Goodbye, Children (Au Revoir Les Enfants) (1987)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Alexander D

  
  AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS (or Goodbye, Children, as it translates in English) is quite a terse film, and even more when it is considered that this has been known as the semi-autobiographical story of Louis Malle, who directed, wrote, and (without credit) produced it. Its length, however,… More
  AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS (or Goodbye, Children, as it translates in English) is quite a terse film, and even more when it is considered that this has been known as the semi-autobiographical story of Louis Malle, who directed, wrote, and (without credit) produced it. Its length, however, seems to have no impact on it as an emotional, empathetic visual story. This film isnâ(TM)t SCHINDLERâ(TM)S LIST, mind you; it is in no way a long saga, nor does it briefly convey the experiences of millions of Jews who suffered from the Holocaust. Instead, we have here an even more compelling and riveting story. We feel even more sympathy when we learn to understand a character as a person, and eventually move to understanding his emotional reactions when he realizes he may never again see his best friend. Have you ever watched a film and almost immediately wanted to pop it back into the DVD player and watch it over again? Thatâ(TM)s the feeling I had when I watched AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS. In fact, I realize as Iâ(TM)m typing this that itâ(TM)s probably a film that would endure at least thirty consecutive viewings before it would grow tiring to watch. I wouldnâ(TM)t say Iâ(TM)m adamant when it comes to learning about the Holocaust, or even World War II in general, but this film especially gave me a step or two up from where I was regarding my interest in the subject. That said, AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS is just a shade off absolute perfection. The few scenes that manage to let go of your interest are what keep me from giving this five stars. Nonetheless, itâ(TM)s a film everyone should see.

• paul o

  
  Its so simple yet so beautiful. The actors are convincing and bring the melancholy mood to a new level for late 80's cinema. A great french film that deserves more attention!

• Jan Marc M

  
  Inspired by real events, a boarding school in World War II, France sets the stage where friendship is realized and youth is corrupted in Goodbye, Children. Moving and unforgettable.

• Cynthia S

  
  Oh you French sure know how to drag out a movie..yeesh! This was VERY slow paced, and uneventful, right up until the last 10 min. THEN it finally had some memorable moments. This was well made, and had some wonderful young actors, however. I just wish it had a little more substance.

• Elvira B

  
  <p>If you watch Au Revoir Les Enfants knowing that it is autobiographical, the experience is almost cathartic.</p> <p>The Holocaust has been explored, done and re-done in cinema and television for many years. A film about it that goes a little further than… More
  <p>If you watch Au Revoir Les Enfants knowing that it is autobiographical, the experience is almost cathartic.</p> <p>The Holocaust has been explored, done and re-done in cinema and television for many years. A film about it that goes a little further than distressing and infuriating is a rare find. Louis Malle, one of the better known and most respected French filmmakers, made just that. In one film, he was able to portray the incertitude of adolescence, the incertitude of war, and the incertitude of solidarity. The characters of this film are boys who attend a Catholic boarding school in the French countryside during the German occupation. Rather than only dealing with the physical and psychological changes of their stage, they must also confront the alien situation of being under the surveillance of foreign soldiers, and at this very young age must begin to form principles and opinions. We discover their innocence in their confusion: Why are Jews bad? Why are Frenchmen cooperating with the Germans? Why do we have to stop being what we are?</p> <p>Julien is a high-middle-class boy. He's one of the most popular boys of his class, and one of the best students. As he settles in for the beginning of school year, a new boy arrives at the dormitory: Jean. Immediately, he becomes the target of teasing, punching, and bad jokes. However, he enjoys reading, and pulls out a Sherlock Holmes novel from his suitcase; Julien takes instant interest in him, but keeps his distance from the new boy. Later, they antagonize in class, because Jean proves to as brilliant as Julien.</p> <p>With time, Jean's background and character become more and more of a mystery. One night, Julien wakes up and sees him wearing a kippah and praying in Hebrew. This knowledge interests but mortifies the boy, for he knows that Jews are being persecuted. Jean doesn't know he's been discovered, and continues claiming to be a Protestant. He and Julien become better acquainted now, discussing books, playing the piano, and even getting lost in the forest for a night -and being rescued by Nazis-. Without really meaning to, Jean and Julien simply become friends. Solidarity springs up in a natural way, it can't be helped. I loved to see that unfold.</p> <p>The Nazis later on find out that there are Jewish boys hiding in the school under false identities. They take away the students and the Principal. Julien's incredulous gaze follows them through the gate.</p> <p>Louis Malle was haunted by the memory of his Jewish friend throughout his life until, in 1987, he decided to pay homage to him and to his headmaster. It is obvious that every scene was written and filmed with great care, love, and compromise. Malle understands the importance of what he is saying but he doesn't want to be Baroque or effectist in his storytelling; on the contrary, he knows that what can touch us most deeply is what we comprehend through subtleties and suggestions. His approach is very clear, but not raw.</p> <p>Ultimately, Au Revoir Les Enfants addresses the senselessness of the Holocaust and of cruelty and discrimination in general. How did Jean become less, how did Jean become less human once he wrote a Jewish last name on the dotte line? Children won't understand it even if someone tried to explain it. So why should anyone else? The film speaks about bewilderment, regret, confusion, but also friendship and loyalty. And what I found most remarkable: The way Malle showed how Julien, by befriending Jean, began to feel solidarity towards him, without thinking about it. It's instinctive, it surfaces naturally. It just seems obvious. Every person has the potential to be loved and cared for because he/she is human. It is only necessary to take an interest.</p> <p>Malle surely utilised this film to exorcize his guilt, or at least his sadness. The emotion invested in it is tangible. Everyone must see this film.</p>

