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Poster for Au Revoir les Enfants

Au Revoir les Enfants

1987 · 1h 45m · PG Drama, War
Directed by Louis Malle

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Overview

Au revoir les enfants tells a heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss concerning two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. At a provincial Catholic boarding school, the precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie—until a secret is revealed. Based on events from writer-director Malle’s own childhood, the film is a subtle, precisely observed tale of courage, cowardice, and tragic awakening.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
97%
Tomatometer
Fresh

An ever-shifting balance of power is the film's greatest strength.

Tom Huddleston, Time Out
Fresh

In this frightening and beautiful film, a schoolboy must learn hard lessons early.

Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine
Fresh

The film's quiet integrity finally depends on his avoidance of heroic cliche and stylistic bombast, and on the unindulgent generosity extended towards his characters.

Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Fresh

It's a work that has the kind of simplicity, ease and density of detail that only a film maker in total command of his craft can bring off, and then only rarely.

Vincent Canby, New York Times
Rotten

If he'd made his childhood movie earlier in his career -- when he didn't have the sense to be so dispassionate -- it might have packed a meatier punch. Now it's just a deftly aimed poke.

Desson Thomson, Washington Post

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