Au Revoir les Enfants

Julien Quentin returns to his Carmelite boarding school in occupied France during the winter of 1943-44. As he steps back into the school, he tries to project a tough demeanor to hide his longing for his mother and the comforts of home.

The routine of the school is disrupted with the arrival of three new students, including Jean Bonnet. Initially, he is looked down upon by Julien and his peers, despite having impressive talents in mathematics and piano.

One night, Julien awakes to find Jean in prayer, wearing a kippah. Driven by curiosity, he investigates Jean's locker and discovers his true identity as Kippelstein, realizing the implications of their friendship in a time of danger.

Julien learns that Père Jean, the headmaster, is offering secret sanctuary to hunted Jews. This revelation underscores the moral complexities and risks faced by those living in occupied France, as their actions could have dire consequences.

During a visit from his mother, Julien invites Jean to join them for lunch at a fancy restaurant. The atmosphere shifts dramatically as discussions about Julien's father's political stance lead to tensions, emphasizing the societal pressures of the time.

Tensions escalate when the Milice arrive at the restaurant, attempting to expel a Jewish diner. Julien's brother's fearless remarks provoke the Milice commander, highlighting the resistance and defiance present among some members of society in response to the oppressive regime.

Troubles arise when Joseph, the school's assistant cook, gets caught selling food supplies on the black market, implicating several students. Despite the injustice, Père Jean decides against expelling the students, showing his compassion for their backgrounds.

In January 1944, the school faces a terrifying Gestapo raid searching for Jean Kippelstein. Julien inadvertently reveals Jean's location in a moment of chaos, leading to a frantic atmosphere as Jewish boys are pursued amidst the heart-wrenching circumstances.

After the raid, Julien confronts Joseph about his betrayal. Joseph's justification reveals the desperation of survival in wartime, leading Julien to reflect on the complexities of human behavior under duress.

As the students gather in the courtyard, a Gestapo officer condemns Père Jean's actions, while the Jewish boys prepare for their departure. A poignant farewell follows as Père Jean is led away, offering a touching moment between him and the students.

The film concludes with an older Julien reflecting on the tragic events from the January raid. He shares the painful truth that his friends, Bonnet, Negus, and Dupre, perished in Auschwitz, while Père Jean was lost to Mauthausen, leaving a haunting imprint on his life.

Julien expresses that, although decades have passed, the memories of those pivotal moments during the war will remain imprinted in his mind until the end. This serves as a sobering reminder of the impact of history on personal lives.