I find it repulsive that Hollywood & film critics are so repulsed by Women of size that they let their loathing interfere with their critique of a film about prejudice, self- image & perception.
Die Frieseuse ( the hairdresser) – the 2010 German comedy about a hairdresser, who happens to be a rather overweight woman who is trying to keep her world together while it is crashing down around her, does more than comment on size-discrimination… It forces the viewer to confront their own attitudes about appearance, weight, competence, performance & perseverance.
People come in all shapes, sizes & colors & from all backgrounds & circumstances. Most of us live this everyday, yet most of the entertainment we consume stars skinny white chicks. This film focuses on the fact that many people just want to have a nice life: a chance to be happy, to be healthy, to be loved & to support themselves in jobs that are personally fulfilling. It features a woman has health issues – some related to her weight, some not. It features the issue of illegal immigrant smuggling within Germany, & puts a human face on Thai immigrants in their desperate search for a chance at a better life. It looks at how best friends can betray each other & how husbands can’t always keep it in their pants. And it looks at a bureaucratic system in Germany that doesn’t serve to help industrious self- motivators who want to get off the dole & support themselves.
Yet criticism of this film revolves around the brief shots of hairdresser Kathi’s nakedness: her morning wake up rituals, her bathing and her sexual activity. Kathi’s life goes in and we see how. Think of the broad Israeli comedy A MATTER OF SIZE ( originally released as SUMO in israel & yes, pun intended) & the Farrelly brothers’ film about inner beauty -SHALLOW HAL. Choosing to present a story about diversity & acceptance, whether it involves race, sexual preference or size – should be applauded.
It is the reviewer’s job to comment on the film itself, not their own childish fears of a big naked tushie, or a man revelling in his partner’s ample bosom. Kathi’s nakedness is reminder that she is a physical being while the film serves to remind us that love, talent & beauty are not dependent on size 2 jeans & a fat wallet. Skinny obsessed Hollywood – get the hell over yourself.
profvalfranco 
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