• Lanning :

  
  If you might be thinking that you've seen one too many movies about Hitler and the Nazi regime -- I'm sorry to hear that. That horror story never gets old, and you must now encourage yourself to watch one more. This one. <p> The fact that this is based on Louis… More
  If you might be thinking that you've seen one too many movies about Hitler and the Nazi regime -- I'm sorry to hear that. That horror story never gets old, and you must now encourage yourself to watch one more. This one. <p> The fact that this is based on Louis Malle's own experience living under Hilter's reign of terror gives this particular film a good deal more power than your average Nazi nightmare narrative. And power is what this film is all about. It's visually powerful, first and foremost, and the story is overwhelmingly heartbreaking. The acting is excellent, especially with the children chosen.<p>I've read and seen more than my fair share of stories about the Holocaust, and this one ranks as one of the best. This is a film that must be seen. We must never forget one of the most tragic chapters in human history.

• Jennifer X

  
  It was really sad at the end, but, um, I never thought their friendship was that great to begin with. I like that the kids are that age because it's the transition between naive kid and jaded adolescent. And I like that everything looks and feels like a real school setting...no… More
  It was really sad at the end, but, um, I never thought their friendship was that great to begin with. I like that the kids are that age because it's the transition between naive kid and jaded adolescent. And I like that everything looks and feels like a real school setting...no fantasies here. But still, I was kind of bored. And honestly...too many movies are made about the Holocaust. I feel mean saying I'm sick of them, but I really am.

• Pierluigi P

  
  Tender autobiographical chapter of Louis Malle's childhood in his native france, dealing with intolerance and sacrifice.

• Michael S

  
  I'm mad at myself for not seeing this wonderful film sooner.

• Tom E

  
  This is Director Malle's last movie -- a true story of his youth -- You're going along just fine, till the last 5 minutes and the next time you watch it!Then you cry like a baby!

• Chris B

  
  A touching and ultimately a more personal story of WWII and the devastating effects. You have to respect the monks who risked and even some sacrificed their lives to protect the children who couldn't protect themselves. A true story of childhood friendship and the tragedy of war.… More
  A touching and ultimately a more personal story of WWII and the devastating effects. You have to respect the monks who risked and even some sacrificed their lives to protect the children who couldn't protect themselves. A true story of childhood friendship and the tragedy of war. Highly Recommended!

• Alec B

  
  Since this film is about real memories that Louis Malle had to carry with him his whole life, there is a powerful emotional resonance in each scene because you know its all true. Its also just a damn good film exploring the shattered innocence of childhood.

• Robert F

  
  Delicate and unsentimental.

• Ivan D

  
  Brilliantly understated film about a boarding school in war-time France, centered upon two students and the perilous secret they share. For the duration of the film, it maintained its emotional scenes without slipping into the usual over-sentimentality and melodrama. And what also… More
  Brilliantly understated film about a boarding school in war-time France, centered upon two students and the perilous secret they share. For the duration of the film, it maintained its emotional scenes without slipping into the usual over-sentimentality and melodrama. And what also makes this film special among same-themed films is its honesty and the genuine intent to transcend emotions, mainly because its also a firsthand experience by director Louis Malle. Hollywood already has a hefty amount of "drama set in war" pictures, with mandatory sequences involving lots of explosions, but "Au Revoir Les Enfants" differed itself from the usual, with visuals of air raids suggested than shown, the Gestapo police more despised than feared, and male adolescents depicted not as brave lads hardened by war, but as mischievous boys with quiet sensibilities.

• Tom S

  
  Très beau.

• Daisy M

  
  This is a very moving film, most likely based on an actual event. Louis Malle is able to present the fear, loneliness and sadness some young children suffer while being away from home at a boarding school. His film is a deeply personal examination of the Holocaust, childhood… More
  This is a very moving film, most likely based on an actual event. Louis Malle is able to present the fear, loneliness and sadness some young children suffer while being away from home at a boarding school. His film is a deeply personal examination of the Holocaust, childhood friendship and betrayal. Its young protagonists are pleasant without being overly sweet or cheesy, despite the autobio nature of the story. The two main characters, Julien Quentin and Jean Bonnet, are beautifully portrayed by two very talented young actors. The supporting cast is also impressive. The film is directed with a touch of genius, and holds its own identity when compared to another similar motion picture. .In the end, they capture a terrifying time in history through the eyes of boys who aren't as grown-up as they'd like they are.

• Emily B

  
  Malle's last film is a moving and highly personal autobiographical tale (Malle was in tears at the premier). Just as the friendship between the two young boys starts to become apparent to them it's all taken away with the heartbreaking ending. A must see film for everyone.

• Wu C

  
  Takes a bit to pick up the pace, but the 2nd half is pretty good.

• Leo L

  
  A great movie!

• Sarah B

  
  Heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure.

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