Review of Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) by Maxwell S — 16 Sep 2012

A masterpiece of great proportions. While it is fierce and openly unforgiving, it more than effectively interprets the horrors of Malle's childhood. This film's atmosphere is probably the most consistent of almost all films.

Here's why; the film hints at the same knowledge throughout, so we basically already know everything, but it's how it comes out to play that makes the film (or any film) so magical. While it may just seem like it's not enough to fill up the entire film without making it dull and somewhat empty, it proves that each scene has a consistent atmosphere that makes our main character, Quentin, feel trapped by literally everything going on around him.

It can be felt with a strong sense, for every second of this film. Malle does suggest a further stretch of imagination to understand it all early on in the film, and even more to realize it's brilliant scheme, but it's not even just it's construction either! It's so beautiful, and visually mastered.

Every inch of each shot just connects with the mood and thoughts of this scene. This is a film that an average viewer should stay away from.