Au Revoir les Enfants

Au Revoir les Enfants

Year: 1988

Runtime: 104 min

Language: French

Director: Louis Malle

DramaWar

As war looms in 1943 France, young Julien's world is shaken by the arrival of three mysterious new classmates. Among them is Jean, a quiet and troubled outsider whose true identity threatens to upend everything Julien thought he knew about his friends and their boarding school sanctuary.

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Timeline & Setting – Au Revoir les Enfants (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Au Revoir les Enfants (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1943-44

The events of the movie take place during the winter of 1943-44, a critical time in World War II when Nazi occupation was at its peak. It's a period marked by fear, betrayal, and the resistance of individuals risking their lives to protect others. This time frame profoundly affects the students at the school, shaping their experiences and interactions.

Location

Carmelite boarding school, France

The movie is set in a Carmelite boarding school located in occupied France during World War II. This school serves as a significant backdrop where friendships form and secrets unfold, reflecting the tension of the era. It is a place where innocence is challenged, and the realities of war encroach upon the lives of young boys.

🏫 School 🇫🇷 France

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Main Characters – Au Revoir les Enfants (1988)

Meet the key characters of Au Revoir les Enfants (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Julien Quentin

Julien is a complex character who struggles to balance his tough exterior with his inner vulnerability. As a privileged boy, he yearns for his mother's affection while grappling with the newfound friendship with Jean. His character evolves through significant moral dilemmas, ultimately demonstrating growth in understanding and empathy.

🧒 Boy 🤔 Vulnerability 🤝 Friend

Jean Bonnet (Kippelstein)

Jean, also known as Kippelstein, represents innocence endangered by the realities of war. Initially socially awkward, he has remarkable talents that draw Julien in, leading to a deep friendship. His struggle for acceptance and identity amidst persecution adds depth to his character, making his plight even more tragic.

🧑‍🎤 Talented 😢 Endangered 🤝 Friend

Père Jean

Père Jean serves as a protector and moral compass for the boys at the school. His bravery in sheltering Jewish students showcases his commitment to humanity over societal norms. He embodies the spirit of resistance and sacrifice, leaving a profound impact on the lives of Julien and Jean.

🙏 Protector 👨‍🏫 Teacher 🛡️ Sacrifice

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

Major Themes – Au Revoir les Enfants (1988)

Explore the central themes of Au Revoir les Enfants (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Friendship

At its core, the movie explores the theme of friendship amid adversity. The bond between Julien and Jean showcases how genuine connections can form even in the darkest times. Their relationship evolves from initial prejudice to deep loyalty, illustrating the power of compassion across cultural divides.

⚖️ Injustice

Injustice is a prevailing theme, as seen through the students' interactions with authority and the tragic fate of Jewish characters. The film highlights the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during wartime, questioning loyalty and self-preservation against the backdrop of societal cruelty. Characters grapple with the consequences of betrayal and the cost of inaction.

🕊️ Loss

Loss permeates the narrative, culminating in the heart-wrenching fates of Jean and Père Jean. The film poignantly illustrates how war severs bonds and takes away innocent lives, leading to a lasting impact on those who survive. Julien's reflection at the end underscores the enduring grief that comes with remembering lost friends.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:24

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Au Revoir les Enfants (1988) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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