Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 12+
Poignant subtitled WWII story about kids and loss.
What Parents Need to Know
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 movies final crawl reveals the tragic ending that befalls some of the film's beloved characters.
- Families can talk about the many ways filmmakers explore the realities of war. Why do you think that Louis Malle set this story in a school and made the most important characters young children?
- There is very little action or violence in this movie. Still, it is suspenseful and intense. When and why is psychological suspense more effective than on-screen deaths, chase scenes, or battles?
- Lucien is meant to be the character we most identify with over the course of the film. Did you find yourself making the journey from innocence to awareness and maturity with Lucien? Do you think that experiencing the journey makes movies especially memorable?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: 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.
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Positive role models: At the story's onset, the schoolboys are introduced as self-absorbed, carefree, and insensitive. Over the course of the film even the youngest among them learns about sacrifice, compassion, heroism, and the bonds of community. Members of the Catholic clergy are depicted as heroic, selfless, and true believers in Christian charity. German military, Gestapo, and French collaborators are, with one surprising exception, depicted as single-minded, arrogant, and cruel.
What to watch for
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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.
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Sex: Some mostly subtle references to adolescent boys' curiosity about masturbation, girls, and sex. A short sensual excerpt from The Arabian Knights is read aloud.
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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."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: 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.