外语

Fanny is excited but also nervous about the upcoming trip, as it is her first time leaving her comfort zone and her family. Upon arriving in Leipzig, Fanny is warmly greeted by Lena and her family. She quickly settles into her new surroundings and begins attending school with Lena. Despite the initial language barrier, Fanny is determined to make the most of her time in Germany and immerse herself in the culture.

As the days go by, Fanny and Lena form a strong bond and become inseparable. They explore the city together, trying traditional German foods, visiting landmarks, and even attending local events and festivals. Fanny's love for languages becomes evident as she starts to grasp the basics of the German language, impressing Lena and her family with her quick progress.

However, Fanny's experience takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that Lena is struggling with her own personal issues. Lena confides in Fanny about feeling isolated and unhappy at school, and Fanny, who has become more confident and self-assured during her time in Germany, decides to help her new friend.

With Fanny's support and encouragement, Lena gradually opens up to her classmates and becomes more involved in school activities. Fanny's kindness and genuine interest in Lena's well-being bring about a positive change in Lena's life, and their friendship grows even stronger.

Towards the end of her stay, Fanny realizes how much she has grown during her time in Leipzig. She has not only improved her language skills but also gained a deeper understanding of different cultures and the importance of friendship. As she says goodbye to Lena and her host family, Fanny feels a mix of sadness and gratitude for the unforgettable experiences she had in Germany.

Back in Strasbourg, Fanny returns home with a newfound confidence and a broader perspective on life. Inspired by her time abroad, she decides to pursue a career in languages and hopes to continue exploring different cultures through her work.

"Foreign Languages" is a heartwarming story about friendship, personal growth, and the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Through Fanny's journey, the film reminds us of the transformative nature of travel and the beauty of embracing new experiences.

可能是目前为止主竞赛中最为复杂的电影了。是它剧情复杂吗？肯定不是。而是它涉及的内容实在纷繁庞杂，而且影片的前后两部分界明显，而好坏就此也分出了，前半段有多么的优秀，后半段就变得不能说是坏，但真的是不如前半段。

观影后我陷入了长久且矛盾的思考，这究竟是是一部如同已经拍了无数遍的类似于《亲密》（2021）《怪物》（2023）那种讲述纯洁友情最后真正爱上对方的同性电影，还是一部全片充斥着刻板印象的政治电影呢？我不知道，我不确定。

在发布会上，导演表示这不是同性爱情电影更不是关于青少年友谊的电影，是的，同性元素是其中一部分，但绝对不止于此，影片其实是关于两代人之间的政治电影。电影的故事其实非常简单，讲述的是一来自法国的 17 岁女学生芬妮前往德国进行语言交流。

在莱比锡，她遇到了与她同龄、渴望参与政治活动的笔友莱娜。为了给莱娜留下深刻印象，害羞孤僻的芬妮用“善意”的谎言为自己编造了另一种生活，但她很快就陷入了自己的骗局。而两人的关系也渐渐地紧密亲密起来……

全片时刻充满着关于种族国家的刻板印象：国家、社会运动、政治阴谋、家庭关系、文化差异、自我认知、爱情友情、语言障碍等一系列热点议题似乎都触及到了。

印象最深刻的莫过于法国女孩第一次来到德国的学校，各种德国同学的“刻板印象”的种族歧视就扑面而来，她们攻击法国人为什么英语那么不好？法国为什么喜欢罢工，是因为不喜欢上班吗？法国为什么那么多素食主义者？取笑女生的名字等等。

但等到后半段德国女生来到法国学校的时候，那种“刻板印象”的种族歧视则更为严重，对她施纳粹礼，再次所谓的“调侃”性攻击德国这个国家等等。

影片所展示的一切议题都是十分尖锐更是毫不留情的，本以为会是《亲密》（2022）那种展示同性之间纯洁的友情，但它从未没往那方面靠近，甚至越走越远。而当触及到社会议题与政治热点问题时，观众会想到《阿黛尔的生活》（2013），但它给你玩点别的。

最后影片与《如何做爱》（2023）殊途同归，建立身体的亲密关系后，双方精神上的亲密在我看来不仅仅源于她们所经历的一切，更是与社会运动赋予的“爱情力量”密切相关。不论实话还是谎言都不重要了，因为她们已经爱上了对方，本以为这会是影片最后的落脚点，但结果结尾还是回到了政治议题。总之，可以理解导演想借同性议题来探讨政治，但主题过于复杂，不如聚焦在两个本善但历经现实冲击的女性角色的蜕变过程上。

直至落笔，我仍不确定我对影片的评价，我需要在银幕上再次与它相遇，才能厘清庞大繁杂的细节中爱情与政治的纠缠。所以我只能说我不太喜欢这部片子，但也不可否认的是《外语》很有可能是继今年主竞赛伊朗电影《我最喜欢的蛋糕》后最有希望争金熊奖的影片，它实在（过于）契合当下西方社会，更契合柏林这个政治电影节，也许也契合了评审团口味的金熊奖。