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Gaspard Manesse, Raphael Fejtö, Francine Racette, Stanislas Carre de Malberg, Philippe Morier-Genoud ... see more see more... , François Berléand , François Négret , Peter Fitz , Pascal Rivet , Benoit Henriet , Richard Leboeuf , Xavier Legrand , Arnaud Henriet , Michael Becker , Marcel Bellot , Rene Bouloc , Jean-Sébastien Chauvin , Jean-Paul Dubarry , Daniel Edinger , Ami Flammer , Irène Jacob , Jacqueline Paris , Jacqueline Staup , Luc ??tienne

Gaspard Manesse plays Julien, an 11-year-old Catholic boarding-school resident during the Nazi occupation of France. He is witness to the courage of his instructors, who defy the German's anti-Semitic... read more read more... policies and quietly enroll Jewish children into the school under assumed names. Manesse befriends Jean (Raphael Fejto), one of these "instant Catholics." The refugee children are betrayed by a hostile ex-employee of the school, forcing Julien once more to be a bystander to history as Jean and the teachers are arrested. For this return to the French film industry after several years in the US, Louis Malle purged himself of his own bitter memories of life under the thumbs of the Nazis. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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91% liked it

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23 critics

PG, 1 hr. 44 min.

Directed by: Louis Malle

Release Date: August 29, 1987

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DVD Release Date: March 28, 2006

Stats: 800 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (800)

  • spielberg00
    February 12, 2012
    spielberg00
    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, how... read moreever, 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.
  • paulkoh110
    December 27, 2011
    paulkoh110
    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!
  • fb1216165431
    September 10, 2011
    fb1216165431
    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.
  • itsjustme2004
    April 29, 2011
    itsjustme2004
    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.
  • ebs90
    July 11, 2009
    ebs90

    If you watch Au Revoir Les Enfants knowing that it is autobiographical, the experience is almost cathartic.


    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 infuri

    ... read moreating 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?

    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.


    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.
  • binky013
    May 22, 2009
    binky013
    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.

    The fact that this is based on Louis Malle's own expe

    ... read morerience 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.

    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.
  • jennifxu
    April 7, 2009
    jennifxu
    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 f... read moreantasies 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.
  • pier007
    December 13, 2008
    pier007
    Tender autobiographical chapter of Louis Malle's childhood in his native france, dealing with intolerance and sacrifice.
  • YLOWBSTARDreturns
    October 8, 2007
    YLOWBSTARDreturns
    I'm mad at myself for not seeing this wonderful film sooner.
  • sainttom93
    March 31, 2007
    sainttom93
    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!

View All Goodbye, Children (Au Revoir Les Enfants) Reviews

Critic Reviews

Richard Corliss
August 24, 2010
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

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

Vincent Canby
May 20, 2003
Vincent Canby, New York Times

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. Full Review

Desson Thomson
January 1, 2000
Desson Thomson, Washington Post

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. Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

A schoolboy cannot be expected to understand how swiftly violence and evil can strike out and change everything. Full Review

Rita Kempley
January 1, 2000
Rita Kempley, Washington Post

In this season of boyhood remembrances, Malle's is the most devastating -- an inspired elegy to little boys lost. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
June 28, 2011
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

One of Louis Malle's most personal and significant films. Full Review

David Parkinson
August 24, 2010
David Parkinson, Empire Magazine

Louis Malle, possibly at his best here. The drama is subtle but affecting. Full Review

Ken Hanke
September 13, 2006
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Malle's approach is perfectly suited to the subject -- not in the least because his deliberate pacing conveys a child's sense of time. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
April 6, 2006
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Avoids sentimentality, clichés and bombast, as it instead touches the heart in a moving and unforgettable way. Full Review

Christopher Null
April 2, 2006
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

unquestionably Malle's most personal film and arguably his most powerful Full Review

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