🪶 Story & Synopsis
“Cuties,” also known as “Mignonnes,” directed and written by Maïmouna Doucouré, is a poignant coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the challenges faced by an 11-year-old girl named Amy, brilliantly portrayed by Fathia Youssouf Abdillahi.
The film revolves around Amy, the eldest daughter in a Senegalese family living in Paris, who finds herself torn between her family’s conservative traditions and the allure of a rebellious dance group at school called Cuties. As Amy grapples with her mother Miriam’s (Maïmouna Gueye) expectations and the news of her father’s new marriage, she becomes increasingly drawn to the freedom and confidence exuded by the Cuties—Angelica (Médina El Aidi-Azouni), Coumba (Esther Gohourou), Jess (Ilanah Cami-Goursolas), and Yasmine (Myriam Hamma).
Amy’s journey unfolds as she immerses herself in the world of the Cuties, adopting their style and learning provocative dance moves in a bid to fit in and win a dance competition against older girls. However, her pursuit of acceptance leads her to clash with her family’s values, sparking a poignant exploration of the clash between traditional beliefs and modern influences.
The film skillfully navigates Amy’s internal struggles and external pressures as she grapples with her burgeoning adolescence and the quest for self-identity. Through Amy’s eyes, viewers are confronted with the complexities of cultural expectations, peer pressure, and the desire for belonging in a world that often demands conformity.
As Amy navigates the turbulent waters of adolescence, she is faced with pivotal decisions that challenge her understanding of herself and her place in the world. The film culminates in a powerful climax where Amy must confront the consequences of her actions and reconcile her conflicting emotions.
“Cuties” is a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, cultural identity, and the universal struggle for self-acceptance. Through its nuanced storytelling and compelling performances, the film offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of growing up in a rapidly changing world.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Fathia Youssouf, Médina El Aidi-Azouni, Esther Gohourou, Ilanah Cami-Goursolas, Myriam Hamma, Maïmouna Gueye, Mbissine Thérèse Diop, Demba Diaw, Mamadou Samaké
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Fathia Youssouf | Amy |
| Médina El Aidi-Azouni | Angelica |
| Maïmouna Gueye | Mariam, Amy’s mother |
| Esther Gohourou | Coumba, a member of the Cuties |
| Ilanah Cami-Goursolas | Jess, another member of the Cuties |
| Myriam Hamma | Yasmine, another member of the Cuties |
| Mbissine Therese Diop | Amy’s aunt |
| Demba Diaw | Ishmael, Amy’s brother |
| Mamadou Samaké | Samba |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Welcome to the cinematic rollercoaster that is the movie Cuties! If you’ve been following the buzz around this film, you know that it has stirred quite the controversy in the digital realm. Strap in as we dive into the whirlwind of opinions and perspectives surrounding this intriguing piece of art.
Picture this: a film that straddles the delicate line between societal critique and coming-of-age exploration. Cuties takes us on a journey through modern western society’s lens, offering a poignant portrayal of a young girl navigating her way through conflicting cultures and societal pressures.
- Plot: At its core, Cuties delves into themes of identity, womanhood, and the hyper-sexualization of youngsters in today’s world. The story follows Amy, an 11-year-old French girl of Senegalese origin, as she grapples with the complexities of growing up in a society where conflicting norms and values clash.
- Themes and Tone: The movie strikes a chord by addressing the nuances of girlhood in contemporary times. It confronts uncomfortable truths about how young girls are often pressured to conform to adult standards of sexuality and self-worth. The tone is raw, unapologetic, and thought-provoking.
- Acting and Characters: Fathia Youssouf delivers a compelling performance as Amy, capturing the innocence and vulnerability intertwined with curiosity and rebellion. The cast portrays their roles with authenticity, drawing viewers into Amy’s turbulent world.
Binge-watching Tip: Approach Cuties with an open mind and heart. Try to view it as a social commentary rather than a conventional narrative, allowing yourself to engage with its underlying messages.
The direction by Maimouna Doucouré deserves applause for delicately balancing controversial imagery with profound emotional depth. Doucouré skillfully navigates sensitive topics, presenting them in a manner that sparks reflection rather than sensationalism.
- Cinematography: The visual language of Cuties is striking, capturing both the vibrancy of youth culture and the stark realities faced by its characters. The camera work immerses viewers in Amy’s world, offering glimpses into her inner turmoil.
- Production Design: From gritty urban landscapes to colorful dance sequences, the production design sets the stage for Amy’s journey with meticulous attention to detail. Each scene is crafted to enhance the narrative’s impact.
