Au Revoir Les Enfants

1987 PG 1h 41m DVD

Au Revoir Les Enfants

1987 PG 1h 41m DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
As World War II rages on, two students at a boarding school form an unlikely friendship. Although the boys begin as adversaries, they find common ground, especially when it becomes clear that one is merely trying to survive the tyranny of the Nazis.
Cast
Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejto, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carré de Malberg, Philippe Morier-Genoud, François Berléand, François Négret, Peter Fitz, Pascal Rivet, Benoit Henriet, Richard Leboeuf
Director
Louis Malle
Format
DVD
Screen
Widescreen 1.66:1
Subtitles
English
CC
No
Audio
French: Dolby Digital Mono
Rating
PG - Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give parental guidance. May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.
age 12+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 12+
age 12+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this is a profoundly sad movie about children in the midst of World War II. The title refers to a loss of innocence and the terrible effects of war, ignorance, and bigotry on children. Because there is no overt brutality or violence (much like The Diary of Anne Frank), this film can be a moving and instructive way to bring the historical truths about Nazism and World War II to kids mature enough to understand its lessons. There is a significant amount of swearing, all from the mouths of private school boys, including: "bastard," "s--t," "turd," "whores," "sonofabitch," and more. Some tense scenes show French collaborators and members of the Gestapo searching for Jewish boys. The movie's final crawl reveals the tragic ending that befalls some of the film's beloved characters.

Sexual Content

Some mostly subtle references to adolescent boys' curiosity about masturbation, girls, and sex. A short sensual excerpt from The Arabian Knights is read aloud.

Violence

A few tense moments when members of the Gestapo and soldiers search a private school for Jewish boys who may be hidden. A boy is forced to pull down his pants (off camera) so officials can determine whether or not he has been circumcised. Two angry youngsters scuffle; no one is hurt. A wild boar scares two boys in the forest. An underlying psychological tension due to the ongoing war.

Language

Private schoolboys delight in occasionally swearing: "t-ts," "ass kisser," "bitch," "cow turd," "hell," "damn it," "bastard," "s--t," and more. Ethnic slurs: "yids," "Jew" uttered as an insult, and priests referred to as "monkeys." A sign states: "No Jews Allowed."

Social Behavior

The tragedies of war affect even the most protected of its citizens -- the children. In times of conflict, there are always extraordinary people who will risk their lives in order to do what they know is right.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Schoolboys of various ages sneak cigarettes and smoke in several scenes. They trade other goods for cigarettes, which seem to be a most valuable commodity in private school.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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