THE graffiti blemished concrete of working class Marseilles is home to sixteen-year-old Clim and her black boyfriend Baby. Friends since childhood, and lovers since adolescence, they deal with the problems their mixed race relationship throws at them in a way that adults would expect to, but only teenagers have the unspoilt energy to face.

Baby is framed for rape by a racist policeman and while awaiting trial in prison he learns that Clim is pregnant with his child. Their difficulties bring Clim and Baby even closer as they turn to their parents to help fight for Baby's release.

The unexpected support from their families in right-wing Marseilles is charming, if unbelievable, and the two impoverished but dignified fathers resort to theft to pay for a lawyer. Only Baby's mother displays any weakness as she turns her back on her son to find support in her Old Testament beliefs. Clim's family rediscover faith in each other and a unity of purpose, but dependence on religion drives Baby's family apart.

Guediguian's film is honest and never attempts to glamorise the difficulties of poverty, mixed race and teenage pregnancy. However, his belief that love, family unity and a noble working class resolve can resolve Clim and Baby's problems, seems naive and doesn't quite ring true.