Viewed in
2011
Formats
DVD
Premise
In WWII occupied France, a young boy attends school at a church, and learns to befriend the quiet new kid.
Liked
The slice of life, the emotional last act.
Thoughts
A well-done, observant drama.
The first two-thirds grabbed my attention by showing what life was like in a makeshift school, with the threat of daily air raids and German patrols. It captured boyhood themes like females, schoolyard politics, and the need to prove you're grown up. It reminded me of the school scenes from The 400 Blows.
At the same time, I was drawn in by the two leads. Much like real-life, bonds were solidified through the passage of time. Julian's initial sense of being threatened and Jean's difficulties fitting in were universal regardless of language and setting. While their relationship developed slowly, it was never boring.
This set up the last act, in which war finally penetrated school walls. There were some really touching moments, such as when the room fell silent at the image of Lady Liberty in a Charlie Chaplin flick, when Julian's family witness racism in a posh restaurant, and of course the last classroom scene. I'm glad I read Ebert's reviews, as I completely missed a key moment of unintentional betrayal that made the rest of the film haunting.
When I think of this film, I think of the catchphrase "silence speaks volumes". The audience's knowledge of the Jean's secrets, compounded by Julian's unawareness, created wonderful tension throughout the story as the noose of time and war tightened around them. All these moments built character. Director Louise Malle, a New Wave film maker, played the film straight, using the occasional flair at the perfect moments.
Obviously, I haven't seen enough French films, but so far Au Revoir Les Enfants was one of the best that I've seen, thanks to strong stories, characters, and a wonderful, memorable third act.
What I would change
Nothing.