If you’re looking for an introspective exploration of societal norms and personal growth intertwined with youthful exuberance, Cuties might just be your cup of tea.
- Special Effects: While Cuties doesn’t rely heavily on CGI or flashy effects, its impact lies in its ability to evoke emotions through authentic storytelling rather than visual spectacle.
- Editing and Pace: The film maintains a steady pace that allows moments of reflection amidst dynamic dance sequences. The editing choices enhance the narrative flow without compromising on substance.
Cuties prompts viewers to question societal constructs around femininity, sexuality, and self-expression. It serves as a mirror reflecting back uncomfortable truths while inviting dialogue on these critical issues.
Moving forward from controversies surrounding its initial reception, Cuties encourages audiences to look beyond surface judgments and engage with its deeper layers of meaning.
In conclusion, Cuties offers a thought-provoking exploration of girlhood in contemporary society through an unfiltered lens. Its bold approach challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while celebrating resilience amidst adversity.
Ride Rating: 8/10
So buckle up for an emotional rollercoaster ride that will leave you pondering long after the credits roll!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Addresses themes of identity | Sexually suggestive scenes involving child actors |
| Coming-of-age exploration | Controversial imagery of hyper-sexualization |
| Confronts themes with poignancy | Review bombs and subscription cancellations |
| Powerful and well-told narrative | Perceived child exploitation |
| Addresses hyper-sexualization of youngsters | Controversial artwork and marketing |
| Explores girlhood in the modern age | Perceived inappropriate portrayal of young girls |
| Overly sexualized nature of the film | |
| Director’s influence on young actors’ performances | |
| Forced sexualization and self-esteem portrayal |
Feedback
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Cuties - Wikipedia
Cuties
Cuties French Mignonnes Directed by Maïmouna Doucouré Written by Maïmouna Doucouré Produced by Zangro Starring - Fathia Youssouf
- Médina El Aidi-Azouni
- Esther Gohourou
- Ilanah Cami-Goursolas
- Maïmouna Gueye
Cinematography Yann Maritaud Edited by - Mathilde Van de Moortel
- Stéphane Mazalaigue
Music by Niko Noki Productioncompanies
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Cuties | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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Cuties (2020) - IMDb
helpful•144203
- oermannmk
- Sep 11, 2020
- How long is Cuties?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Vũ công nhỏ đáng yêu
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $692,459
- Runtime1 hour 36 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
- 2.39 : 1
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Cuties movie review & film summary (2020) | Roger Ebert
The movie is so much more nuanced and bold than the first wave of outrage charged. With “Cuties,” Doucouré announces herself as a director with a keen visual style who’s unafraid to explore these cultural and social tensions. After all, these are issues facing many young girls growing up today in various corners of the world. You’d just never know it because their coming-of-age horror stories aren’t always told in film.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie “Cuties,” directed by Maïmouna Doucouré, we follow the story of Amy, an 11-year-old Senegalese immigrant living in Paris. Amy is caught between her conservative family’s traditions and the allure of a group of dancers called the ‘Cuties,’ who challenge societal norms with their provocative routines and clothing.
Amy’s journey of self-discovery and rebellion against her family’s strict beliefs leads her to join the ‘Cuties,’ where she finds a sense of freedom and escape from her home life. However, as she delves deeper into this world, she starts to lose herself in the pursuit of popularity and acceptance among her peers.
The climax of the movie occurs during a dance contest where Amy is faced with a pivotal decision. On the same day as the competition, her father is getting married for the second time, a situation that highlights the clash between Amy’s personal desires and her family obligations.
As Amy waits for Yasmine, a former member of the ‘Cuties,’ to arrive at the contest, she is confronted with a moral dilemma when she impulsively pushes Yasmine into a lake. This impulsive act forces Amy to confront the consequences of her actions and the value of human life versus her pursuit of fame and validation.
When Amy sees that Yasmine is struggling in the water, she is overcome with guilt and realizes the gravity of her actions. This moment of clarity prompts Amy to abandon the dance contest and rush home, where she arrives just in time to confront her mother before she leaves for her father’s wedding.
During a poignant exchange with her mother, Amy expresses her inner turmoil and pleads for her mother to stand up against her father’s actions. Despite her mother’s understanding and advice, Amy decides to take a stand for herself by choosing to walk away from the dance competition and the toxic influences that have clouded her judgment.
As Amy leaves the contest behind and changes into more age-appropriate clothing, she joins a group of girls skipping outside, symbolizing her return to innocence and a rejection of the hyper-sexualized world of the ‘Cuties.’
