Standing Tall

R

Released Apr 1, 2016

1h 59m

Drama

List

81%

Tomatometer

37 Reviews

75%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

A magistrate (Catherine Deneuve) and a counselor (Benoît Magimel) try to help a troubled teen (Rod Paradot) who was abandoned by his mother (Sara Forestier) as a child.

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Peter Howell

Toronto Star

This drama of how a "little monster" struggles to find a place within society has a few strong scenes, and a hint of potential stardom for Paradot, whose character Malony rages for humanity as well as himself.

Rated: 2.5/4

Aug 19, 2016

Full Review

Brad Wheeler

Globe and Mail

A smartly written, evenly wrought drama ...

Rated: 3/4

Aug 19, 2016

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Mick LaSalle

San Francisco Chronicle

It's a preening piece of work, aiming to flatter and please, while masquerading as something hard-hitting and daring. And because of all that, it's a bore.

Rated: 1/4

Apr 14, 2016

Full Review

Nicholas Bell

IONCINEMA.com

Featuring a warm performance from the illustrious Catherine Deneuve, Standing Tall is Emmanuelle Bercot's most emotionally sincere film to date, though isn't too far removed from most standard social issue dramas.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 30, 2020

Full Review

Andrew Parker

The Gate

Standing Tall makes up for its use of clichés by way of strong direction, well honed performances, and a sense of dramatic depth.

Aug 28, 2018

Full Review

Alex Heeney

Seventh Row

Standing Tall never even attempts a nuanced exploration of the difficulties of navigating life without a real parent and how it robs you of privileges that are for many children commonplace.

Jul 14, 2017

Full Review

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Audience Member

Movie gave the protagonist so more chances than I would have; matronly Deneuve

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

An idealistic but worthwhile piece about a juvenile delinquent growing up in the French justice system. Those who are interested in the issues of social justice will see past the romanticism of the story to many pertinent statements about what it takes to save a child like Malony. It justifies Deneuve's selection of the role of judge, and her performance lends the story much depth. Malony's mother teeters in drug-fuelled irresponsibility; the boy is a wildly dangerous driver of stolen cars; his anger, sexuality and violence are explosive. Repeatedly, he fails everyone. The film stresses the importance of love, especially maternal love. The judge gives him a long series of chances - to the point that you can think it really is going to be hopeless. The justice system is presented as caring. You see into the judge's long experience, how she makes her judgments, and her determination to help Malony and the many kids like him whom she sees. The other lead actors, the supporting cast and the finished product are all very fine too. Of course, only those on the inside can say how far all of this is an accurate snapshot of French juvenile justice, and how much it is making recommendations for reform. The film's sugary side will offend people and some in the audience were openly cynical; it also helps the character of Malony that his worst crimes against people (rather than property) are forgiven by the victims. Despite these cinematic devices though, which will send it to a wider audience than otherwise, the film is elevated by the performances to a determined statement about the need for properly funded, caring public interventions to support young parents and children at risk. Someone has to paint not only the faults, but also the possibilities and the vision.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

La Tête Haute [Bercot, 2016] Paradot's portrayal of a violent juvenile is one of the best I've seen this year. 7/10

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Espoo Cine 2015- 7/10 Catherine Deneuve. A must. But the film made one anxious. Seriously. Also made one mad at the parents who destroy their children's lives. Mad at the children wh just cannot see their lives being on a wrong track, no matter what. And mad at the society where the kids fall out and end up incarcerated and thrown in jail. Made one also have huge respect for those people who give their lives to help troubled and downright lunetic youth. Not sure why mme deneuve did this film, not one of her best, but... Goes into the category "eye openers" Also reminded a bit of the horrible french prison film: a prophet, that made you feel like you did spend the years in jail with the guy! TO NOTE: sometimes medication might actually be a good option. Honestly.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Un bon film sur les gamins à problèmes (et qui continuent le cycle) et le système judiciaire très clément. une éducatrice qui ne protège pas sa fille et le laisse aux milieu des fauves humains. Bcp de gens perdus et désemparés. Un film touchant

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

Full Review

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Emmanuelle Bercot

Director

Catherine Deneuve

Florence Blaque

Rod Paradot

Malony Ferrandot

Benoît Magimel

Yann

Sara Forestier

Séverine Ferrandot

Diane Rouxel

Tess

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Mommy

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37%

Safelight

92%

70%

James White

TRAILER

for James White

27%

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Synopsis

A magistrate (Catherine Deneuve) and a counselor (Benoît Magimel) try to help a troubled teen (Rod Paradot) who was abandoned by his mother (Sara Forestier) as a child.

Director: Emmanuelle Bercot
Screenwriter: Emmanuelle Bercot, Marcia Romano
Distributor: Cohen Media Group
Production Co: Rhône-Alpes Cinéma, Les Films du Kiosque, Wild Bunch, France 2 Cinéma, Pictanovo
Rating: R (Strong Language|Some Sexual Content)
Genre: Drama
Original Language: French (France)
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 1, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 13, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $24.0K
Runtime: 1h 59m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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