MUBI

Malle’s reminiscence of his childhood in occupied France and the strange new kid at his Catholic boarding school. Beautifully filmed in muted blues, greens and greys (much preferable to the yellow tones that The Godfather has made overly popular for period pieces) and excellently acted by all, especially the children. The film is never boring but only too rarely exciting and so what if the ending is a tearjerker? Anyone could have made that ending work. Still, the subject itself lends the film the weight that Malle is unwilling or unable to give it himself. Worth a look, recommended to children and teenagers.

For most of this movie, I was wondering what would be so charming about the plot if the whole thing were in English, because sometimes I feel like some movies have a romantic appeal simply because they’re foreign. It seemed like just another childhood story of friendship. But, soon enough, I became really interested in the characters and the story. The Film is very subtle in its emotions, if that makes sense. There isn’t any blatant outbursts of sadness, fear or happiness, which I liked. There needs to be something left for the viewers to feel or discover for themselves. I also really loved the acting- I think pretty much everyone was cast perfectly. I especially loved the Mother in her flashy clothes and over the top coddling. The cinematography was absolutely incredible, and even without the Nazi’s and overall World War II theme, I would have been able to tell the era just by the color and style of the FIlm. It’s nice to see a Director putting so much of himself into his Films, and I think with Au Revoir les Enfants, I have a new respect for Louis Malle.

(Wednesday, January 20, 2010 12:00am)

One of the finest films about childhood’s deprivation. Two friends that showed courage and affection with each other and the warmness of this film describes how emotional a child between infancy and adolescence can be. A melancholy film—breaks my heart every time i see it. Louise Malle gave us this masterwork to cherish, love, and understand. No other film can be powerfully, emotionally, and beautifully moving than Au Revoir Les Enfants.

What an affecting film! These actors were perfectly cast, and the two leads were so natural.

Malle doesn’t force this sad and touching story on you, nor does he force the emotion. He didn’t need to. You feel it without any help.

Fortunately but at the same time, unfortunately, the film looked and felt all too real.

The pacing is wonderful, the dull colours are extremely fitting, obviously the direction is fantastic, and I’ve already mentioned the great performances.

I loved this film and look forward to seeing it many more times in the future.

Louis Malle wrote, directed and produced this moving and heartfelt semi-autobiographical look back at gowing up druing the brutal days of Nazi-occupied France. Malle tells the story of a boarding school and the bond of friendship between two boys, one of whom is Jewish. Both sweet and nostalgic as well as harrowing and tragic, it may be the best coming-of-age film ever made, and it’s got some stiff competition out there.