Review of Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) by Daniel K — 18 May 2011

4: Much like "Still Walking" and "A Prophet," the pictures most powerful moments reside at the very end. This is essentially "Les quatre cents coups," except it's made almost 30 years later and is set, not in 1960, but during WWII.

Intensely personal films like this are very unique and affecting. What seems incredible, is that this WWII film is actually autobiographical. What a gift Louis Malle has given the world. One only wishes more directors would be so generous, talented, and fortunate to have lived a story worth telling.

What struck me most is the amazing variety of stories that can arise out on ones life. Sure, WWII was a unique and incredibly interesting time for those that came after (such as myself), but there are so many other stories out there like this that are just itching to be told.

Basically, I love Criterion. They seem to have the best taste out there and can literally do no wrong. I feel bad rating so many films in a row at 3 stars or more, but I'm not sure I've ever seen a 2.

5 star Criterion film (except for Armageddon). It's like a documentary, except far more engaging.