DVD - Born in '68 was originally conceived as a tv movie in two parts, and it shows. The first half takes place between the May '68 revolt and the election of Mitterand in France in the early 80s. It focuses on the communal life of a group of naked French hippies - they cavort through fields, smoke weed and play guitars, occasionally talking about liberal political ideals, but not achieving very much. It's easy to criticise this section as rife with cliche, but there's a gentle knowing humour to it which is best enjoyed.

The second half follows the next generation who variously embrace and reject their parents ideals. They own ever-shrinking mobile phones until we are brought more or less up to date with Sarkozy's election. The meat of the epic and point of gay interest, is in second generation Boris (Theo Frilet).

Boris escapes the farm of his birthplace, and home of his Mother, to move in with his Father in Paris. He continues a gay relationship with his childhood friend Christophe, but they also sleep around. Almost inevitably for a film about gay men set in the 80s they contract HIV. In terms of screen time it doesn't take long for Christophe to die, while Boris finds his own voice of protest and joins HIV activist group Act Up.

The crux of the film seems to be a judgement on the '68 revolution. Did they make a positive contribution to liberalism, or pave the way for hard-line leaders? This is best demonstrated by the older generation's despair at having to vote for Chirac in order to keep Le Pen out, and ends with Sarkozy blaming the '68 revolters for all of France's woes. For my money it is a little cynical about their contribution and ultimately defeatist, when in fact there is something to be said for the French ability to stand against stronger Western warmongers (sorry Britain, that is a dig!)

Like most epics it tends to gloss over the finer points, but if you're not familiar with modern French history (admit it - you're not are you?) then it's interesting and pleasant enough to give you an idea of how their social change compares with our own.

Born in '68 is released on DVD by Peccadillo Pictures on 25th January 2010