Tender Cousins (1980) – teenager Julien seeks happiness in love before World War II

Description

In June 1939, fifteen-year-old Julien arrives to spend his summer vacation at his parents' country estate. Next door lives German scientist Professor Unrath with his daughter Lieselotte. Julien falls in love with his cousin Julia, who is slightly older, but she does not notice his feelings. The boy tries to win her heart, but Julia is more interested in Charles, a twenty-year-old young man who shows her attention. Suddenly, war breaks out, and the men must leave for the front, leaving fewer men at the estate. As a result, Julien becomes more attractive to women. Lieselotte begins to show interest in him, and Julien even tries to seduce the maid, but his mother forbids it. This situation creates tension among the young people, who have different goals and face the challenges posed by the war. In this drama and romance-filled film, director David Hamilton conveys themes of teenage love and maturity just before World War II. Thierry Tevini plays Julien, while Anja Schüte plays his cousin Julia. The work reflects the complex feelings and relationships that develop among young people on the eve of war, as their lives change due to historical events.