Au Revoir les Enfants
Performance & Direction: Au Revoir les Enfants Review
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Au Revoir les Enfants (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Au Revoir les Enfants features a noteworthy lineup led by Gaspard Manesse . Supported by the likes of Raphael Fejtö and Francine Racette , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Au Revoir les Enfants
Quick Plot Summary: Au Revoir les Enfants is a Drama, War film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. Au revoir les enfants tells a heartbreaking story of friendship and devastating loss concerning two boys living in Nazi-occupied France. At a provincial Catholic boarding school, the precocious youths enjoy true camaraderie—until a secret is revealed. Based on events from writer-director Malle’s own childhood, the film is a subtle, precisely observed tale of courage, cowardice, and tragic awakening. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Au Revoir les Enfants
Ending Breakdown: Au Revoir les Enfants resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Au Revoir les Enfants demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Au Revoir les Enfants Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Au Revoir les Enfants uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Au Revoir les Enfants successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Au Revoir les Enfants?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Au Revoir les Enfants
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $3.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Au Revoir les Enfants Budget
The estimated production budget for Au Revoir les Enfants is $3.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Au Revoir les Enfants
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Where to Watch Au Revoir les Enfants Online?
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Criterion Channel🎟️ Rent on
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Fandango At HomeAu Revoir les Enfants Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about Au Revoir les Enfants age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Au Revoir les Enfants is 105 minutes (1h 45m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Au Revoir les Enfants is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Au Revoir les Enfants worth watching?
Au Revoir les Enfants is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Au Revoir les Enfants parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Au Revoir les Enfants identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Au Revoir les Enfants?
The total duration of Au Revoir les Enfants is 105 minutes, which is approximately 1h 45m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
