Diane Kurys' entry into mainstream cinema as a successful twenty-eight-year-old film director is like a fairy story in which the princess herself overcomes the obstacles in the way of her success. The title Diabolo menthe was intended to evoke the image of young French teenage girls, who drank peppermint soda because they did not know what they wanted and indeed, according to Kurys, did not know much about anything. Diabolo menthe was a huge success, well received by the majority of critics and the highest grossing French film of 1977, at one point coming second only to Star Wars. Diabolo menthe's opening dedication to Kurys' sister establishes Kurys' authorial presence and an autobiographical perspective on the events of the film. This perspective invites the spectator to understand that thirteen-year-old Anne Weber will grow up to be Diane, the filmmaker.