Synopsis
The film tells the story of Malony and his education as he grows from a six-year-old into an 18-year-old. A minors’ judge and a caseworker work tirelessly to try to save the young offender.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Rod ParadotMalony Ferrandot
- Catherine DeneuveLe Juge
- Sara ForestierSéverine Ferrandot
- Benoît MagimelYann
- Diane RouxelTess
- Élizabeth MazevClaudine
- Anne SuarezLa directrice du CEF
- Christophe MeynetMaître Robin
- Catherine SaléeGladys Valée
Recommendations
- 83
The Film Stage
Bercot is able to craft a believable arc within her protagonist, allowing for a gradual character progression rather than one that is abrupt and difficult to reckon with. - 75
IndieWire
Bercot's solidly engaging if fairly routine social-realist drama mainly stands out as an actor's showcase. - 70
Screen Daily
Standing Tall can’t be faulted for energy and for seriousness - and offers a rare case of a troubled-teen drama in which the justice system is seen as entirely benevolent, and a source of succour to troubled souls. - 70
Variety
Bercot studiously avoids the sort of catharsis-oriented pop psychology the genre so often peddles. - 60
The Guardian
It is a high-minded, often touching movie which replaces the nihilism and miserabilism often to be found in social realism, and replaces them with a positive vision of what the state can – and can’t – do to help. - 60
The Hollywood Reporter
The powerful turns don’t necessarily build towards a satisfying conclusion, in a film that starts off strong but can’t always decide whether it wants to keep it real or give viewers the sort of movie moments found in less-inventive dramas. - 60
The Telegraph
The film has a scrappy optimism about it that’s often very winning, but it never draws itself up to its full height. - 58
Hitfix
While Bercot's intentions are admirable, she and co-screenwriter Marcia Romano have conjured up too many moments that play out like thousands of courtroom scenes you've seen before.
