Au revoir les enfants is a 1987 film written and directed by Louis Malle. This is a French drama that addresses sensitive themes and is partially based on the director's personal experiences. 

Plot

The film is set in France during the Nazi occupation in World War II. Julien Quentin (played by Gaspard Manesse) is a young student at a Catholic boarding school. His life changes when the school welcomes a new student, Jean Bonnet (played by Raphaël Fejtö), a Jewish boy who is hiding under a false Catholic identity to escape Nazi persecution.

Despite initial tension, Julien and Jean become friends. Julien discovers Jean's secret but keeps it to himself. However, the boys' friendship is threatened by the mounting pressure of historical events. When the Gestapo begins to investigate the boarding school, the danger of being discovered escalates.

The film explores themes of friendship, courage, and tolerance in a challenging historical moment. The story is based on the real-life experiences of Louis Malle, who attended a similar boarding school during the Nazi occupation.

"Au revoir les enfants" is a powerful drama that addresses the atrocities of war and the strength of friendship in extreme situations. The film was critically acclaimed and received numerous awards.

Complete Cast:

• Gaspard Manesse as Julien Quentin
• Raphael Fejtö as Jean Bonnet
• Francine Racette as Julien's mother
• Stanislas Carré de Malberg as François Quentin
• Philippe Morier-Genoud as Father Jean
• François Négret as Joseph
• Peter Fitz as Müller
• François Berléand as Father Michel

Director: Louis Malle

Producer: Louis Malle

Writer: Louis Malle

Music: The film does not have an original score.

Cinematographer: Renato Berta

Production Cost: Not publicly disclosed.

Box Office: Not publicly disclosed, but considered a critical and commercial success.

Awards: Won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and received numerous other nominations and awards, including an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.

Critics' Reception: "Au revoir les enfants" was universally acclaimed for its poignant and realistic portrayal of life during World War II in France, particularly under Nazi occupation. The film is praised for its sensitivity, emotional approach, and Louis Malle's direction. It is considered a classic of French cinema and an important contribution to the historical memory of the war.