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Poster for The Wild Child

The Wild Child

At last an adult film to which you can take your children.

1970 · 1h 23m · G Drama, History
Directed by François Truffaut

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Overview

In a French forest circa 1798, a child–who cannot walk, speak, read or write–is found. A doctor becomes interested in the case and patiently attempts to civilise the boy.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
100%
Tomatometer
Fresh

The Wild Child is fascinating not only for its Tarzan-like true-life story, but also for what it says about the process of nurturing and educating children, and the tools we use -- language, discipline, affection -- to do so.

Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

Nearly four decades after its release, The Wild Child remains startling for its humane clarity, for Nestor Almendros's brilliant black-and-white photography, and for the sense that Truffaut is achieving filmmaking mastery on a very small scale.

Ty Burr, Boston Globe
Fresh

An enduring film of enchanting and provocative revelation.

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

Nearly 40 years after its initial release, Francois Truffaut's The Wild Child (L'Enfant Sauvage) still manages to cast its haunting, poetic spell.

Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
Fresh

Truffaut never upstages the astounding Cargol; both performers underplay in perfect harmony, turning the story into a duet of paternal affection and paradise lost.

David Fear, Time Out New York

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