Review of Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) by Derek W — 09 Jul 2014

Quietly powerful film about a Catholic school in Nazi occupied France. A priest is hiding Jewish boys to protect them from Hitlers wrath under assumed names. The movie tells the friendship of two young boys named Julien and Jean.

One Jewish and the other French. Both are masterfully played. There is a memorable scene at a restaurant where French fascists accost an elderly Jewish patron and tell him he isn't welcome. He is told by some German soldiers to continue on with his meal.

There were many shades of grey in this terrible war Many French had deep rooted feelings of antisemitism and it was quite common for them to help the Germans round up Jewish people. Hiding or helping Jewish people was considered a high offense and people often paid with their lives.

The movie is semi autobiographical. Louis Malle attended the school in the movie during wartime. "Au Revoir Les Enfants" is a joy to watch.