Review of Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) by Patrick H — 26 Aug 2008
Director Louis Malle has crafted one of the finest films based around the period of the Second World War. The film centers on two students at a boarding school. Julien Quentin is a smart but cocky kid who feels he has to set an example for the other students.
Jean Bonnet is a new student, who is quiet and keeps to himself. His last name is frequently used as the butt of a joke. Julien begins to ask Jean questions over time and finds him a bit strange, some of the information Jean releases does not seem to be accurate.
Julien, through stealth and curiosity, begins to unravel the truth: the candles under Jean's pillows, the book with his real name in it. But the movie isn't about the payoff when Julien finds out he is a Jew.
The movie is about the friendship that develops between the two boys, amidst the war-torn landscape. The last shot of an open door at the very end of the film almost had me in tears.
This review of Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) was written by Patrick H on 26 Aug 2008.
Au Revoir les Enfants has generally received very positive reviews.
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