The Young Girls of Rochefort
A pastel-colored, jazz-infused daydream where romance and destiny collide in a French port town. Jacques Demy weaves a tapestry of missed connections, joyous song, and melancholic longing under the bright sun of ideal love.
The Young Girls of Rochefort
The Young Girls of Rochefort

Les Demoiselles de Rochefort

"…They're singing and dancing in the streets."

08 March 1967 France 126 min ⭐ 7.7 (642)
Director: Jacques Demy
Cast: Catherine Deneuve, Françoise Dorléac, Jacques Perrin, Gene Kelly, Danielle Darrieux
Drama Comedy Romance
Fate and Missed Connections Idealism vs. Reality Art as Existence Sisterhood and Duality

The Young Girls of Rochefort - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

Nous sommes deux sœurs jumelles / Nées sous le signe des gémeaux

— Delphine & Solange

Context:

Sung by the sisters in their dance studio as they introduce themselves and their aspirations.

Meaning:

The opening lines of their iconic song establish their unity, their astrological destiny (Gemini), and the film's playful, doubled nature.

Monsieur Dame, c'est un nom de dame... Je ne voulais pas m'appeler Madame Dame.

— Yvonne Garnier

Context:

Yvonne explaining to a customer (and the audience) why she left the love of her life, Simon Dame.

Meaning:

Explains the absurd yet tragic reason Yvonne left Simon years ago: she didn't want to be 'Mrs. Lady' (Madame Dame). It highlights the film's mix of whimsy and regret.

En amour, on ne pardonne pas les crimes.

— Yvonne Garnier

Context:

Discussing the news of the local murders, contrasting the horror of the crime with the lightness of the setting.

Meaning:

A double entendre referencing both the axe murders and the 'crimes' of the heart, suggesting that while violence is unforgivable, romantic mistakes are also heavily weighed.