Just a Question of Love (2000)

After his gay cousin dies from hepatitis, young Laurent, who lives with his best friend Carole, falls in love with Cedric, a plant scientist. He's afraid to inform his conservative parents that he is gay.

Director:

Christian Faure

Writers:

Christian Faure (adaptation), Annick Larboulette (head writer)

Stars:

Cyrille Thouvenin, Stéphan Guérin-Tillié, Éva Darlan

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cyrille Thouvenin	...	Laurent
Stéphan Guérin-Tillié	...	Cédric (as Stephan Guerin Tillie)
Éva Darlan	...	Emma (as Eva Darlan)
Caroline Veyt	...	Carole
Danièle Denie	...	Jeanne
Idwig Stephane	...	Pierre
Laurence César	...	Martine
Jean-Pierre Valère	...	Georges
Raphaëlle Lubansu	...	Noëlle (as Raphaëlle Bruneau)
Jean-Baptiste Lefèvre	...	Didier
Aurélie Godichal	...	Marine
Jonathan Fox	...	Alain
Marcel Dossogne	...	M. Bermand
Bruno Georis	...	Médecin Emma
Diego Vanhoute	...	Mathieu

Storyline

After his gay cousin dies from hepatitis, young Laurent, who lives with his best friend Carole, falls in love with Cedric, a plant scientist. He's afraid to inform his conservative parents that he is gay.

---

Plot Keywords:

bare chested male | barefoot male | gay | plant | scientist | 

---

Taglines:

Est-ce qu'on aime vraiment nos enfants autant qu'on le prétend?

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Did You Know?

Trivia

Third time that actress Danièle Denie portrayed a character named "Jeanne" out of 19 roles up until the production of this film. Has not portrayed another character named "Jeanne" in the 8 roles since this film, as of 2016.

---

Quotes

Cédric: [after their first time] Scared I'd knock your lights out in the car?
Laurent: It was hardly likely!
Cédric: Really?
Laurent: Only a fag would be living with his mum at your age.
Cédric: You're a real prick.
[Laurent nods]

---

Connections

References Scream (1996)

---

Soundtracks

Happy Birthday
(uncredited)
Written by Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill

User Reviews

Straight or Gay Relationships: Just a Question of Love

'Juste une question d'amour' is a small film made for French TV that is one of the most sensitive, unbiased examinations of how the 'coming out' of gay men impacts not only the one who bravely steps forward but also his friends both male and female and his family. So often films such as this fall under the title 'Queer Cinema' and that is as unfair to the audience as it is to the writer and director of the film. This film is meant for the general public and should it receive higher profile in publicity, many longstanding prejudices would at least have the chance to be questioned by both gays and straights.

Laurent (Cyrille Thouvenin) lives with his parents Jeanne (Danièle Denie) and Pierre (Idwig Stephane) behind the family Pharmacy. Laurent is secretly gay though he lives with his best girlfriend Carole (Caroline Veyt) who adores him and wholly accepts his sexuality and is content to serve as a 'front' for Laurent's closeted role with his parents. He is not doing well studying agriculture, primarily due to the fact the his close cousin Marc died recently and had been disowned by his aunt and uncle when he announced he was gay. Laurent can only see that he must keep his secret so that his parents (whom he loves deeply) will not be 'injured' by his admitting his sexuality. His marks in school are so poor that he is instructed to do an internship in field agriculture to raise his academic standing. His assigned tutor is Cédric (Stéphan Guérin-Tillié) who lives an openly gay life with his warmly understanding and loving mother Emma (Eva Darlan) in an idyllic garden setting that also serves as Cédric's agricultural research lab.

Though instantly attracted to each other, Laurent maintains his closeted life until Cédric reveals his affection: the two become happy, passionate lovers. All goes well until Cédric insists that Laurent be in an open relationship, a state that would demand that Laurent inform his parents of his preferences. Laurent, fearful that his parents would disown him as his cousin was treated, flees and it is only after Cédric's mother Emma, a woman who loves the fact that her son is in a healthy relationship and longs for Laurent to allow his parents to love him for who truly he is, takes it upon herself to confront Laurent's parents with the truth. The manner in which this initial trauma affects each of the characters forms the platform for the resolution of the story.

This is a brave film, very intelligent and sensitive and informative, and is made all the better by the excellent cast. Each actor gives characterizations that are completely credible and three-dimensional: none of the too familiar stereotypes are here. It is to the credit of director Christian Faure and his co-writer Annick Larboulette that JUST A QUESTION OF LOVE succeeds on every level. This is one of the most quietly powerful stories about same sex challenges to be addressed on the screen. Highly Recommended for ALL audiences. In French with English subtitles. Grady Harp, May 05

Details

Country:

France Belgium

Language:

French

Release Date:

26 January 2000 (France)

Also Known As:

Apenas uma Questão de Amor

Company Credits

Production Co:

Centre National du Cinéma et de l'Image Animée, France 2 (FR2), Hamster Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1