If we replace Cate Blanchett's character with a man, people would be talking about this movie a lot differently. Due to the massive double standard in our world currently, Cate's character can come off as slightly sympathetic at times, or at least maybe we can empathize with her. She fools around with the young 15 year old school boy because she is dissatisfied with her marriage to an older man, she's a woman, she has to explore her sexual needs, she needs to fulfill her desires, it's her feminine right! That's the argument, it's weak, but at least an argument is being made.
But if it's a guy attracted to a 15 year old girl? Forget it. There's no argument. He's an animal, a predator, a sicko, a pervert, he should be castrated. They're never even remotely sympathetic. Even if the girl leads him on. I'm not saying either case is OK, I'm just pointing out the huge double standard.
Otherwise the movie is pretty good.
But if it's a guy attracted to a 15 year old girl? Forget it. There's no argument. He's an animal, a predator, a sicko, a pervert, he should be castrated. They're never even remotely sympathetic. Even if the girl leads him on. I'm not saying either case is OK, I'm just pointing out the huge double standard.
Otherwise the movie is pretty good.