.

The film's ensemble cast is generally strong, with some standout performances from Miles Chapin as Joel and David Marshall Grant as Alex. Chapin does an excellent job of portraying Joel's growth and development throughout the film, while Grant adds some much-needed humor and levity to the story.

The movie's cinematography is another of its strong points. The French landscape is captured beautifully on camera, with sweeping shots of the countryside, quaint villages, and stunning architecture. The film's soundtrack is also notable, featuring a selection of classic French songs that perfectly capture the romantic and adventurous spirit of the story.

Overall, French Postcards is a charming and engaging film that offers a fresh take on the coming-of-age genre. With its fun-loving characters, beautiful setting, and thoughtful exploration of youth and creativity, the movie is a delightful reminder of the joys and complexities of growing up.

French Postcards is a 1979 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 77.