Ultimately, Amy’s decision to prioritize her values and self-worth over fleeting fame and peer pressure marks a significant moment of growth and self-realization in her journey towards finding her identity and reclaiming her childhood innocence.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-MA
Age Rating:
The movie “Cuties” is rated R for mature thematic content involving preadolescent children, including sexualization and suggestive dancing.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that “Cuties” is a coming-of-age film that delves into sensitive themes surrounding the challenges faced by young girls in the modern age. The movie includes scenes where tween girls engage in suggestive dancing and pose in a sexualized manner. There are also instances of schoolyard fights being broken up by administrators. While the film has been praised for its poignant portrayal of girlhood, it does contain content that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
Given the mature thematic content, parents are advised to carefully consider the suitability of this movie for children under the age of 17. It is recommended that parents watch the film first to determine if it aligns with their family values and if they are comfortable with the depicted themes.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | The movie Cuties is available for streaming on Netflix with subscription plans starting at $6.99 per month. It is also available on Netflix basic with Ads. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
The movie is so much more nuanced and bold than the first wave of outrage charged.
With "Cuties," Doucouré announces herself as a director with a keen visual style who's unafraid to explore these cultural and social tensions.
Our girls see that the more a woman is overly sexualised on social media, the more she's successful. And the children just imitate what they see, trying to achieve the same result without understanding the meaning, and yeah, it's dangerous.
🤖Cuties Reddit Talks
Cuties Movie Reddit Summary
Synopsis
Cuties is a 2020 French drama film directed by Maïmouna Doucouré. The film follows 11-year-old Amy, a Senegalese Muslim girl living in Paris, who joins a dance crew called “The Cuties” and begins to explore her sexuality. The film has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by young girls in a hypersexualized world, but it has also been criticized for its explicit sexual content.
Discussion
The discussion of Cuties on Reddit has been mixed. Some users have praised the film for its important message about the sexualization of young girls, while others have criticized it for its explicit content.
Positive Reviews
- “Cuties is a powerful and important film that shines a light on the sexualization of young girls. It’s a must-see for anyone who cares about the well-being of children.”
- “I thought Cuties was a well-made and thought-provoking film. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s an important one.”
- “Cuties is a film that will stay with you long after you’ve seen it. It’s a powerful and important film that everyone should see.”
Negative Reviews
- “Cuties is a disgusting and exploitative film that should never have been made. It’s a shame that Netflix is promoting this kind of content.”
- “I can’t believe that Netflix is releasing a film like Cuties. It’s nothing more than child pornography.”
- “Cuties is a dangerous film that could put children at risk. I urge everyone to boycott it.”
Common Criticisms
- The film’s explicit sexual content has been a major source of criticism. Some users have argued that the film is inappropriate for children and that it could be harmful to young viewers.
- Some users have also criticized the film for its portrayal of Muslim culture. They argue that the film presents a negative and stereotypical view of Muslims.
- Finally, some users have criticized the film for its lack of nuance. They argue that the film presents a simplistic view of the complex issue of the sexualization of young girls.
Conclusion
The discussion of Cuties on Reddit has been mixed. Some users have praised the film for its important message, while others have criticized it for its explicit content. The film has also been criticized for its portrayal of Muslim culture and its lack of nuance.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Sardonicast/comments/rtlsr9/so_i_watched_cuties_2020/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/idwlup/i_dont_see_the_problem_with_cuties_2020_at_all/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/ir4oav/official_discussion_cuties_spoilers/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueFilm/comments/idm52t/the_backlash_to_cuties_is_genuinely_frightening/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/flicks/comments/iu8gnh/is_cuties_2020_really_as_bad_as_people_are_making/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Cuties movie taken down?
Cuties was taken down following its release on Netflix due to the backlash from audiences over sexually suggestive scenes involving the child actors.
Why is Cuties rated R?
Cuties is rated R for its themes of sex, romance, and nudity. The movie portrays tween girls posing and dancing in suggestive ways, mimicking dances they see online.
What is the message behind the movie Cuties?
According to Maimouna Doucouré, the creator of Cuties, the film is a criticism of the hyper-sexualization of youngsters in modern society. It aims to explore approaching womanhood between cultures.
What happened to Yasmine in Cuties?
In the movie ‘Cuties,’ Amy pushes Yasmine into a lake to perform a dance routine with her troupe called Cuties. However, Amy realizes that Yasmine cannot swim, leading to a tense moment.
Did Cuties use child actors?
Yes, Cuties involved child actors, which contributed to the controversy surrounding the film due to sexually suggestive scenes. For example, the actress playing Amy, an 11-year-old, was actually 14 years old in real life.
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