Private Tuition

"Private Tuition" (original title "Cours privé"), released in 1986 and starring Élisabeth Bourgine, is a French drama-comedy that explores the complexities of student life and adult relationships. The film follows the story of a young student who becomes entangled in a nuanced and sometimes unconventional mentorship with his private tutor, leading to moments of awkwardness, humor, and personal discovery. Set against the backdrop of 1980s France, the movie delves into themes of education, sexuality, and social boundaries with a candid and sometimes provocative tone. The narrative balances its delicate subject matter with a light comedic touch, capturing the intricacies of youth and the challenges of growing up.

Critically, "Private Tuition" received mixed reactions. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 5.4/10, reflecting a divided audience response. Some reviewers appreciated the film’s frank approach to sensitive themes and the performances of the cast, particularly praising Élisabeth Bourgine's portrayal for bringing depth and nuance to her character. However, others noted that the film’s treatment of its provocative subject matter felt outdated or uncomfortable by modern standards. Critiques often point to the uneven pacing and a script that struggles to balance comedy with drama effectively. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a significant rating or consensus for this film, indicating a limited presence in mainstream critical evaluations. Metacritic ratings are also absent, reflecting the movie's niche status. Nonetheless, "Private Tuition" is occasionally noted in retrospectives for its candidness and its snapshot of 1980s French cinema’s approach to controversial topics.