The French newspaper Le Monde has published a review of the film "Girl," which it describes as portraying a Taiwanese schoolgirl's desire for freedom in the face of everyday savagery. The review appeared online on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, as part of the publication's cinema coverage.
According to Le Monde.fr, the film centers on the contrast between the young protagonist's longing for liberty and the harshness of her daily environment. The review was included in a broader roundup of films currently in French theaters, which also featured "Les Silences de Riyad," "Cotton Queen," and "Enamorada."
The film has attracted attention in part due to its lead actress, Shu Qi. In a separate interview published by Paris Match, the actress discussed her connection to the material, revealing that as a child, the most terrifying thing was not physical pain but the sound of approaching footsteps. The interview suggests a personal resonance between Shu Qi and the film's themes of childhood fear and resilience.
Additional French outlets have weighed in on the picture. La Provence published a critique praising "Girl" as a deep dive into a painful adolescence. The film's depiction of youth appears to be striking a chord with reviewers, who have highlighted its emotional intensity and unflinching look at difficult subject matter.
The film's release comes amid a wave of new international titles reaching French audiences. While "Girl" has drawn specific praise for its lead performance and its unsparing portrayal of adolescence, it is part of a broader slate of releases that French critics are currently evaluating.
For those following the film's reception, the next development to watch is whether the positive critical notices in France translate into wider distribution or awards-season momentum for the Taiwanese production.
