Review of Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) by Thomas P — 23 Feb 2016

A brilliant film, made so by its dispassionate pathos. It works as a nostalgia piece, but even moreso as an almost hagiographic witness to virtue in the midst of vice. It was no surprise to me to read that Malle worked with Bresson early in his career, as this shows in the avoidance of cliche, and in the under-acting beauty of the players.

I was taken by the portrayal of a time now lost, with its flaws, yes, but moreso its beauty.