The DVD, from The Criterion Collection, is part of the collection 3 Films By Louis Malle, along with Murmur Of The Heart (Le Souffle Au Coeur) and Lacombe, Lucien. The film is in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio, and is very clean, and almost entirely free of blemishes. There is no audio commentary, only a theatrical and teaser trailer. There are insert essays by film critic Philip Kemp and historian Francis J. Murphy.
There is a fourth bonus disk with supplements, such as interviews with Malle’s wife, actress Candice Bergen, and Malle’s biographer, the film critic Pierre Billard. There are also excerpts from a French TV program on the two other films, and filmmaker Guy Magen’s video character study of the traitorous Joseph from this film. There are also three audio interviews with Malle from 1974, 1988, and 1990. The final extra is Charlie Chaplin’s 1917 comedy classic, The Immigrant, which is seen within Au Revoir Les Enfants. Unfortunately, having seen many versions of that silent comedy classic, the musical arrangement for this version is atrocious and too overstated.
Another problem with the film is the way that the Jewish boy, Bonnet, is treated at the school. Not by the other boys, who call him the obvious - ‘Easter Bonnet’ - but by the sometimes stolid priests who run the school. After all, they know he is Jewish, yet do not assimilate him. They refuse him Communion, let him not eat pork, abstain from Catholic vespers, and let him worship in his dormitory at night, instead of in private. Yes, this may have been true in real life, but it gives away the ending too early. Would not the priests have told the boy he needs to conform to avoid death, even if that means some religious compromise on both sides?
Overall, while Au Revoir Les Enfants is a good film, indeed, arguably a very good film, it is too straightforward, one dimensional, and not that daring, to come close to true greatness. Yet, mere excellence in a film that could be more is often more frustrating than watching a piece of garbage, because there are moments when one can say, ‘If the director only did this,’ ‘If the screenwriter only did that,’ etc.
Article comments
1 - moonraven
The first and, by far, the best film in Malle's trilogy of coming of age pictures is Le Souffle au Coeur (1971--released in the US as Murmur of the Heart).
It's a much more complex film than either Lacombe Lucien or Au revoir, les enfants--and it has the ebulliently wonderful actress Lea Massari as the mother, Clara, as well as a fine performance by Benoit Ferreux as Laurent.
The film did not receive the attention it deserved when it was released, as many critics were reluctant to take on the incest theme.
A charming,compassionate picture. Well worth re-seeing several times.
2 - Justin
This is simply one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen. We just watched this in French class, and there is only one word for it: amazing.
This is just one of those movies that can touch you deep down, and it left all of us thinking. This movie was powerful enough to move EVERYBODY. By the end, you found everybody from sensitive freshman girls to seniors on the varsity football team bawling their eyes out.
Between the moving (and true) story line and the incredible acting, this is a must-see.
3 - Christine
Although I agree with the critic on some points (the film does not engage one as it could) It left me thinking and made me come back again to absorb more. I watched it because my former supervisor at work has a bit part in it as one of the soliders who rounded up the Jewish boys. Not often you get to see your former boss in a Gestopo uniform! I thought the boys were excellent in their parts, but I DID wish to feel more for them when the Gestopo stormed in.
4 - bliffle
Excellent movie. As one would expect from Louis Malle.
Portrayal of people is his strongest skill. Even a modest Malle venture, such as the seldom seen TV documentary "Gods Country" (I seem to be one of the few who have seen it) shows his clarity of portrayal.
5 - bliffle
Excellent movie. As one would expect from Louis Malle.
Portrayal of people is his strongest skill. Even a modest Malle venture, such as the seldom seen TV documentary "Gods Country" (I seem to be one of the few who have seen it) shows his clarity of portrayal.