Rowena J Ronson delights in the total intimacy of one of 2013’s most emotion-packed movies.

I happened to see the trailer of the new award-winning French film Blue Is The Warmest Color and those few moments were enough for me to immediately book a seat and take myself off to London’s old and characterful Phoenix East Finchley for what I experienced as three captivating hours of complete, intimate and delicious indulgence – and in a really good and totally unforgettable way.

There is something about Adele Exarchopoulos who plays the lead character of the same name, with such natural refinement, I simply could not take my eyes from her. In this complete sharing of Adele’s vulnerability, writer and director Abdellatif Kechiche’s patience and daring left nothing to my imagination, and for that I am very grateful. I could take myself completely out of the equation and surrender to what seemed to be a very real observation of a young and curious innocent, discovering herself in all ways.

For me the substance of the film lay in the exquisite coupling of the uniquely beautiful actresses (Lea Seydoux plays Emma) and their formidable director, allowing us to follow them throughout their journey, excitedly, passionately, intensely and, above all, completely naturally. From sleep, through meal-sharing, to long shots of orgasmic love-making, to heartbreaking emotional releases, you can’t help but feel the essence of Adele with you for many hours after you leave, and then some.

Not for the closed-minded sexually, or on a first date(!), but do go and share this accomplished piece of art with a close friend in whose company you will not feel embarrassed, and perhaps leave a space or two next to you the other side! Blue is indeed the warmest colour.